Summary: Public Transportation Extension Act of 2009 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to extend certain allocations of capital investment grant funds for the metropolitan planning and the state planning and research programs for: (1) FY2010; and (2) the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to award urbanized area formula grants to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation in an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000 (with not more than 50% to be apportioned to urbanized areas with a population of less than 200,000) for: (1) FY2010; and (2) the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. (Sec. 4) Extends certain allocations of capital investment grant funds for new fixed guideway capital projects of less than $75 million, fixed guideway modernization projects, and buses and bus-related equipment and facilities for: (1) FY2010; and (2) the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. Extends certain allocations of bus and bus facility grant funds for ferry boats or ferry terminal facilities, the fuel cell bus program, nonurbanized projects, intermodal terminal projects, and bus testing for: (1) FY2010; and (2) the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. (Sec. 5) Extends certain allocations of nonurbanized formula grant funds for public transportation on Indian reservations for: (1) FY2010; and (2) the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. (Sec. 6) Extends the apportionment of capital investment grant funds based on fixed guideway factors for fixed guideway modernization projects for: (1) FY2010; and (2) the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. (Sec. 7) Extends the authorizations of appropriations from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for formula and bus grant funds (including certain allocations) and capital investment grant funds for specified public transportation projects for: (1) FY2010; and (2) the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. Extends, for such periods, authorizations of appropriations (including certain additional allocations) for research and university research centers, the university centers program, and administration. (Sec. 8) Extends the public-private partnership pilot program for:(1) FY2010; and (2) the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. Extends the elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities pilot program through March 31, 2011. Extends the obligation ceiling of amounts from the Mass Transit Account of the HTF and certain amounts appropriated for public transportation projects for: (1) FY2010; and (2) the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. Extends authorizations of appropriations for final design and construction for new fixed guideway capital projects for: (1) FY2010; and (2) the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011. Directs the Secretary to make additional allocations for national research and technology programs: (1) FY2010; and (2) the period from October 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011.

public transportation extension act sec amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea extend certain allocations capital investment grant funds metropolitan planning state planning research programs fy2010 period october march sec authorizes secretary transportation award urbanized area formula grants finance operating cost equipment facilities use public transportation urbanized area population apportioned urbanized areas population fy2010 period october march sec extends certain allocations capital investment grant funds new fixed guideway capital projects million fixed guideway modernization projects buses bus related equipment facilities fy2010 period october march extends certain allocations bus bus facility grant funds ferry boats ferry terminal facilities fuel cell bus program nonurbanized projects intermodal terminal projects bus testing fy2010 period october march sec extends certain allocations nonurbanized formula grant funds public transportation indian reservations fy2010 period october march sec extends apportionment capital investment grant funds based fixed guideway factors fixed guideway modernization projects fy2010 period october march sec extends authorizations appropriations mass transit account highway_trust_fund htf formula bus grant funds including certain allocations capital investment grant funds specified public transportation projects fy2010 period october march extends periods authorizations appropriations including certain additional allocations research university research centers university centers program administration sec extends public private partnership pilot program fy2010 period october march extends elderly individuals individuals disabilities pilot program march extends obligation ceiling amounts mass transit account htf certain amounts appropriated public transportation projects fy2010 period october march extends authorizations appropriations final design construction new fixed guideway capital projects fy2010 period october march directs secretary additional allocations national research technology programs fy2010 period october march


Summary: Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers Act of 2009 or the ALERT Drivers Act - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold 25% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway program funds for the fiscal year if the state has not enacted or is not enforcing a law that: (1) prohibits, except in an emergency, an operator of a motor vehicle from writing, sending, or reading a text message using a hand-held mobile telephone (excluding a voice-activated device); and (2) requires, upon conviction of a violation of such prohibition, the imposition of certain minimum penalties.

avoiding life endangering reckless drivers act alert drivers act requires secretary transportation withhold state apportionment certain federal aid highway program funds fiscal year state enacted enforcing law prohibits emergency operator motor vehicle writing sending reading text message hand held mobile telephone excluding voice activated device requires conviction violation prohibition imposition certain minimum penalties


Summary: Transportation Low Emissions Energy Plan 2020 Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), in coordination with the Secretary of Energy (DOE) and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to establish a stakeholder-driven process to develop a national transportation low emissions energy plan. Requires such plan to: (1) project the near- and long-term need for and location of electric drive vehicle refueling infrastructure at strategic locations across all major national highways, roads, and corridors; (2) identify infrastructure and standardization needs for electricity providers, infrastructure providers, vehicle manufacturers, and electricity purchasers; (3) establish a goal of achieving strategic deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure by 2020; (4) prioritize the development of standardized public charge access ports with wireless or smart card billing capability and level I and level II charge port systems (that charge an electric vehicle over a period of 8 to 14 hours and 4 to 8 hours, respectively) that will meet the energy requirements of the majority of plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles; (5) examine the feasibility of level III charge port systems that can charge over a period of 10 to 20 minutes; and (6) focus on infrastructure that provides consumers with the lowest cost while providing convenient charge system access. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) designate within DOT a LEEP coordinator to oversee Plan development and the implementation of regional pilot projects; and (2) establish four pilot projects to demonstrate electric drive vehicles and infrastructure in rural locations and in commercial use.

act directs secretary transportation dot coordination secretary energy doe administrator environmental_protection_agency epa establish stakeholder driven process develop national transportation low emissions energy plan requires plan project near- long term need location electric drive vehicle refueling infrastructure strategic locations major national highways roads corridors identify infrastructure standardization needs electricity providers infrastructure providers vehicle manufacturers electricity purchasers establish goal achieving strategic deployment electric vehicle infrastructure prioritize development standardized public charge access ports wireless smart card billing capability level level charge port systems charge electric vehicle period hours hours respectively meet energy requirements majority plug hybrid battery electric vehicles examine feasibility level iii charge port systems charge period minutes focus infrastructure provides consumers lowest cost providing convenient charge system access authorizes secretary designate dot coordinator oversee plan development implementation regional pilot projects establish pilot projects demonstrate electric drive vehicles infrastructure rural locations commercial use


