Summary:
Wi-Fi Innovation Act

Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide additional unlicensed spectrum in the 5850-5925 megahertz band under technical rules suitable for the widespread commercial development of unlicensed operations.

Provides for such technical rules to permit outdoor unlicensed operations without requiring devices to dynamically detect signals from other systems.

Directs the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology to seek public comments on proposals for interference-mitigation techniques and potential rechannelization that would accommodate both incumbent licensees and widespread commercial unlicensed operations in such band.

Sets forth a process for the FCC to test mitigation measures and methods of sharing spectrum with unlicensed devices within such band in a manner that would not cause harmful interference to incumbent licensees.

Directs the FCC, if it determines that existing licensees would not be harmed by interference, to modify regulations to adopt technical rules for widespread commercial deployment of unlicensed operations for such band. Prohibits modification of such regulations if the FCC determines that mitigation, rechannelization, or sharing would not prevent harmful interference. Requires the FCC to notify Congress, the Department of Transportation, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of a harmful interference determination.

Requires the FCC to modify regulations relating to Intelligent Transportation Systems radio service and dedicated short-range communications service on-board units if such modification would maximize utility of such band while protecting existing licensees.

Directs the FCC to make recommendations to Congress regarding the availability of broadband Internet access using unlicensed spectrum and wireless networks in low income neighborhoods.

innovation act requires federal_communications_commission fcc provide additional unlicensed spectrum megahertz band technical rules suitable widespread commercial development unlicensed operations provides technical rules permit outdoor unlicensed operations requiring devices detect signals systems directs fcc seek public comments proposals interference mitigation techniques potential accommodate incumbent licensees widespread commercial unlicensed operations band sets forth process fcc test mitigation measures methods sharing spectrum unlicensed devices band manner cause harmful interference incumbent licensees directs fcc determines existing licensees harmed interference modify regulations adopt technical rules widespread commercial deployment unlicensed operations band prohibits modification regulations fcc determines mitigation sharing prevent harmful interference requires fcc notify congress department_of_transportation national_telecommunications_and_information_administration harmful interference determination requires fcc modify regulations relating radio service dedicated short range communications service board units modification maximize utility band protecting existing licensees directs fcc recommendations congress availability broadband internet access unlicensed spectrum wireless networks low income neighborhoods


Summary:
USF Equitable Distribution Act of 2015

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require at least 75% of all amounts collected by interstate telecommunications providers from consumers in a rural state for the purpose of making certain contributions to universal service funds established by the Federal Communications Commission to be allocated to consumers in that rural state.

Defines "rural state" as a state in which the total population density is not more than 200 people per square mile, as determined by the latest available decennial census.

Prohibits this Act from being construed to require an increase in amounts collected by interstate telecommunications providers from consumers for the purpose of making such contributions.

equitable distribution act amends communications act require amounts collected interstate telecommunications providers consumers rural state purpose making certain contributions universal service funds established federal_communications_commission allocated consumers rural state defines rural state state total population density people square mile determined latest available decennial census prohibits act construed require increase amounts collected interstate telecommunications providers consumers purpose making contributions


Summary:
Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require intermediate providers that offer the capability to transmit voice communications and signaling information from one destination to another, and that charge a rate to any other entity (including an affiliated entity) for such a transmission, to: (1) register with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and (2) comply with service quality standards to be established by the FCC.

An "intermediate provider" is an entity that: (1) enters a business arrangement with a long-distance voice service provider that makes the initial call path choice for more than 100,000 domestic retail subscriber lines, or with another intermediate provider, to carry, route, or transmit voice traffic from a call placed from or to an end user connection using a North American Numbering Plan resource; and (2) does not itself (directly or in conjunction with an affiliate) serve as such a long-distance initial call path choice provider in the context of originating or terminating a given call.

The bill prohibits such long-distance providers (including local exchange carriers, interexchange carriers, commercial mobile radio services, interconnected voice over Internet Protocol [VoIP] services, and certain non-interconnected VoIP services) from using an intermediate provider to transmit voice communications and signals unless the intermediate provider is so registered.

The FCC must: (1) ensure the integrity of the transmission of voice communications to all customers in the United States, (2) prevent unjust or unreasonable discrimination among areas of the United States in the delivery of such voice communications, and (3) make a registry of intermediate providers publicly available on the FCC website.

The bill shall not be construed to preempt or expand the authority of a state agency or public utility commission to collect data, or enforce state law and regulations, regarding the completion of intrastate voice communications.

Certain long-distance providers that make initial call path choices are exempt from service quality standards that the FCC is required to establish under this bill if they certify under a safe harbor provision in existing FCC rules that they monitor the performance of, or do not use, intermediate providers.

improving rural quality reliability act sec bill amends communications act require intermediate providers offer capability transmit voice communications signaling information destination charge rate entity including affiliated entity transmission register federal_communications_commission fcc comply service quality standards established fcc intermediate provider entity enters business arrangement long distance voice service provider makes initial path choice domestic retail subscriber lines intermediate provider carry route transmit voice traffic placed end user connection north american numbering plan resource directly conjunction affiliate serve long distance initial path choice provider context originating terminating given bill prohibits long distance providers including local exchange carriers interexchange carriers commercial mobile radio services interconnected voice internet protocol voip services certain non interconnected voip services intermediate provider transmit voice communications signals intermediate provider registered fcc ensure integrity transmission voice communications customers united_states prevent unjust unreasonable discrimination areas united_states delivery voice communications registry intermediate providers publicly available fcc website bill shall construed preempt expand authority state agency public utility commission collect data enforce state law regulations completion intrastate voice communications certain long distance providers initial path choices exempt service quality standards fcc required establish bill certify safe harbor provision existing fcc rules monitor performance use intermediate providers


Summary:
Federal Spectrum Incentive Act of 2015

Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to allow federal entities that utilize government station licenses to participate in the incentive auction program under which licensees of electromagnetic spectrum voluntarily relinquish their spectrum rights in order for such spectrum to be auctioned for a repurposed commercial use in exchange for a percentage of the auction proceeds.

Permits such federal entities, instead of being reimbursed for the costs of sharing frequencies with nonfederal users or relocating to other frequencies as provided for under current law, to receive a percentage of the proceeds from spectrum it relinquishes for auction by electing to: (1) discontinue operations on eligible frequencies without relocating to other frequencies, or (2) relocate operations to frequencies assigned to another federal entity in order for such entities to share frequencies.

Establishes in the Treasury a Federal Spectrum Incentive Fund to be administered by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Requires 1% of the proceeds from such auctions to be deposited in such Fund and the remainder to be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.