Summary: Prevention of Unreasonable Fees Act - Prohibits an operator of a transportation terminal that uses federal funds for terminal construction, or for the purchase or lease of equipment installed there, from charging a fee to a provider of prearranged ground transportation service that meets state vehicle and intrastate passenger licensing requirements, except fees charged to the public to access the terminal or for use of ancillary facilities located there. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) prohibit or restrict a transportation terminal operator from requiring vehicles that cannot safely use public parking facilities to use segregated facilities provided the fee for segregated facilities is no more than that charged to the public for similar facilities; or (2) restrict the right of a state or its political subdivisions to require a license or fee (other than a prohibited transportation terminal fee) for a motor vehicle providing certain other prearranged ground transportation.

prevention unreasonable fees act prohibits operator transportation terminal uses federal funds terminal construction purchase lease equipment installed charging fee provider prearranged ground transportation service meets state vehicle intrastate passenger licensing requirements fees charged public access terminal use ancillary facilities located declares act shall construed prohibit restrict transportation terminal operator requiring vehicles safely use public parking facilities use segregated facilities provided fee segregated facilities charged public similar facilities restrict right state political subdivisions require license fee prohibited transportation terminal fee motor vehicle providing certain prearranged ground transportation


Summary: Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the temporary suspension of duty on marine sextants of metal designed for use in navigating by celestial bodies.

amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states extend temporary suspension duty marine metal designed use navigating bodies


Summary: National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act of 2010 - (Sec. 2) Reauthorizes appropriations to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for FY2011 and FY2012. (Sec. 3) Revises the term "accident" to expand the NTSB's authority to investigate, at its discretion, accidents not involving the destruction or damage of a vehicle, aircraft, or pipeline, but significantly affecting transportation safety. Authorizes the NTSB by subpoena to summon witnesses and obtain any and all evidence relevant to an accident investigation. Prohibits the NTSB (including any agency that has received information from the NTSB) from disclosing publicly any commercial or financial or certain classified information during ongoing NTSB accident investigations. Authorizes public disclosure of such information when necessary, in certain circumstances, to promote transportation safety. (Sec. 4) Authorizes accident investigation training of NTSB employees in theory and techniques and on transportation safety methods in order to advance NTSB safety recommendations. Revises the authority of the NTSB to investigate transportation accidents to include: (1) freight or passenger railroad accidents involving a fatality (other than a fatality involving a trespasser), substantial property damage, or significant injury to the environment; (2) accidents or incidents in response to an international request and delegation under appropriate conventions, coordinated through the Department of State and accepted by the NTSB; (3) accidents or incidents significantly affecting transportation safety; and (4) accidents involving a commercial space launch vehicle. Authorizes the NTSB, with the consent of the appropriate Secretary, to delegate its authority to investigate: (1) aviation accidents or incidents to the Department of Transportation; and (2) maritime accidents or incidents to the Coast Guard. Authorizes the NTSB, as well as any NTSB officer or employee, to download or seize any recording device and recordings and require specific information only available from the manufacturer to enable the NTSB to read and interpret any flight parameter or navigation storage device or media on board an accident aircraft. (Sec. 5) Revises requirements for domestic and foreign air carrier plans for addressing the needs of families of passengers involved in aircraft accidents that incur major loss of life. Requires domestic and foreign air carriers to make a reasonable attempt to notify the family of a passenger at least 60 days prior to the planned destruction of any unclaimed property of the passenger. (Sec. 6) Directs the NTSB to report to specified congressional committees on policies, procedures, and guidelines it has used to expedite the release of factual accident-related information to accident victims and their families, federal, state, and local accident investigators and agencies, private or third party investigation partners, the public, and other specified stakeholders.

sec reauthorizes appropriations national_transportation_safety_board ntsb fy2011 fy2012 sec revises term accident expand ntsb authority investigate discretion accidents involving destruction damage vehicle aircraft pipeline significantly affecting transportation safety authorizes ntsb subpoena witnesses obtain evidence relevant accident investigation prohibits ntsb including agency received information ntsb disclosing publicly commercial financial certain classified information ongoing ntsb accident investigations authorizes public disclosure information necessary certain circumstances promote transportation safety sec authorizes accident investigation training ntsb employees theory techniques transportation safety methods order advance ntsb safety recommendations revises authority ntsb investigate transportation accidents include freight passenger railroad accidents involving fatality fatality involving substantial property damage significant injury environment accidents incidents response international request delegation appropriate conventions coordinated department_of_state accepted ntsb accidents incidents significantly affecting transportation safety accidents involving commercial space launch vehicle authorizes ntsb consent appropriate secretary delegate authority investigate aviation accidents incidents department_of_transportation maritime accidents incidents coast_guard authorizes ntsb ntsb officer employee download seize recording device recordings require specific information available manufacturer enable ntsb read interpret flight navigation storage device media board accident aircraft sec revises requirements domestic foreign air carrier plans addressing needs families passengers involved aircraft accidents incur major loss life requires domestic foreign air carriers reasonable attempt notify family passenger days prior planned destruction unclaimed property passenger sec directs ntsb report specified congressional committees policies procedures guidelines expedite release factual accident related information accident victims families federal state local accident investigators agencies private party investigation partners public specified stakeholders


Summary: Pilot Professionalism Assurance Act - Authorizes air carriers to use information obtained from a cockpit voice recorder or a flight data recorder to: (1) discipline or discharge a pilot or flight engineer for actions that endanger the safety or well being of passengers; (2) defend itself in any discipline or discharge grievance proceeding; (3) evaluate or monitor the judgment or performance of an individual pilot or crew member; (4) justify or require a pilot's submission to a proficiency check or line check; or (5) effect any other purpose relating to improving the safety or well being of passengers. Requires each air carrier that has obtained such information to keep it confidential, and allows disclosure only to the extent required in an administrative or judicial proceeding. Prohibits tampering with, disabling, or destroying any cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder installed on a commercial aircraft. Prescribes criminal penalties for violation of this prohibition. Requires an air carrier to terminate immediately the employment of any commercial pilot who violates this prohibition. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to revoke immediately the airman certificate issued to that pilot.