Directs OMB to transfer from the Fund to a federal entity a specified amount attributable to the auction of frequencies vacated by such entity. Permits federal entities to use such amounts for: (1) any purposes permitted under the terms and conditions of an appropriations account for which budgetary resources were canceled for a fiscal year under a sequestration order under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, provided that the amount used does not exceed the amount by which the account was reduced under the sequestration order for such fiscal year; or (2) a transfer of amounts to an incumbent federal entity for such purposes when the federal entity relinquishing spectrum relocates its operations to frequencies assigned to another federal entity in order to share frequencies.

federal spectrum incentive act amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act allow federal entities utilize government station licenses participate incentive auction program licensees electromagnetic spectrum voluntarily relinquish spectrum rights order spectrum auctioned repurposed commercial use exchange percentage auction proceeds permits federal entities instead reimbursed costs sharing frequencies nonfederal users relocating frequencies provided current law receive percentage proceeds spectrum relinquishes auction electing discontinue operations eligible frequencies relocating frequencies relocate operations frequencies assigned federal entity order entities share frequencies establishes treasury administered office_of_management_and_budget omb consultation national_telecommunications_and_information_administration requires proceeds auctions deposited fund remainder deposited general fund treasury sole purpose deficit reduction directs omb transfer fund federal entity specified attributable auction frequencies vacated entity permits federal entities use amounts purposes permitted terms conditions appropriations account budgetary resources canceled fiscal year sequestration order balanced_budget emergency deficit control act provided exceed account reduced sequestration order fiscal year transfer amounts incumbent federal entity purposes federal entity relinquishing spectrum relocates operations frequencies assigned federal entity order share frequencies


Summary:
Wireless Telecommunications Tax and Fee Collection Fairness Act of 2015

Prohibits a state or a local jurisdiction from requiring a person to collect from, or remit on behalf of, any other person a state or local tax, fee, or surcharge imposed on the purchase or use of any wireless telecommunications service within the state unless the collection or remittance is in connection with a financial transaction between: (1) the person that the state or local jurisdiction requires to collect or remit the tax, fee, or surcharge; and (2) the purchaser or user of the wireless telecommunications service. Allows any person who is aggrieved by a violation of such prohibition to bring a civil action in U.S. district court for equitable relief.

fee collection fairness act prohibits state local jurisdiction requiring person collect remit behalf person state local tax fee surcharge imposed purchase use wireless telecommunications service state collection remittance connection financial transaction person state local jurisdiction requires collect remit tax fee surcharge purchaser user wireless telecommunications service allows person aggrieved violation prohibition bring civil action district court equitable relief


Summary:
This bill directs the Government Accountability Office to study the effects of forward capacity auctions or other capacity mechanisms established by Independent System Operators or Regional Transmission Organizations with respect to:

 consumer prices for electricity; installation of new electrical generation systems; preservation of existing electrical generation systems; and competition in energy markets, including the potential for the use of undue market power or manipulation in the auctions. The report to Congress on the study must assess whether the auctions or capacity mechanisms are producing rates that are just and reasonable.

bill directs government_accountability_office study effects forward capacity auctions capacity mechanisms established regional transmission organizations respect consumer prices electricity installation new electrical generation systems preservation existing electrical generation systems competition energy markets including potential use undue market power manipulation auctions report congress study assess auctions capacity mechanisms producing rates reasonable


Summary:
Broadband Adoption Act of 2015

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt a final rule establishing support under the Universal Service Fund Lifeline Assistance Program for qualifying low-income consumers in urban and rural areas to purchase broadband Internet access service at reduced charges by reimbursing participating providers for each such consumer served.

Requires the program to allow qualifying consumers to elect to apply support from the Lifeline program to basic telephone service, voice telephony service, or broadband Internet access service, regardless of whether the service is purchased as a stand-alone service or in a bundle.

Directs the FCC to consult with the federal-state joint board on universal service regarding ways to encourage states to develop programs in conjunction with the Lifeline program.

Requires the program to be technology neutral to promote competition from service providers.

Requires participating broadband Internet access service providers to obtain FCC authorization to participate in the Lifeline program, but a provider is not required to be an eligible telecommunications carrier to receive support under the program.

Directs the FCC to: (1) adopt regulations to prevent receipt of duplicative support under the Lifeline program, and (2) establish a national database to determine consumer eligibility.

broadband adoption act amends communications act direct federal_communications_commission fcc adopt final rule establishing support qualifying low income consumers urban rural areas purchase broadband internet access service reduced charges reimbursing participating providers consumer served requires program allow qualifying consumers elect apply support lifeline program basic telephone service voice telephony service broadband internet access service regardless service purchased stand service bundle directs fcc consult federal state joint board universal service ways encourage states develop programs conjunction lifeline program requires program technology neutral promote competition service providers requires participating broadband internet access service providers obtain fcc authorization participate lifeline program provider required eligible telecommunications carrier receive support program directs fcc adopt regulations prevent receipt duplicative support lifeline program establish national database determine consumer eligibility


Summary:
Robocall and Call Spoofing Enforcement Improvements Act of 2015

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to impose forfeiture penalties without first sending a citation regarding the charged violation against persons not licensed by the FCC who violate prohibitions on the use of automated telephone equipment. (Currently, if existing exceptions do not apply, forfeiture penalties may not be imposed unless the person is sent a citation prior to a notice of apparent liability and that person subsequently engages in the same type of conduct described in the citation.)

Expands the statute of limitations period and increases the maximum forfeiture penalty applicable to non-licensed automated telephone equipment violations.

Expands prohibitions on the provision of inaccurate caller identification information to persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States.

Directs providers of spoofing services to take such steps as the FCC may prescribe to verify that users do not engage in caller identification information violations. Defines "spoofing service" as a service that substitutes, or permits a user to substitute, another name or any number for display as the caller identification information for a call or text message.

Requires the FCC to impose recordkeeping and reporting obligations on spoofing service providers. Authorizes the FCC to subpoena caller identification information transmitted by a subscriber to or customer of the spoofing service.

Expands the definition "caller identification information" to include text messages.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) telecommunications carriers have the legal authority to offer consumers services that block or filter robocalls, and (2) the federal government should encourage telecommunications carriers to develop and implement such services.

robocall spoofing enforcement improvements act amends communications act authorize federal_communications_commission fcc impose forfeiture penalties sending citation charged violation persons licensed fcc violate prohibitions use automated telephone equipment currently existing exceptions apply forfeiture penalties imposed person sent citation prior notice apparent liability person subsequently engages type conduct described citation expands statute limitations period increases maximum forfeiture penalty applicable non licensed automated telephone equipment violations expands prohibitions provision inaccurate caller identification information persons outside united_states recipient united_states directs providers spoofing services steps fcc prescribe verify users engage caller identification information violations defines spoofing service service substitutes permits user substitute number display caller identification information text message requires fcc impose recordkeeping reporting obligations spoofing service providers authorizes fcc subpoena caller identification information transmitted subscriber customer spoofing service expands definition caller identification information include text messages expresses sense congress telecommunications carriers legal authority offer consumers services block filter robocalls federal government encourage telecommunications carriers develop implement services


Summary: Requires the Federal Communications Commission to submit a quarterly report to Congress regarding the Lifeline program, which provides discounts on telephone service to qualifying low-income consumers. Requires the reports to include: (1) aggregate expenditures on the program; (2) a list of each payment made to a participating telecommunications carrier for the provision of service through the program, including, in the case of a participating carrier that is reimbursed for the provision of service to both wireless and wireline subscribers, the amount of the payment that corresponds to each type of service; and (3) the average cost per subscriber, across all the participating carriers, to provide the service that the program subsidizes, broken down by wireless and wireline subscribers and averaged per subscriber.

requires federal_communications_commission submit quarterly report congress lifeline program provides discounts telephone service qualifying low income consumers requires reports include aggregate expenditures program list payment participating telecommunications carrier provision service program including case participating carrier reimbursed provision service wireless wireline subscribers payment corresponds type service average cost subscriber participating carriers provide service program broken wireless wireline subscribers subscriber


Summary:
Quell Unnecessary, Intentional, and Encroaching Telephone Calls Act of 2014 or the QUIET Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly initiate a commercial robocall, without the prior written consent of the recipient, from within the United States or to a recipient within the United States. The prohibition does not apply to emergency or health-related calls or calls from charitable organizations.

The bill defines "commercial robocall" as a telephone call made using an automatic dialing system or artificial or prerecorded voice to solicit or encourage the purchase of property, goods, or services.

Violators are subject to fines up to $20,000 per violation and/or up to 10 years in prison.

intentional telephone calls act act bill amends federal criminal code crime knowingly initiate commercial robocall prior written consent recipient united_states recipient united_states prohibition apply emergency health related calls calls charitable organizations bill defines commercial robocall telephone automatic dialing system artificial prerecorded voice solicit encourage purchase property goods services violators subject fines violation years prison


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

Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015

(Sec. 3) This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission to amend regulations concerning the height and dimensions of station antenna structures to prohibit a private land use restriction from applying to amateur service communications if the restriction precludes such communications, fails to accommodate such communications, or does not constitute the minimum practicable restriction to accomplish the legitimate purpose of the private entity seeking to enforce the restriction.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure amateur radio parity act sec bill directs federal_communications_commission amend regulations concerning height dimensions station antenna structures prohibit private land use restriction applying amateur service communications restriction precludes communications fails accommodate communications constitute minimum practicable restriction accomplish legitimate purpose private entity seeking enforce restriction


Summary:
Phone Scam Prevention Act of 2015

Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to publish on its website a report that identifies existing technologies that consumers can use to protect against misleading or inaccurate caller identification information.

Requires the FCC, within one year after enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a report detailing a plan to expeditiously develop, within six years after submission of such report, reasonable authentication standards for voice service providers to validate caller information so that subscribers may obtain secure assurances of a call's origin, including the calling party's number and identification.

Extends the prohibition on the provision of inaccurate caller identification information to persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States.

Expands the definition of "caller identification information" to include text messages.

Revises caller identification requirements to make standards applicable to voice communications using resources from the North American Numbering Plan (currently, the requirements apply to telecommunications or IP-enabled voice services).

phone scam prevention act requires federal_communications_commission fcc publish website report identifies existing technologies consumers use protect misleading inaccurate caller identification information requires fcc year enactment act submit congress report detailing plan expeditiously develop years submission report reasonable authentication standards voice service providers validate caller information subscribers obtain secure assurances origin including calling party number identification extends prohibition provision inaccurate caller identification information persons outside united_states recipient united_states expands definition caller identification information include text messages revises caller identification requirements standards applicable voice communications resources currently requirements apply telecommunications enabled voice services


Summary:
Spectrum Relocation Fund Act of 2015

This bill amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to make amounts available from the Spectrum Relocation Fund (SRF) for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to pay federal entities for research and development activities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their use of electromagnetic spectrum under government station licenses in order to make frequencies available for: (1) reallocation for nonfederal use, shared federal and nonfederal use, or a combination of such uses; and (2) auctions in accordance with such reallocation.

As a condition to the OMB paying a federal entity for such activities, the federal entity must have a plan: (1) approved by a technical panel within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and (2) submitted by the OMB to the appropriate congressional committees for a period of 60 days.

The bill also provides for incumbent federal entities to receive payment from the SRF for relocation and sharing costs incurred to accommodate sharing spectrum frequencies assigned to such entity with another federal entity the operations of which are being relocated from other frequencies.

spectrum relocation fund act bill amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act amounts available spectrum_relocation_fund srf office_of_management_and_budget omb pay federal entities research development activities improve efficiency effectiveness use electromagnetic spectrum government station licenses order frequencies available reallocation nonfederal use shared federal nonfederal use combination uses auctions accordance reallocation condition omb paying federal entity activities federal entity plan approved technical panel national_telecommunications_and_information_administration submitted omb appropriate congressional committees period days bill provides incumbent federal entities receive payment srf relocation sharing costs incurred accommodate sharing spectrum frequencies assigned entity federal entity operations relocated frequencies


Summary:
Private Spectrum Relocation Funding Act of 2015

This bill amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to allow a federal entity to receive payment or reimbursement from a private entity to accelerate implementation of a transition plan deemed sufficient by a technical panel within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for federally used frequencies of electromagnetic spectrum to be relocated or shared to make spectrum available for auction or for other commercial or nonfederal use.

To collect or receive such a payment or reimbursement, the technical panel must approve a federal entity's proposal with a finding that: (1) the activities funded by the payment are reasonably likely to materially accelerate implementation of the transition plan or commercial or other nonfederal use of spectrum subject to such plan, and (2) such implementation or use would not be achieved without the private entity's payment.

private spectrum relocation funding act bill amends national_telecommunications_and_information_administration_organization_act allow federal entity receive payment reimbursement private entity accelerate implementation transition plan deemed sufficient technical panel national_telecommunications_and_information_administration federally frequencies electromagnetic spectrum relocated shared spectrum available auction commercial nonfederal use collect receive payment reimbursement technical panel approve federal entity proposal finding activities funded payment reasonably likely materially accelerate implementation transition plan commercial nonfederal use spectrum subject plan implementation use achieved private entity payment


Summary:
Kari's Law Act of 2016

This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require multi-line telephone systems to have a default configuration that allows users to directly initiate a call to 9-1-1 (without dialing any additional digit, code, prefix, or post-fix, including any trunk-access code such as the digit "9") from any station equipped with dialing facilities.

Businesses installing such systems must configure the systems to provide a notification to a central location at the facility where the system is installed when a person at the facility initiates a call to 9-1-1 using the system, provided that the system is able to be so configured without an improvement to the hardware.

law act bill amends communications act require multi line telephone systems default configuration allows users directly initiate dialing additional digit code post fix including access code digit station equipped dialing facilities businesses installing systems systems provide notification central location facility system installed person facility initiates system provided system able configured improvement hardware


Summary:
Spoofing Prevention Act of 2016

This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the prohibition against knowingly transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller identification information to apply to: (1) persons outside the United States if the recipient of the call is within the United States, and (2) text messages. Existing caller identification requirements that apply to calls made using a telecommunications service or IP-enabled voice service are revised to apply to voice communications using resources from the North American Numbering Plan.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must publish on its website a report that identifies existing technologies that consumers can use to protect against misleading or inaccurate caller identification information.

The Government Accountability Office must report on: (1) actions taken, or actions that could be taken, by the FCC or the Federal Trade Commission to combat the fraudulent provision of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information; and (2) any recommendations to combat the fraudulent provision of such information.

spoofing prevention act bill amends communications act expand prohibition knowingly transmitting misleading inaccurate caller identification information apply persons outside united_states recipient united_states text messages existing caller identification requirements apply calls telecommunications service enabled voice service revised apply voice communications resources federal_communications_commission fcc publish website report identifies existing technologies consumers use protect misleading inaccurate caller identification information government_accountability_office report actions taken actions taken fcc federal_trade_commission combat fraudulent provision misleading inaccurate caller identification information recommendations combat fraudulent provision information


Summary:
Kelsey Smith Act

This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a mobile or Internet voice service provider to disclose, at the request of an investigative or law enforcement officer, the call location information of a device that is: (1) used to place a 911 call, or (2) reasonably believed to be in the possession of an individual who is in an emergency situation that involves a risk of death or serious physical harm.