pilot professionalism assurance act authorizes air carriers use information obtained cockpit voice recorder flight data recorder discipline discharge pilot flight engineer actions endanger safety passengers defend discipline discharge grievance proceeding evaluate monitor judgment performance individual pilot crew member justify require pilot submission proficiency check line check effect purpose relating improving safety passengers requires air carrier obtained information confidential allows disclosure extent required administrative judicial proceeding prohibits tampering disabling destroying cockpit voice recorder flight data recorder installed commercial aircraft prescribes criminal penalties violation prohibition requires air carrier terminate immediately employment commercial pilot violates prohibition requires administrator federal_aviation_administration faa revoke immediately airman certificate issued pilot


Summary: Expands the urbanized area formula grants program to include public transit projects in urbanized areas with specified population ranges if the state or regional authority that provides public transportation for the area operates less than 100 buses in fixed-route service in the area during peak service hours. Separates population categories by graduated increases of 200,000, starting with between 200,000 and 400,000, and capping at a minimum of 1 million. Establishes certain grant use limits for the operating costs of public transportation equipment and facilities in such projects, beginning with 50% of grant funds for certain activities and declining gradually to 30% for certain other activities. Revises grant eligibility requirements for FY2010-FY2015 for such projects in urbanized areas with a population of at least 200,000. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, during FY2010-FY2015, to award an additional grant to a designated recipient for the operating cost of public transportation equipment and facilities under this Act if the recipient: (1) was awarded a grant under the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) program; and (2) demonstrates that it has achieved specified energy savings and total greenhouse gas emission reduction as a result of a TIGGER grant project.

expands urbanized area formula grants program include public transit projects urbanized areas specified population ranges state regional authority provides public transportation area operates buses fixed route service area peak service hours separates population categories graduated increases starting capping minimum million establishes certain grant use limits operating costs public transportation equipment facilities projects beginning grant funds certain activities declining gradually certain activities revises grant eligibility requirements fy2010 fy2015 projects urbanized areas population authorizes secretary transportation fy2010 fy2015 award additional grant designated recipient operating cost public transportation equipment facilities act recipient awarded grant program demonstrates achieved specified energy savings total greenhouse gas emission reduction result grant project


Summary: Harbor Maintenance Act of 2010 - Requires the total budget resources for expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for harbor maintenance programs to equal the level of receipts plus interest credited to such Fund for that fiscal year. Limits the use of such resources to such programs only. Declares that it shall be out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that would cause total budget resources for the Fund in a fiscal year for harbor maintenance programs to be less than the level of receipts plus interest credited to the Fund for that fiscal year.

requires total budget resources expenditures harbor_maintenance_trust_fund harbor maintenance programs equal level receipts plus interest credited fund fiscal year limits use resources programs declares shall order house_of_representatives senate consider bill joint resolution amendment motion conference report cause total budget resources fund fiscal year harbor maintenance programs level receipts plus interest credited fund fiscal year


Summary: Vehicle Event History Information Capturing Leads to Engineering Safety Improvements Act of 2010 or VEHICLE Safety Improvements Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to promulgate regulations to require: (1) each new light-, medium-, and heavy-duty motor vehicle manufactured for sale or lease in the United States to be equipped with an event data recorder (EDR) meeting certain requirements; and (2) any data stored in the EDR of such vehicles to be accessible and retrievable by a commercially available universal data reader. Requires the owner's manual of new motor vehicles to indicate clearly the presence of EDRs. Prohibits the retrieval of information recorded or transmitted by an EDR by any person other than the owner of the motor vehicle in which such device is installed, unless: (1) a court authorizes it, the owner consents, or the information is retrieved by a government motor vehicle safety agency; and (2) neither the personally identifiable information of the vehicle owner or driver nor the vehicle identification number (VIN) is disclosed in the retrieval of information.

leads engineering safety improvements act directs secretary transportation dot promulgate regulations require new light- medium- heavy duty motor vehicle manufactured sale lease united_states equipped event data recorder meeting certain requirements data stored vehicles accessible retrievable commercially available universal data reader requires owner manual new motor vehicles indicate clearly presence prohibits retrieval information recorded transmitted person owner motor vehicle device installed court authorizes owner consents information retrieved government motor vehicle safety agency personally identifiable information vehicle owner driver vehicle identification number disclosed retrieval information


Summary: Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 - (Sec. 2) Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) for FY2011 for the Maritime Administration for: (1) operations and training activities, including earmarks for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy capital improvements and maintenance and repair for State Maritime Schools training ships; (2) administrative expenses related to maritime guaranteed loan commitments; (3) the disposal of non-retention vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet; and (4) maintenance of a U.S.-flag merchant fleet. (Sec. 3) Revises the purposes of the United States Merchant Marine Academy to emphasize: (1) its status as an institution of higher education; and (2) maritime-related research and provision of other appropriate academic support, assistance, training, and activities to prepare individuals for service in the U.S. merchant marine. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary, not later than July 31, 2012, to report to Congress on the status of the nation's coastal and inland waterways infrastructure. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate, make determinations concerning, and develop a repository of statistical information on intercoastal water transportation. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Maritime Administration to assess, and report to Congress on, the potential for using container-on-barge transportation on the inland waterways system. (Sec. 5) Eliminates separate landside congestion mitigation projects from the short sea transportation program. Authorizes the Secretary to designate a project as a short sea transportation project if it will provide transportation services for passengers or freight (or both) that may reduce congestion on landside infrastructure or lead to other public benefits. (Sec. 6) Declares that certain maritime law limitations shall not affect the Maritime Administration's authority to dispose of National Defense Reserve Fleet vessels or shipyards for recycling. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a green ships program to: (1) identify, evaluate, demonstrate, or improve emerging marine technologies likely to achieve environmental improvements through reduction of air or water emissions, increased fuel economy, or control of aquatic invasive species; and (2) develop and approve a validation and testing regime to certify or validate emerging technologies that demonstrate significant environmental benefits. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the donation, instead of sale, of non-retention (obsolete) vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.