Additionally, the bill prohibits a civil action or administrative proceeding against a telecommunications carrier who discloses call location information in good faith in accordance with this bill.

bill amends communications act require mobile internet voice service provider disclose request investigative law enforcement officer location information device place reasonably believed possession individual emergency situation involves risk death physical harm additionally bill prohibits civil action administrative proceeding telecommunications carrier discloses location information good faith accordance bill


Summary:
Securing Access to Networks in Disasters Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill expresses the sense of Congress that voluntary policies outlined in the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework should be adhered to by all parties to aid consumers, 9-1-1 professionals, first responders, and local governments in accessing communication services during emergencies.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must publish a study on the public safety benefits, technical feasibility, and cost of providing the public with access to 9-1-1 services during times of emergency when mobile service is unavailable, through:

 telecommunications service provider-owned WiFi access points and other communications technologies operating on unlicensed spectrum, without requiring any login credentials; non-telecommunications service provider-owned WiFi access points; and other alternative means. The types of emergencies subject to this bill are: (1) occasions or instances under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for which the President determines that federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States; or (2) an emergency declared by the governor of a state or U.S. territory.

The FCC's study must consider communications network provider liability, network operational security, and any existing actions or authorities among the states.

The Government Accountability Office must report on: (1) how executive departments can better ensure that essential communications services remain operational during emergencies, and (2) whether a nationwide directory of points of contact among providers of essential communications services is needed to facilitate the rapid restoration of services damaged during emergencies.

The Stafford Act is amended to expand the categories of essential communications service providers that may access a disaster site to restore and repair essential services in an emergency or major disaster without being denied or impeded by a federal agency. Services to be considered essential are wireline or mobile telephone service, Internet access service, radio or television broadcasting, cable service, or direct broadcast satellite service.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must encourage the adoption of mutual aid agreements recognizing the credentials of essential service providers issued by all parties to such an agreement.

At the direction of the President, federal agencies may provide assistance essential to meeting immediate threats to life and property resulting from a major disaster by allowing access to essential service providers for establishing temporary, or restoring, communications services.

securing access networks disasters act sec bill expresses sense congress voluntary policies outlined parties aid consumers professionals responders local governments accessing communication services emergencies federal_communications_commission fcc publish study public safety benefits technical feasibility cost providing public access services times emergency mobile service unavailable telecommunications service provider owned access points communications technologies operating unlicensed spectrum requiring credentials non telecommunications service provider owned access points alternative means types emergencies subject bill occasions instances robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance act president determines federal assistance needed supplement state local efforts capabilities save lives protect property public health safety lessen avert threat catastrophe united_states emergency declared governor state territory fcc study consider communications network provider liability network operational security existing actions authorities states government_accountability_office report executive departments better ensure essential communications services remain operational emergencies nationwide directory points contact providers essential communications services needed facilitate rapid restoration services damaged emergencies stafford act amended expand categories essential communications service providers access disaster site restore repair essential services emergency major disaster denied impeded federal agency services considered essential wireline mobile telephone service internet access service radio television broadcasting cable service direct broadcast satellite service federal_emergency_management_agency fema encourage adoption mutual aid agreements recognizing credentials essential service providers issued parties agreement direction president federal agencies provide assistance essential meeting immediate threats life property resulting major disaster allowing access essential service providers establishing temporary restoring communications services


Summary:
Repeated Objectionable Bothering of Consumers on Phones Act or the ROBOCOP Act

This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to expand the prohibition against knowingly transmitting inaccurate caller identification information to apply to: (1) persons outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States, or (2) text messages.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must prescribe regulations that require providers of telecommunications services or IP-enabled voice services, for no additional charge, to enable technology for: (1) subscribers originating a telephone call to verify the accuracy of their caller identification information; and (2) subscribers receiving a call to use, with the option to disable, technology to determine whether an incoming call is verified as providing caller identification information that accurately identifies the person originating the call and to prevent the subscriber from receiving a call that is not verified. Service providers must also offer a free option for subscribers receiving a call to: (1) identify a call as originating from an automatic telephone dialing system or as using an artificial or prerecorded voice, and (2) prevent themselves from receiving such a call unless it is made by a public safety entity or the subscriber provides prior consent to receive the call.

The FCC must provide an exemption process for subscribers originating a call to demonstrate: (1) their legitimate need to provide misleading or inaccurate information (such as a call to conduct an activity of a domestic violence shelter or medical practice), or (2) that the FCC has exempted a call for law enforcement purposes or because of a court order.

The bill allows private actions to enjoin or recover damages for violations of the FCC's caller identification technology standards. States may bring civil actions for a pattern or practice of a failure to provide such technology or options.

The bill also subjects to civil forfeiture penalties, criminal fines, or state actions persons who intentionally cause call-blocking technology to: (1) incorrectly identify calls as originating from an automatic dialing system or using an artificial or prerecorded voice, or (2) prevent the called party from receiving a call made by a public safety entity or a call to which it has provided its prior consent.

repeated consumers phones act act bill amends communications act expand prohibition knowingly transmitting inaccurate caller identification information apply persons outside united_states recipient united_states text messages federal_communications_commission fcc prescribe regulations require providers telecommunications services enabled voice services additional charge enable technology subscribers originating telephone verify accuracy caller identification information subscribers receiving use option disable technology determine incoming verified providing caller identification information accurately identifies person originating prevent subscriber receiving verified service providers offer free option subscribers receiving identify originating automatic telephone dialing system artificial prerecorded voice prevent receiving public safety entity subscriber provides prior consent receive fcc provide exemption process subscribers originating demonstrate legitimate need provide misleading inaccurate information conduct activity domestic violence shelter medical practice fcc exempted law enforcement purposes court order bill allows private actions enjoin recover damages violations fcc caller identification technology standards states bring civil actions pattern practice failure provide technology options bill subjects civil forfeiture penalties criminal fines state actions persons intentionally cause blocking technology incorrectly identify calls originating automatic dialing system artificial prerecorded voice prevent called party receiving public safety entity provided prior consent


Summary:
Protecting Internet Freedom Act

This bill prohibits the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information from allowing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's responsibility for Internet domain name system functions, including the authoritative root zone file and the performance of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority functions, to cease unless a federal statute enacted after enactment of this bill expressly grants the Assistant Secretary such authority.

The Assistant Secretary must certify to Congress that the U.S. government has: (1) secured sole ownership of the .gov and .mil top-level domains, and (2) entered into a contract with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers that provides the U.S. government with exclusive control and use of those domains in perpetuity.

protecting internet freedom act bill prohibits assistant secretary commerce_for_communications_and_information allowing national_telecommunications_and_information_administration responsibility internet domain system functions including authoritative root zone file performance functions cease federal statute enacted enactment bill expressly grants assistant secretary authority assistant secretary certify congress government secured sole ownership level domains entered contract numbers provides government exclusive control use domains perpetuity


Summary:
Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program Act of 2016 or the B-CROP Act of 2016

This bill amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to include grants in the Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that provides loans and loan guarantees for broadband telecommunications services in rural areas.

In making grants, loans, or loan guarantees under the program, USDA must give the highest priority to applicants that offer to provide broadband service to the greatest proportion of unserved rural households or rural households that do not have the minimum acceptable level of residential broadband service.

USDA must then give priority to projects to serve rural communities that:

 have a population of less than 10,000 permanent residents, are experiencing out-migration, have a high percentage of low-income residents, and are isolated from other significant population centers. A grant may not exceed 50% of the development cost of the project. USDA may increase the limit to 75% for projects that serve a remote or low-income area that does not have access to broadband service from any provider.

USDA must: (1) provide technical assistance and training to entities that are eligible for the loans, loan guarantees, or grants; and (2) use a specified portion of the appropriations provided for the program for this purpose.

The bill sets forth reporting requirements for recipients of the grants, loans, or loan guarantees.

crop act bill amends rural electrification act include grants department_of_agriculture usda program provides loans loan guarantees broadband telecommunications services rural areas making grants loans loan guarantees program usda highest priority applicants offer provide broadband service greatest proportion unserved rural households rural households minimum acceptable level residential broadband service usda priority projects serve rural communities population permanent residents experiencing migration high percentage low income residents isolated significant population centers grant exceed development cost project usda increase limit projects serve remote low income area access broadband service provider usda provide technical assistance training entities eligible loans loan guarantees grants use specified portion appropriations provided program purpose bill sets forth reporting requirements recipients grants loans loan guarantees


Summary: Amends the Metric Conversion Act of 1975 to require guidelines on government use of the metric system of measurement to require any federal agency transaction providing for a person to perform scientific or engineering research with federal funding to include provisions: (1) clearly identifying the extent to which such system or other systems of measurement will be used under the transaction and requiring such use; and (2) assigning such person the financial responsibility for failure to follow such requirements.

amends metric conversion act require guidelines government use metric system measurement require federal agency transaction providing person perform scientific engineering research federal funding include provisions clearly identifying extent system systems measurement transaction requiring use assigning person financial responsibility failure follow requirements


Summary: Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act - (Sec. 2) Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to carry out a program of awarding grants to scientists and engineers at the early stage of their careers at institutions of higher education in the United States and at certain research organizations to conduct research in fields relevant to the mission of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Permits the existing Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program to be designated as the mechanism for awarding such grants. Requires: (1) the duration of such awards to be five years; and (2) the amount of such an award per year to be at least $80,000. Instructs such Director: (1) in awarding such grants, to endeavor to ensure that the recipients are from a variety of institutions of higher education and nonprofit, nondegree-granting research organizations; (2) in support of such goal, to broadly disseminate information about when and how to apply for such grants, including by conducting outreach to historically black colleges and universities and minority institutions; and (3) in awarding such grants, to give special consideration to eligible early-career researchers who have followed alternative career paths such as working part-time or in nonacademic settings, or who have taken a significant career break or other leave of absence. Instructs such Director, for FY2008-FY2012, to earmark at least 3.5% of funds appropriated to NSF for research and activities related to such grants program, except to the extent that a sufficient number of meritorious grant applications have not been received for a fiscal year. Requires reports describing the: (1) distribution of the institutions of the awardees of the CAREER Program since FY2001 among specified categories of institutions of higher education; and (2) impact of such program on the ability of young faculty to compete for NSF research grants. (Sec. 3) Requires the Director of the Office of Science of the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a program of awarding grants to scientists and engineers at the early stage of their careers at specified institutions of higher education and the research organizations described in this section to conduct research in fields relevant to the mission of the DOE, giving priority to grants to expand domestic energy production and use through coal-to-liquids technology and advanced nuclear reprocessing. Requires: (1) the duration of such awards to be up to five years; and (2) the amount of such an award per year to be at least $80,000. Instructs such Director to give priority to proposals in which the proposed work includes collaborations with DOE national laboratories. Instructs such Director: (1) in awarding such grants, to endeavor to ensure that the recipients are from a variety of institutions of higher education and nonprofit, nondegree-granting research organizations; and (2) in support of such goal, to broadly disseminate information about when and how to apply for such grants, including by conducting outreach to historically black colleges and universities and minority institutions. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 to the Secretary of Energy to carry out such Director's responsibilities under this section. Requires such Director to transmit a report on efforts to recruit and retain young scientists and engineers at the early stages of their careers at the DOE laboratories. (Sec. 4) Requires the Director of the NSF to earmark at least 1.5% of funds appropriated for research and related activities to the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program. Instructs such Director to coordinate with federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, to expand the interdisciplinary nature of such program. Authorizes such Director to accept funds from other federal departments and agencies to carry out such program. (Sec. 5) Directs the President to periodically present the Presidential Innovation Award, on the basis of recommendations received from the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy or on the basis of such other information as the President considers appropriate, to individuals who develop one or more unique scientific or engineering ideas in the national interest. Specifies that such awards shall be made to: (1) stimulate scientific and engineering advances in the national interest; (2) illustrate the linkage between science and engineering and national needs; (3) show the potential of such innovation to substantively enhance the economic competitiveness of the United States through development of commercializable intellectual property; and (4) provide an example to students of the contributions they could make to society by entering the science and engineering profession. Bars an individual from receiving such an award unless at the time such award is made the individual is: (1) a citizen or foreign national of the United States; or (2) is an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who has filed an application for naturalization and is not permanently ineligible to become a U.S. citizen. (Sec. 6) Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a National Coordination Office for Research Infrastructure to: (1) identify and prioritize deficiencies in research facilities and instrumentation in academic institutions and at national laboratories that are available for use by academic researchers; and (2) institute and coordinate the planning by federal agencies for the acquisition and maintenance of research facilities and major instrumentation required to address the deficiencies identified. Instructs such Office, in prioritizing such deficiencies, to consider research needs in areas relevant to the nation's economic competitiveness. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to appoint individuals to serve in such Office from among the principal federal agencies that support research in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering, and at a minimum, to include individuals from the NSF and the DOE. Requires such Director to provide annual reports to Congress at the time of the President's budget proposal: (1) describing the research infrastructure needs identified; (2) listing research facilities projects and budget proposals for major instrumentation acquisitions that are included in the President's budget proposal; and (3) explaining how these projects and acquisitions relate to the deficiencies and priorities arrived at. (Sec. 7) Permits the NSF, in carrying out its research programs on science policy and on the science of learning, to support research on the process of innovation and the teaching of inventiveness. (Sec. 8) Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to transmit a report on efforts to recruit and retain young scientists and engineers at the early stages of their careers at the NIST laboratories and joint institutes. (Sec. 9) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) a balanced science program as authorized by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 contributes significantly to innovation in, and the economic competitiveness of, the United States; and (2) a robust National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), funded at authorized levels, would offer a balance among science, aeronautics, exploration, and human space flight programs, all of which can attract and employ scientists, engineers, and technicians across a broad range of fields in science, technology , mathematics, and engineering. Instructs the Administrator of NASA to fully participate in any interagency efforts to promote innovation and economic competitiveness through scientific research and development within authorized spending levels. (Sec. 10) Directs the NSF to establish a program to be known as the Undergraduate Scholarships for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, or US-STEM program, for awarding scholarships to undergraduate scholars in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Specifies the requirements that a student must meet to be eligible for a scholarship under such program, including that the student is a citizen or permanent resident alien of the United States. Provides for scholarship recipients to be selected based on merit and such other criteria as the NSF shall establish. Instructs the NSF to announce awards before April 1 for each upcoming academic year and allows the NSF to make up to 2,500 awards per year. Permits awards to be made for a maximum of two academic years for each student, and requires that scholarship amounts be paid to the student's institution. Requires the Director of the NSF to establish an advisory board, which shall make recommendations to such Director for selection criteria for scholarship recipients, and provide guidance and oversight for such program. Authorizes appropriations to the NSF for FY2009-FY2013 for carrying out such program.