maritime administration authorization act fiscal year sec authorizes appropriations secretary transportation dot fy2011 maritime_administration operations training activities including earmarks merchant marine_academy capital improvements maintenance repair state maritime schools training ships administrative expenses related maritime guaranteed loan commitments disposal non retention vessels national_defense_reserve_fleet maintenance merchant fleet sec revises purposes united_states merchant marine academy emphasize status institution higher education maritime related research provision appropriate academic support assistance training activities prepare individuals service merchant marine sec requires secretary later july report congress status nation coastal inland waterways infrastructure authorizes secretary investigate determinations concerning develop repository statistical information water transportation authorizes appropriations requires maritime_administration assess report congress potential container barge transportation inland waterways system sec eliminates separate congestion mitigation projects short sea transportation program authorizes secretary designate project short sea transportation project provide transportation services passengers freight reduce congestion infrastructure lead public benefits sec declares certain maritime law limitations shall affect maritime_administration authority dispose national_defense_reserve_fleet vessels shipyards recycling sec authorizes secretary establish green ships program identify evaluate demonstrate improve emerging marine technologies likely achieve environmental improvements reduction air water emissions increased fuel economy control aquatic invasive species develop approve validation testing regime certify validate emerging technologies demonstrate significant environmental benefits sec authorizes donation instead sale non retention obsolete vessels national_defense_reserve_fleet


Summary: Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance to Help Transportation Act of 2010 - Declares U.S. policy with respect to freight transportation. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) an Office of Freight Planning and Development. Directs the Secretary to develop a long-term National Freight Freight Transportation Strategic Plan to guide planning and investments in the national transportation system to move freight. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop new or improve existing tools to support an outcome-oriented, performance-based approach to evaluate proposed freight-related and other transportation projects; (2) facilitate the collection of transportation-related data to support a broad range of evaluation methods and techniques to assist in making transportation investment decisions; and (3) consider improvements to the Commodity Flow Survey that reduce identified freight data gaps and deficiencies and help evaluate forecasts of transportation demand. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a competitive grant program for capital investment projects that improve the efficiency of the national transportation system to move freight; and (2) give priority to projects with the highest system performance improvement relative to their benefit-cost analysis. Limits the federal share of project net capital costs at 80%. Requires a grant recipient to submit to the Secretary: (1) a project management plan and an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of $500 million or more; and (2) an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of $100 million or more. Repeals specified prohibitions against the transfer of amounts from the Highway Trust Fund to the Port Infrastructure Development Fund.

guidance help transportation act declares policy respect freight transportation establishes office_of_the_secretary transportation dot directs secretary develop long term guide planning investments national transportation system freight directs secretary develop new improve existing tools support outcome oriented performance based approach evaluate proposed freight related transportation projects facilitate collection transportation related data support broad range evaluation methods techniques assist making transportation investment decisions consider improvements reduce identified freight data gaps deficiencies help evaluate forecasts transportation demand directs secretary establish competitive grant program capital investment projects improve efficiency national transportation system freight priority projects highest system performance improvement relative benefit cost analysis limits federal share project net capital costs requires grant recipient submit secretary project management plan annual financial plan project total cost million annual financial plan project total cost million repeals specified prohibitions transfer amounts highway_trust_fund


Summary: Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard (CG) is operating (the Secretary in this bill, unless otherwise indicated) to prescribe regulations to establish education standards for recreational vessel operators. Establishes within the CG the America's Waterway Watch Program. Authorizes the Secretary to develop protocols, procedures, standards, and requirements for transportation of especially hazardous cargo to promote the safe and secure operation of ports, facilities, and vessels that transport such cargo. Requires the Secretary to initiate the development of an international committee also dedicated to promoting such safe and secure operations. Authorizes the CG Commandant to execute cooperative enforcement agreements with law enforcement agencies under which law agency personnel are deputized and assets are placed under CG control to enforce security zones for the transportation of especially hazardous cargo. Requires the CG Commandant to establish national standards for training, qualification, and credentialing of such personnel. Requires the Secretary to establish a strategic plan for the utilization of certain programs to assist foreign ports and facilities found not to maintain effective antiterrorism measures in the implementation of such measures. Requires an area maritime transportation security plan to establish regional response and recovery protocols to mitigate regional transportation security incidents. Requires the Secretary to ensure the deployment of interoperable communications technology at all interagency operational centers for port security at high-priority U.S. ports. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require U.S. and foreign commercial vessels that enter a U.S. port or facility to designate a U.S. person who will be responsible for responding to a transportation security incident involving the vessel while in the United States. Directs the Secretary to develop a national standard and formula for prioritizing, addressing, and mitigating assessed security risks at U.S. ports and facilities on or adjacent to a U.S. waterway. Requires owners of U.S facilities that are on or adjacent to U.S. waters that pose a high risk of being involved in a transportation security incident to: (1) make the vulnerability assessment of the facility available to the local port authority and appropriate state or local law enforcement agencies; and (2) integrate the facility's security system with compatible systems operated by state, law enforcement agencies, and the CG. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to negotiate a written agreement with each marine terminal operator governing the use and placement of screening devices on the terminal. Requires the Secretary to establish comprehensive security training requirements that would lead to certification of facility security officers. Establishes in the Treasury a Support of Seafarers Fund. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a strategic plan to prevent the unauthorized importation of radioactive, chemical, biological, or nuclear agents through all modal pathways coming into the United States; and (2) identify and harmonize electronic filing of vessel passenger and crew lists and entry requirements where appropriate. Requires the DHS Secretary to establish integrated project teams within the science and technology directorate to assist DHS in product research, development, transition, and acquisition activities for cargo security. Amends the SAFE Port Act to: (1) extend authority for the screening and scanning requirements for cargo containers; and (2) exempt the scanning of cargo shipped and transported in accordance with applicable law by the Secretary of State. Prohibits a person from being held liable for monetary damages for using force at sea to defend a vessel against an act of piracy. Authorizes the Secretary to extend for up to one year expiring merchant mariner licenses, certificates of registry, and documents. Prohibits the DHS Secretary from requiring an individual to hold a transportation security card, or be accompanied by a cardholder, if the individual: (1) is engaged in the operation of a live animal-propelled vessel; (2) is not allowed unescorted access to a secure area; and (2) has been issued a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document. Extends funding for the Secretary to conduct pilot projects to test the effectiveness and applicability of new port security projects at U.S. Ports