sec requires director national_science_foundation nsf carry program awarding grants scientists engineers early stage careers institutions higher education united_states certain research organizations conduct research fields relevant mission national_science_foundation nsf permits existing career program designated mechanism awarding grants requires duration awards years award year instructs director awarding grants endeavor ensure recipients variety institutions higher education nonprofit granting research organizations support goal broadly disseminate information apply grants including conducting outreach historically black colleges universities minority institutions awarding grants special consideration eligible early career researchers followed alternative career paths working time nonacademic settings taken significant career break leave absence instructs director fy2008 fy2012 earmark funds appropriated nsf research activities related grants program extent sufficient number meritorious grant applications received fiscal year requires reports describing distribution institutions awardees specified categories institutions higher education impact program ability young faculty compete nsf research grants sec requires director doe carry program awarding grants scientists engineers early stage careers specified institutions higher education research organizations described section conduct research fields relevant mission doe giving priority grants expand domestic energy production use coal liquids technology advanced nuclear reprocessing requires duration awards years award year instructs director priority proposals proposed work includes collaborations doe national laboratories instructs director awarding grants endeavor ensure recipients variety institutions higher education nonprofit granting research organizations support goal broadly disseminate information apply grants including conducting outreach historically black colleges universities minority institutions authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2012 secretary energy carry director responsibilities section requires director transmit report efforts recruit retain young scientists engineers early stages careers doe laboratories sec requires director nsf earmark funds appropriated research related activities research_traineeship program instructs director coordinate federal departments agencies appropriate expand interdisciplinary nature program authorizes director accept funds federal departments agencies carry program sec directs president periodically present presidential innovation award basis recommendations received director office_of_science_and_technology_policy basis information president considers appropriate individuals develop unique scientific engineering ideas national interest specifies awards shall stimulate scientific engineering advances national interest science engineering national needs potential innovation enhance economic competitiveness united_states development intellectual property provide example students contributions society entering science engineering profession bars individual receiving award time award individual citizen foreign national united_states alien lawfully admitted united_states permanent residence filed application naturalization permanently ineligible citizen sec directs office_of_science_and_technology_policy establish identify prioritize deficiencies research facilities instrumentation academic institutions national laboratories available use academic researchers institute coordinate planning federal agencies acquisition maintenance research facilities major instrumentation required address deficiencies identified instructs office prioritizing deficiencies consider research needs areas relevant nation economic competitiveness requires director office_of_science_and_technology_policy appoint individuals serve office principal federal agencies support research sciences mathematics engineering minimum include individuals nsf doe requires director provide annual reports congress time president budget proposal describing research infrastructure needs identified listing research facilities projects budget proposals major instrumentation acquisitions included president budget proposal explaining projects acquisitions relate deficiencies priorities sec permits nsf carrying research programs science policy science learning support research process innovation teaching sec requires director national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist transmit report efforts recruit retain young scientists engineers early stages careers nist laboratories joint institutes sec expresses sense congress balanced science program authorized contributes significantly innovation economic competitiveness united_states robust national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa funded authorized levels offer balance science aeronautics exploration human space flight programs attract employ scientists engineers technicians broad range fields science technology mathematics engineering instructs administrator nasa fully participate interagency efforts promote innovation economic competitiveness scientific research development authorized spending levels sec directs nsf establish program known mathematics stem program awarding scholarships undergraduate scholars science technology engineering mathematics specifies requirements student meet eligible scholarship program including student citizen permanent resident alien united_states provides scholarship recipients selected based merit criteria nsf shall establish instructs nsf announce awards april upcoming academic year allows nsf awards year permits awards maximum academic years student requires scholarship amounts paid student institution requires director nsf establish advisory board shall recommendations director selection criteria scholarship recipients provide guidance oversight program authorizes appropriations nsf fy2009 fy2013 carrying program


Summary: Research and Development Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) modify the tax credit for increasing research expenses to establish a standard 20% credit rate for research expenses exceeding 50% of average expenses over the preceding three year period; (2) establish a uniform 80% reimbursement rate for all contract research expenses (100% for basic research payments); (3) make such tax credit permanent; (4) allow a tax credit for equity investments in small business innovation companies; and (5) allow the issuance of tax exempt facility bonds for research park facilities used in connection with research and experimentation.Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) study and report to Congress on taxpayer compliance with the substantiation requirements for claiming the tax credit for increasing research activities; and (2) issue regulations on the application of private activity bond rules to the funding of federal research agreements.

amends internal revenue code modify tax credit increasing research expenses establish standard credit rate research expenses exceeding average expenses preceding year period establish uniform reimbursement rate contract research expenses basic research payments tax credit permanent allow tax credit equity investments small business innovation companies allow issuance tax exempt facility bonds research park facilities connection research experimentation directs secretary treasury study report congress taxpayer compliance substantiation requirements claiming tax credit increasing research activities issue regulations application private activity bond rules funding federal research agreements