maritime transportation security act authorizes secretary department coast_guard operating secretary bill indicated prescribe regulations establish education standards recreational vessel operators establishes america waterway watch program authorizes secretary develop protocols procedures standards requirements transportation especially hazardous cargo promote safe secure operation ports facilities vessels transport cargo requires secretary initiate development international committee dedicated promoting safe secure operations authorizes commandant execute cooperative enforcement agreements law enforcement agencies law agency personnel deputized assets placed control enforce security zones transportation especially hazardous cargo requires commandant establish national standards training qualification credentialing personnel requires secretary establish strategic plan utilization certain programs assist foreign ports facilities found maintain effective antiterrorism measures implementation measures requires area maritime transportation security plan establish regional response recovery protocols mitigate regional transportation security incidents requires secretary ensure deployment interoperable communications technology interagency operational centers port security high priority ports directs secretary prescribe regulations require foreign commercial vessels enter port facility designate person responsible responding transportation security incident involving vessel united_states directs secretary develop national standard formula prioritizing addressing mitigating assessed security risks ports facilities adjacent waterway requires owners facilities adjacent waters pose high risk involved transportation security incident vulnerability assessment facility available local port authority appropriate state local law enforcement agencies integrate facility security system compatible systems operated state law enforcement agencies requires secretary homeland_security dhs negotiate written agreement marine terminal operator governing use placement screening devices terminal requires secretary establish comprehensive security training requirements lead certification facility security officers establishes treasury directs secretary develop strategic plan prevent unauthorized importation radioactive chemical biological nuclear agents modal pathways coming united_states identify harmonize electronic filing vessel passenger crew lists entry requirements appropriate requires dhs secretary establish integrated project teams science technology directorate assist dhs product research development transition acquisition activities cargo security amends safe port act extend authority screening scanning requirements cargo containers exempt scanning cargo shipped transported accordance applicable law secretary state prohibits person held liable monetary damages force sea defend vessel act piracy authorizes secretary extend year expiring merchant mariner licenses certificates registry documents prohibits dhs secretary requiring individual hold transportation security card accompanied cardholder individual engaged operation live animal propelled vessel allowed unescorted access secure area issued license certificate registry merchant mariner document extends funding secretary conduct pilot projects test effectiveness applicability new port security projects


Summary: SAFE Port Reauthorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for port security grants. Amends the SAFE Port Act to authorize appropriations for: (1) the automated targeting system for identifying and inspecting high-risk oceanborne container cargo; (2) the Container Security Initiative; and (3) the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). Permits: (1) unannounced inspections of a C-TPAT participant's security measures; and (2) provision of voluntary supply chain security training. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a program to promote sharing of private sector security-related information. Requires the Secretary, prior to entering into an agreement between the United States and a foreign government providing for mutual recognition of supply chain security programs, to: (1) notify Congress of such agreement's terms; and (2) determine that the foreign government's program provides a C-TPAT level of security. Sets forth exemptions to the requirement that a container loaded on a vessel in a foreign port not be allowed into the United States unless it was scanned by nonintrusive imaging and radiation detection equipment prior to loading. Directs the Secretary to establish the America's Waterway Watch Program to promote voluntary public and industry recognition and reporting of suspected terrorist activity or suspicious behavior against a vessel, facility, port, or waterway. Directs the Secretary to provide for maritime and cargo security research and development, as well as a maritime and cargo security demonstration project. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to provide a foreign government with port security and safety assistance.

safe port reauthorization act authorizes appropriations port security grants amends safe port act authorize appropriations automated targeting system identifying inspecting high risk container cargo container security initiative permits unannounced inspections participant security measures provision voluntary supply chain security training directs secretary homeland_security dhs establish program promote sharing private sector security related information requires secretary prior entering agreement united_states foreign government providing mutual recognition supply chain security programs notify congress agreement terms determine foreign government program provides level security sets forth exemptions requirement container loaded vessel foreign port allowed united_states imaging radiation detection equipment prior loading directs secretary establish promote voluntary public industry recognition reporting suspected terrorist activity suspicious behavior vessel facility port waterway directs secretary provide maritime cargo security research development maritime cargo security demonstration project authorizes secretary department coast_guard operating provide foreign government port security safety assistance


Summary: Requires states, at a minimum, to cooperate with affected nonmetropolitan local officials responsible for transportation through regional transportation planning organizations to develop and implement long-range statewide transportation plans and statewide transportation improvement programs, with emphasis on addressing the transportation needs of nonmetropolitan areas of the state. Defines a regional transportation planning organization as a multi-jurisdictional organization composed of nonmetropolitan local officials (or their designees) and representatives of local transportation systems who all volunteer for such organization.

requires states minimum cooperate affected nonmetropolitan local officials responsible transportation regional transportation planning organizations develop implement long range statewide transportation plans statewide transportation improvement programs emphasis addressing transportation needs nonmetropolitan areas state defines regional transportation planning organization multi jurisdictional organization composed nonmetropolitan local officials designees representatives local transportation systems volunteer organization