Summary: National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Authorizes appropriations to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY2008-FY2010, with specific allocations for: (1) research and related activities; (2) education and human resources; (3) major research equipment and facilities construction; (4) agency operations and award management; (5) the Office of the National Science Board; and (6) the Office of Inspector General. Sets minimum and maximum amounts of awards under the Major Research Instrumentation program. Permits, in addition to the acquisition of instrumentation and equipment, funds made available by awards under the Major Research Instrumentation program to be used to support the operations and maintenance of such instrumentation and equipment.Requires an institution of higher education receiving an award under such program to provide at least 30% of the cost from private or non-federal sources. Exempts institutions of higher education that are not Ph.D-granting institutions from such cost sharing requirement and allows the Director of the NSF (the Director) to reduce or waive such requirement for: (1) certain institutions that are not ranked among the top 100 institutions receiving federal research and development funding; and (2) consortia of institutions of higher education that include at least one institution that is not a Ph.D-granting institution. Requires the continuation of programs in support of undergraduate education, including those authorized under the provisions of section 17 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (relating to undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education reform). Increases funding for these programs in proportion to the increase in the total amount appropriated to NSF in any year for which appropriations are authorized by this Act. Revises the selection process for awards that require the submission of preproposals and that also limit the number of preproposals. Requires the National Science Board to: (1) assess the effects on institutions of higher education of NSF policies regarding the imposition of limitations on the number of proposals that may be submitted by a single institution for programs supported by NSF; (2) determine whether current policies are well justified and appropriate for the types of programs that limit the number of proposal submissions; and (3) summarize in a report its findings and any recommendations regarding changes to the current policy on the restriction of proposal submissions.Requires the Director to increase funding for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program in proportion to the increase in the total amount appropriated to the NSF for research and related activities in any year for which appropriations are authorized by this Act. Requires the Director: (1) as part of Informal Science Education activities, to support activities to create informal educational materials, exhibits, and multimedia presentations relevant to global warming, climate science, and greenhouse gas reduction strategies; and (2) as part of Discovery Research K-12 activities, to support the development of K-12 educational materials relevant to global warming, climate science, and greenhouse gas reduction strategies. (Sec. 4) Requires the continuation of the program of Centers for Research on Learning and Education Improvement as established in section 11 of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (relating to the establishment of such Centers). Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to provide for the awarding of grants to eligible nonprofit organizations and their consortia to establish such Centers. (Sec. 5) Directs the National Science Board to evaluate: (1) the role of NSF in supporting interdisciplinary research, including through the Major Research Instrumentation program, the effectiveness of NSF's efforts in providing information to the scientific community about opportunities for funding of interdisciplinary research proposals, and the process through which interdisciplinary proposals are selected for support; and (2) the effectiveness of NSF's efforts to engage undergraduate students in research experiences in interdisciplinary settings, including through the Research in Undergraduate Institutions program and the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Requires the Board to provide the results of its evaluation, including a recommendation for the proportion of the NSF's research and related activities funding that should be allocated for interdisciplinary research. (Sec. 6) Requires the Director to carry out a pilot program to award one-year grants to individuals to assist them in improving research proposals that were previously submitted to NSF but not selected for funding. Requires that such grants be used to enable individuals to resubmit updated research proposals for review by NSF through NSF's competitive merit review process. Permits using funds made available under this section for the generation of new data and the performance of additional analysis. Requires the Director to make awards under this section based on the advice of program officers of the NSF. Allows the Director to carry out this section through the Small Grants for Exploratory Research program. Directs the National Science Board to conduct a review and assessment of the pilot program. (Sec. 7) Requires the Director, in evaluating research proposals under NSF's broader impacts criterion, to give special consideration to proposals that involve partnerships between academic researchers and industrial scientists and engineers that address research areas that have been identified as having high importance for economic competitiveness, such as nanotechnology. Instructs the Director to encourage research proposals from institutions of higher education that involve partnerships with businesses and organizations representing businesses in fields that have been identified as having high importance for economic competitiveness and that include input on the research agenda from and cost-sharing by the industry partners. Requires the Director to report on the impact of the broader impacts grant criterion used by NSF. (Sec. 8) Instructs the Director to: (1) require that all grant applications that include funding to support postdoctoral researchers include a description of mentoring activities; and (2) ensure that this part of the application is evaluated under NSF's broader impacts merit review criterion. Instructs the Director to require that annual reports and the final report for research grants that include funding to support postdoctoral researchers include a description of the mentoring activities provided to such researchers. (Sec. 9) Instructs the Director to require that each institution that applies for financial assistance from NSF for science and engineering research or education describe in its grant proposal a plan to provide appropriate training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research to participating undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers . (Sec. 10) Instructs the Director to ensure that all final project reports and citations of published research documents resulting from research funded, in whole or in part, by the NSF are made available to the public in a timely manner and through NSF's website. (Sec. 11) Makes an investigator supported under a NSF award, whom the Director determines has failed to comply with the provisions of section 734 (concerning the dissemination and sharing of research results) of the Foundation Grant Policy Manual, ineligible for a future award under any NSF supported program or activity. Allows the Director to restore the eligibility of such an investigator on the basis of the investigator's subsequent compliance with such provisions and with such other terms and conditions as the Director may impose.(Sec. 12) Requires the Director to annually evaluate all NSF's grants that are scheduled to expire within one year and that primarily: (1) meet the objectives of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunity Act; or (2) provide teacher professional development. Allows the Director, for grants that are identified and that are deemed by the Director to be successful in meeting the objectives of the initial grant solicitation, to extend those grants for up to three additional years beyond their scheduled expiration without the requirement for a recompetition. Permits the extension of such grants for an additional three years as specified. Requires the Director to submit a report that: (1) lists the grants extended; and (2) provides recommendations regarding the extension of such authority to programs other than those specified in this section. (Sec. 13) Requires the National Science Board to: (1) evaluate certain impacts of its policy to eliminate cost sharing for research grants and cooperative agreements for existing and new programs involving industry participation; and (2) report the results of such evaluation.(Sec. 14) Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to permit NSF to receive and use funds donated to NSF for specific prize competitions. (Sec. 15) Requires the National Science Board to evaluate the appropriateness of: (1) the requirement that funding for detailed design work and other preconstruction activities for major research equipment and facilities come exclusively from the sponsoring research division rather than being available from the Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction account; and (2) NSF's policies for allocation of costs for, and oversight of, maintenance and operation of major research equipment and facilities. Requires the Board to report on the results of such evaluations and on any recommendations for modifying the current policies related to allocation of funding for such equipment and facilities. Requires that plans for proposed construction, repair, and upgrades to national research facilities include estimates of the total project cost and the source of funds for major upgrades of facilities in support of Antarctic research programs. Requires the Director to transmit: (1) a specified report cataloging all elementary and secondary school, informal, and undergraduate educational programs and activities supported through appropriations for research and related activities; and (2) along with the FY2011 budget request, a report listing the funding success rates and distribution of awards for the Research in Undergraduate Institutions program. Requires the Director, within 60 days of enactment of legislation providing for the annual appropriation of funds for NSF, to submit a plan for the allocation of education and human resources funds authorized by this Act for the corresponding fiscal year, including any funds from within the research and related activities account used to support activities that primarily improve education or broaden participation. (Sec. 16) Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to require: (1) the Inspector General of NSF to conduct triennial audits (currently, annual audits) of the compliance by the National Science Board with the requirements specified under the Act for open meetings; (2) the Board to maintain the General Counsel's certificate, the presiding officer's statement, and a transcript or recording of any closed meeting for at least three years after such meeting; and (3) appointment of technical and professional personnel on leave of absence from academic, industrial, or research institutions for a limited term and such operations and support staff members (currently, such clerical staff members) as may be necessary.Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1975 to increase the number of Alan T. Waterman Awards that may be made in any one fiscal year to three. (Sec. 17) Requires rendering of National Science Board reports to the President and Congress (currently, rendered to the President for submission to Congress). (Sec. 18) Directs NSF to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences for a report to Congress about barriers to increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields and to identify strategies for bringing more underrepresented minorities into the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce. (Sec. 19) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the mathematics and science education partnership program at NSF and the mathematics and science partnership program at the Department of Education are intended to be complementary, not duplicative; (2) Congress intends that the NSF peer-reviewed partnership programs found to be effective should be put into wider practice by dissemination through the Department of Education partnership programs; and (3) the Director and the Secretary of Education should collaborate to ensure that the two components of this effort continue to work in concert for the benefit of states and local practitioners nationwide.(Sec. 20) Authorizes the Director to establish a new program to award grants on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis to Hispanic-serving institutions to enhance the quality of undergraduate science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education at such institutions and to increase the retention and graduation rates of students pursuing associate's or baccalaureate degrees in science, mathematics, engineering, or technology. Specifies that the grants awarded shall support: (1) activities to improve courses and curricula in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology; (2) faculty development; (3) stipends for undergraduate students participating in research; and (4) other activities consistent with the grant program authorized by this section, as determined by the Director. States that funding for instrumentation is an allowed use of grants awarded under this section. (Sec. 21) Requires the Director to provide grant supplements to institutions receiving awards under the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program. Requires the grant supplements to be used to train graduate students in the communication of the substance and importance of their research to nonscientist audiences, including policymakers. Requires the Director to transmit a report describing how such activities have been implemented. Requires that such report include data on the number of graduate students trained and the number and size of grant supplements awarded, as well as a description of the types of activities funded.