Summary: Fairness in Admiralty and Maritime Law Act - Expands a shipowner's liability to claims not subject to limitation to include: (1) personal injury claims; (2) wrongful death claims; and (3) claims relating to oil drilling or exploration or the discharge of oil from a vessel or offshore facility. Excepts the owner of a fishing vessel from such limitation for claims for personal injury or wrongful death, unless the claim involves the privity or knowledge of the owner. Allows punitive damages to be assessed without regard to the amount of compensatory damages assessed in a civil maritime action for damages arising out of a maritime tort, subject to exception. Amends the Death on the High Seas Act to permit the personal representative of a decedent to bring a civil action in admiralty or law (limited to admiralty under current law) against the person or vessel responsible for the decedent's death when the death was caused by wrongful act, neglect, or default occurring on the high seas beyond three nautical miles from the shore of the United States. Allows recovery in such an action for fair compensation for nonpecuniary loss (limited to pecuniary loss under current law), plus a fair compensation for the decedent's pain and suffering. Defines "nonpecuniary loss" as loss of care, comfort, and companionship. Amends provisions concerning commercial aviation accidents to include general aviation accidents. Amends the Jones Act to allow recovery for the loss of care, comfort, and companionship of a seaman in a claim by the seaman's representative relating to oil drilling or exploration or the discharge of oil when the seaman died as the result of such oil drilling or exploration or the discharge of oil.

fairness admiralty maritime law act expands liability claims subject limitation include personal injury claims wrongful death claims claims relating oil drilling exploration discharge oil vessel offshore facility excepts owner fishing vessel limitation claims personal injury wrongful death claim involves knowledge owner allows punitive damages assessed regard compensatory damages assessed civil maritime action damages arising maritime tort subject exception amends death high seas act permit personal representative decedent bring civil action admiralty law limited admiralty current law person vessel responsible decedent death death caused wrongful act neglect default occurring high seas nautical miles shore united_states allows recovery action fair compensation nonpecuniary loss limited pecuniary loss current law plus fair compensation decedent pain suffering defines nonpecuniary loss loss care comfort companionship amends provisions concerning commercial aviation accidents include general aviation accidents amends jones act allow recovery loss care comfort companionship seaman claim seaman representative relating oil drilling exploration discharge oil seaman died result oil drilling exploration discharge oil


Summary: Aviation Security Innovation & Reform Act of 2010 or AIR Act of 2010 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Assistant Secretary) (Transportation Security Administration [TSA]) to prescribe employment standards for air carrier personnel and airport security personnel. (Under current law, the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security (Department of Transportation [DOT]) is required to prescribe such standards.) Revises security screening personnel training plan requirements to require the Assistant Secretary to establish a training plan for TSA Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) that: (1) ensures that TSO training is standardized; and (2) meets certain other requirements, including that each TSO receives training in basic security screening skills and criminal and antiterrorism awareness. Places the TSA, headed by the Assistant Secretary, under the administration of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). (Effectively updates federal law to reflect the transfer of the TSA from DOT to DHS in March, 2003.) Establishes in the TSA the Office of Behavior Analysis, which shall provide behavior assessment training to TSA and other federal, state, and local government law enforcement personnel. Requires the Assistant Secretary to develop partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies to: (1) improve coordination of behavior detection activities; and (2) deploy TSOs specializing in techniques to identify high-risk individuals based on behavior patterns (behavior detection officers) to serve as an additional layer of security and to deter terrorism at train and bus stations and other infrastructure facilities. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) provide a select group of behavior detection officers at Passengers by Observation Techniques airports with an appropriate level of security clearance to access law enforcement and intelligence databases, assist in verifying a passenger's identity, and assist in law enforcement operations; (2) require the TSA Transportation Security Operations Center to use all of the law enforcement and intelligence databases available when checking passengers at the law enforcement official referral level; and (3) standardize and streamline threat-reporting guidelines to allow behavior detection officers or other designated TSA officials to receive Center information in a timely manner. Directs the Assistant Secretary to continue the standardization of TSA security and personnel procedures at U.S. airports. Requires the Assistant Secretary to deploy: (1) behavior detection officers to National Special Security Events designated by the DHS Secretary; and (2) Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response teams at passenger rail facilities to enhance security and cross-training opportunities for behavior detection officers. Directs the Assistant Secretary to establish an electronic medium through which TSOs and behavior detection officers may anonymously submit feedback regarding TSA transportation security programs or management issues.

aviation security innovation reform act air act directs assistant secretary homeland_security assistant secretary transportation_security_administration tsa prescribe employment standards air carrier personnel airport security personnel current law secretary dot required prescribe standards revises security screening personnel training plan requirements require assistant secretary establish training plan ensures training standardized meets certain requirements including receives training basic security screening skills criminal antiterrorism awareness places tsa headed assistant secretary administration department_of_homeland_security dhs effectively updates federal law reflect transfer tsa dot dhs march establishes shall provide behavior assessment training tsa federal state local government law enforcement personnel requires assistant secretary develop partnerships state local law enforcement agencies improve coordination behavior detection activities deploy specializing techniques identify high risk individuals based behavior patterns behavior detection officers serve additional layer security deter terrorism train bus stations infrastructure facilities directs assistant secretary provide select group behavior detection officers passengers observation techniques airports appropriate level security clearance access law enforcement intelligence databases assist verifying passenger identity assist law enforcement operations require use law enforcement intelligence databases available checking passengers law enforcement official referral level standardize streamline threat reporting guidelines allow behavior detection officers designated tsa officials receive center information timely manner directs assistant secretary continue standardization tsa security personnel procedures airports requires assistant secretary deploy behavior detection officers designated dhs secretary visible intermodal prevention response teams passenger rail facilities enhance security cross training opportunities behavior detection officers directs assistant secretary establish electronic medium behavior detection officers anonymously submit feedback tsa transportation security programs management issues


Summary: Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to study and report to specified congressional committees on the potential impact on consumers of increasing the amount of ethanol blended with gasoline or other petroleum products for use as fuel for internal combustion engines. Directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to study and report to specified congressional committees on whether the use of ethanol-gasoline blends of more than 10% by volume ethanol in motor vehicles will have an adverse impact on tailpipe emissions, exhaust temperatures, catalytic converters, and motor vehicle engine performance and durability. Declares the sense of Congress that federal departments and agencies should withhold from approving any increase in the use of ethanol or ethanol-gasoline blends as fuel for internal combustion engines until 30 days after both such reports have been submitted.