national_science_foundation authorization act sec authorizes appropriations national_science_foundation nsf fy2008 fy2010 specific allocations research related activities education human resources major research equipment facilities construction agency operations award management office_of_inspector_general sets minimum maximum amounts awards program permits addition acquisition instrumentation equipment funds available awards program support operations maintenance instrumentation equipment requires institution higher education receiving award program provide cost private non federal sources exempts institutions higher education granting institutions cost sharing requirement allows director nsf director reduce waive requirement certain institutions ranked institutions receiving federal research development funding consortia institutions higher education include institution granting institution requires continuation programs support undergraduate education including authorized provisions section national science foundation authorization act relating undergraduate science mathematics engineering technology education reform increases funding programs proportion increase total appropriated nsf year appropriations authorized act revises selection process awards require submission limit number requires national_science_board assess effects institutions higher education nsf policies imposition limitations number proposals submitted single institution programs supported nsf determine current policies justified appropriate types programs limit number proposal submissions summarize report findings recommendations changes current policy restriction proposal submissions requires director increase funding research experiences undergraduates program proportion increase total appropriated nsf research related activities year appropriations authorized act requires director activities support activities create informal educational materials exhibits multimedia presentations relevant global warming climate science greenhouse gas reduction strategies activities support development k-12 educational materials relevant global warming climate science greenhouse gas reduction strategies sec requires continuation program established section national_science_foundation_authorization_act relating establishment centers amends national_science_foundation_authorization_act provide awarding grants eligible nonprofit organizations consortia establish centers sec directs national_science_board evaluate role nsf supporting interdisciplinary research including program effectiveness nsf efforts providing information scientific community opportunities funding interdisciplinary research proposals process interdisciplinary proposals selected support effectiveness nsf efforts engage undergraduate students research experiences interdisciplinary settings including research program research experiences undergraduates program requires board provide results evaluation including recommendation proportion nsf research related activities funding allocated interdisciplinary research sec requires director carry pilot program award year grants individuals assist improving research proposals previously submitted nsf selected funding requires grants enable individuals resubmit updated research proposals review nsf nsf competitive merit review process permits funds available section generation new data performance additional analysis requires director awards section based advice program officers nsf allows director carry section program directs national_science_board conduct review assessment pilot program sec requires director evaluating research proposals nsf broader impacts criterion special consideration proposals involve partnerships academic researchers industrial scientists engineers address research areas identified having high importance economic competitiveness nanotechnology instructs director encourage research proposals institutions higher education involve partnerships businesses organizations representing businesses fields identified having high importance economic competitiveness include input research agenda cost sharing industry partners requires director report impact broader impacts grant criterion nsf sec instructs director require grant applications include funding support postdoctoral researchers include description mentoring activities ensure application evaluated nsf broader impacts merit review criterion instructs director require annual reports final report research grants include funding support postdoctoral researchers include description mentoring activities provided researchers sec instructs director require institution applies financial assistance nsf science engineering research education describe grant proposal plan provide appropriate training oversight responsible ethical conduct research participating undergraduate students graduate students postdoctoral researchers sec instructs director ensure final project reports citations published research documents resulting research funded nsf available public timely manner nsf website sec makes investigator supported nsf award director determines failed comply provisions section concerning dissemination sharing research results ineligible future award nsf supported program activity allows director restore eligibility investigator basis investigator subsequent compliance provisions terms conditions director requires director annually evaluate nsf grants scheduled expire year primarily meet objectives provide teacher professional development allows director grants identified deemed director successful meeting objectives initial grant solicitation extend grants additional years scheduled expiration requirement permits extension grants additional years specified requires director submit report lists grants extended provides recommendations extension authority programs specified section sec requires national_science_board evaluate certain impacts policy eliminate cost sharing research grants cooperative agreements existing new programs involving industry participation report results amends permit nsf receive use funds donated nsf specific prize competitions sec requires national_science_board evaluate appropriateness requirement funding detailed design work preconstruction activities major research equipment facilities come exclusively sponsoring research division available account nsf policies allocation costs oversight maintenance operation major research equipment facilities requires board report results evaluations recommendations modifying current policies related allocation funding equipment facilities requires plans proposed construction repair upgrades national research facilities include estimates total project cost source funds major upgrades facilities support antarctic research programs requires director transmit specified report cataloging elementary secondary school informal undergraduate educational programs activities supported appropriations research related activities fy2011 budget request report listing funding success rates distribution awards research program requires director days enactment legislation providing annual appropriation funds nsf submit plan allocation education human resources funds authorized act corresponding fiscal year including funds research related activities account support activities primarily improve education broaden participation sec amends national_science_foundation authorization act require inspector general nsf conduct triennial audits currently annual audits compliance national_science_board requirements specified act open meetings board maintain general counsel certificate presiding officer statement transcript recording closed meeting years meeting appointment technical professional personnel leave absence academic industrial research institutions limited term operations support staff members currently clerical staff members necessary amends national_science_foundation_authorization_act increase number fiscal year sec requires rendering national_science_board reports president congress currently rendered president submission congress sec directs nsf arrange national_academy_of_sciences report congress barriers increasing number underrepresented minorities science technology engineering mathematics fields identify strategies bringing underrepresented minorities science technology engineering mathematics workforce sec expresses sense congress mathematics science education partnership program nsf mathematics science partnership program department_of_education intended complementary duplicative congress intends nsf peer reviewed partnership programs found effective practice dissemination department_of_education partnership programs director secretary education collaborate ensure components effort continue work concert benefit states local practitioners authorizes director establish new program award grants competitive merit reviewed basis hispanic serving institutions enhance quality undergraduate science mathematics engineering technology education institutions increase retention graduation rates students pursuing associate baccalaureate degrees science mathematics engineering technology specifies grants awarded shall support activities improve courses curricula science mathematics engineering technology faculty development stipends undergraduate students participating research activities consistent grant program authorized section determined director states funding instrumentation allowed use grants awarded section sec requires director provide grant supplements institutions receiving awards research_traineeship program requires grant supplements train graduate students communication substance importance research audiences including policymakers requires director transmit report describing activities implemented requires report include data number graduate students trained number size grant supplements awarded description types activities funded