directs consumer_product_safety_commission cpsc study report specified congressional committees potential impact consumers increasing ethanol blended gasoline petroleum products use fuel internal combustion engines directs national_highway_traffic_safety_administration nhtsa study report specified congressional committees use ethanol gasoline blends volume ethanol motor vehicles adverse impact emissions exhaust temperatures catalytic motor vehicle engine performance durability declares sense congress federal departments agencies withhold approving increase use ethanol ethanol gasoline blends fuel internal combustion engines days reports submitted


Summary: Authorizes the state of Ohio to use (reprogram) grant funds received from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for intercity passenger rail service capital projects, pursuant to appropriations under title XII of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, for any other transportation projects.

authorizes state ohio use reprogram grant funds received federal_railroad_administration fra intercity passenger rail service capital projects pursuant appropriations title xii american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act transportation projects


Summary: Clean Ports Act of 2011 - Declares that federal preemption of state and local law relating to a price, route, or service of any motor carrier of property shall not apply to the authority of a state, local government, or the political authority of two or more states to adopt requirements for motor carriers providing services at port facilities that are reasonably related to the reduction of environmental pollution, traffic congestion, the improvement of highway safety, or the efficient utilization of such port facilities, provided adoption or enforcement of such requirements does not conflict with federal law. Declares that nothing in this Act shall limit the rights reserved to any state or political subdivision of such state under the Clean Air Act.

clean ports act declares federal preemption state local law relating price route service motor carrier property shall apply authority state local government political authority states adopt requirements motor carriers providing services port facilities reasonably related reduction environmental pollution traffic congestion improvement highway safety efficient utilization port facilities provided adoption enforcement requirements conflict federal law declares act shall limit rights reserved state political subdivision state clean air act


Summary: Surface Transportation Safety Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to modify certain federal regulations to: (1) allow fire services personnel to wear high visibility apparel meeting certain requirements, and (2) ensure that positive protective measures (including temporary longitudinal traffic barriers) are used to separate workers on highway construction projects from motorized traffic. Directs the Secretary to approve the use of federal-aid highway funds by a state for patented or proprietary items that further the goals of state strategic highway safety plans. Revises requirements for the highway safety improvement program to count installation, replacement, and upgrade of highway signs and pavement markings as a highway safety improvement project. Authorizes: (1) states to obligate highway safety improvement program funds apportioned to them for projects to maintain minimum levels of retroreflectivity in highway signs or pavement markings on public roads, whether or not such projects are included in state plans; and (2) a federal share of costs of 100% for such projects. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program to improve traffic signs and pavement markings for older drivers and pedestrians in all states; (2) review the safety of all highway-rail grade crossings in the United States and, based on such review, compile a list of the ten highway-rail grade crossings having the greatest need for safety improvements; (3) establish a national database of information on the safety of highway-rail grade crossings in the United States; and (4) allocate $20 million to each state with a population density of less than 20 persons per square mile for each fiscal year beginning with FY2011 for rural highway safety improvement projects.

directs secretary transportation modify certain federal regulations allow fire services personnel wear high visibility apparel meeting certain requirements ensure positive protective measures including temporary longitudinal traffic barriers separate workers highway construction projects motorized traffic directs secretary approve use federal aid highway funds state patented proprietary items goals state strategic highway safety plans revises requirements highway safety improvement program count installation replacement upgrade highway signs pavement markings highway safety improvement project authorizes states obligate highway safety improvement program funds apportioned projects maintain minimum levels retroreflectivity highway signs pavement markings public roads projects included state plans federal share costs projects directs secretary carry program improve traffic signs pavement markings older drivers pedestrians states review safety highway rail grade crossings united_states based review compile list highway rail grade crossings having greatest need safety improvements establish national database information safety highway rail grade crossings united_states allocate million state population density persons square mile fiscal year beginning fy2011 rural highway safety improvement projects


Summary: American Shipping Reinvestment Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal shipping investment withdrawal tax rules; and (2) allow U.S. corporate shareholders an election to deduct dividends attributable to foreign base company shipping income received from a controlled foreign corporation.

amends internal revenue code repeal shipping investment withdrawal tax rules allow corporate shareholders election deduct dividends attributable foreign base company shipping income received controlled foreign corporation


Summary: Requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to convey the decommissioned Coast Guard Cutter STORIS to the Storis Museum, a nonprofit entity of Juneau, Alaska, provided that the Museum agrees to enumerated conditions.

requires commandant coast guard convey decommissioned coast_guard_cutter_storis nonprofit entity alaska provided museum agrees enumerated conditions


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the alternative tax on qualifying shipping activities to treat a corporation electing such tax as continuing to use a qualifying vessel in the U.S. foreign trade during any period of use in the U.S. domestic trade, thus eliminating the 30 day limitation on operating in U.S. domestic trade under current law.

amends internal revenue code modify alternative tax qualifying shipping activities treat corporation electing tax continuing use qualifying vessel foreign trade period use domestic trade eliminating day limitation operating domestic trade current law


Summary: Short Sea Shipping Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the harbor maintenance tax commercial cargo (other than bulk cargo) loaded at: (1) a port in the U.S. mainland and unloaded at another such port after transport solely by coastal route or river or unloaded at a port in Canada located in the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System, or (2) such a port in Canada and unloaded at a port in the U.S. mainland. Defines the "Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System" as the waterway between Duluth, Minnesota, and Nova Scotia, encompassing the five Great Lakes, their connecting channels, and the Saint Lawrence River.

amends internal revenue code exempt harbor maintenance tax commercial cargo bulk cargo loaded port mainland unloaded port transport solely coastal route river unloaded port canada located great lakes saint lawrence seaway system port canada unloaded port mainland defines great lakes saint lawrence seaway system waterway duluth minnesota encompassing great lakes connecting channels saint lawrence river


Summary: Putting Our Resources Toward Security (PORTS) Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, between FY2012-FY2016, to increase the number of full-time Customs and Border Protection officers, agriculture specialists, and border security support personnel for U.S. ports of entry by not fewer than 5,000, 1,200, and 350, respectively, above the number of such personnel for which funds were made available during FY2010.Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) for each of FY2012-FY2016 to make improvements to existing U.S. ports of entry to improve border security. Directs the Administrator to give priority to ports determined to be in most need of repair in accordance with required infrastructure assessment studies.

putting resources security ports act_-_directs secretary homeland_security fy2012-fy2016 increase number time customs border protection officers agriculture specialists border security support personnel ports entry fewer respectively number personnel funds available appropriations administrator general_services_administration gsa fy2012 fy2016 improvements existing ports entry improve border security directs administrator priority ports determined need repair accordance required infrastructure assessment studies


Summary: Marine Corps Aviation Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, during the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2015, to mint and issue up to 100,000 $10 coins emblematic of the warrior ethos of the U.S. Marine Corps. Requires all coin sales to include a $35 surcharge, and all surcharges received to be paid promptly to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation for construction of the Marine Corps Heritage Center.

secretary treasury year period beginning january issue coins emblematic warrior marine_corps requires coin sales include surcharge surcharges received paid promptly construction


Summary: Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Enhancement Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to implement a roadway safety enhancement program for older drivers and pedestrians to: (1) improve roadway safety infrastructure in states that is consistent with recommendations of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in the "Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians," and (2) achieve significant reductions in roadway fatalities and serious injuries among drivers and pedestrians 65 years old or older on all public roads. Sets forth project eligibility requirements and project identification and selection priorities. Requires the Secretary to finalize revision of the Handbook for publication. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to repeal its program for roadway safety improvements for older drivers and pedestrians. Requires the Secretary to: (1) appoint a Special Assistant for Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety within the Office of the Secretary; and (2) establish national goals for increasing driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety for persons 65 years old or older. Requires the Secretary to revise the manual on uniform traffic control devices to include a standard for a minimum level of retroreflectivity for pavement markings on all public roads.

roadway enhancement act directs secretary transportation dot implement roadway safety enhancement program older drivers pedestrians improve roadway safety infrastructure states consistent recommendations federal_highway_administration fhwa pedestrians achieve significant reductions roadway fatalities injuries drivers pedestrians years old older public roads sets forth project eligibility requirements project identification selection priorities requires secretary finalize revision handbook publication amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation act legacy users safetea repeal program roadway safety improvements older drivers pedestrians requires secretary appoint special assistant office_of_the_secretary establish national goals increasing driver passenger pedestrian safety persons years old older requires secretary revise manual uniform traffic control devices include standard minimum level retroreflectivity pavement markings public roads


Summary: Notice of Arrival Act or NOA Act - Amends the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 to require a notice of arrival (NOA) on the Outer Continental Shelf from certain U.S. documented vessels only if they arrive from a foreign port or place.

act amends security accountability port act require notice arrival outer_continental_shelf certain documented vessels arrive foreign port place


Summary: United States Ferry Systems Investment Act of 2011 - Makes funds available from the Highway Trust Fund to the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) for FY2012-FY2018 for construction of ferry vessels and ferry terminal facilities. Revises general requirements and the formula for the allocation of such funds to ferry systems and public entities responsible for developing ferries. Includes ferries within the federal clean fuels grant program. Directs the Secretary to establish within the Department of Transportation (DOT) a Ferry Joint Program Office to: (1) coordinate federal programs affecting ferry vessel and ferry facility construction, maintenance, operations, and security; and (2) promote ferry service as a component of the U.S. transportation system. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that the national ferry database is consistent with the national transit database maintained by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); and (2) award a grant to a college to establish a National Ferry Transportation Institute for research, development, and training programs relating to U.S. ferry transportation systems.

investment act makes funds available highway_trust_fund secretary transportation dot fy2012-fy2018 construction ferry vessels ferry terminal facilities revises general requirements formula allocation funds ferry systems public entities responsible developing ferries includes ferries federal clean fuels grant program directs secretary establish department_of_transportation dot coordinate federal programs affecting ferry vessel ferry facility construction maintenance operations security promote ferry service component transportation system requires secretary ensure national ferry database consistent national transit database maintained federal_transit_administration fta award grant college establish research development training programs relating ferry transportation systems


Summary: Creating and Restoring U.S. Investment and Stimulating Employment Act - Exempts from certain provisions limiting the transportation of passengers by a passenger vessel between U.S. coastwise trading ports or places those voyages: (1) that are over 24 hours in duration, (2) that are at least partly on the high seas, and (3) in which passengers embark or disembark in the United States (including any U.S. commonwealth or territory). Excludes from the existing definition of "passenger vessel": (1) public vessels, (2) vessels owned or operated by a state or local government, or (3) vessels used on a regular schedule to provide transportation only between particular places and to transport only passengers or vehicles or railroad cars used in transporting passengers or goods.

creating certain provisions limiting transportation passengers passenger vessel coastwise trading ports places voyages hours duration partly high seas passengers united_states including commonwealth territory excludes existing definition passenger vessel public vessels vessels owned operated state local government vessels regular schedule provide transportation particular places transport passengers vehicles railroad cars transporting passengers goods


Summary: Border Security Technology Innovation Act of 2011 - Directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that any federal government interagency or intra-agency agreement entered into by the Under Secretary to develop and transition new technology explicitly characterizes the requirements, expected use, and concept of operations for that technology. Changes the termination date for DHS's Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee to December 31, 2014.Directs the Comptroller General to assess the basic science research needs in the border and maritime security domain.Requires: (1) the Secretary of DHS and the Director of the Joint Planning and Development Office to continue to research and develop technologies to permit routine operation of unmanned aerial vehicles, including autonomously piloted drones, within the national airspace for border and maritime security missions without any degradation of existing levels of safety for all national airspace system users; (2) the Secretary to coordinate with the Director to enter into pilot projects in designated test ranges in sparsely populated, low-density air traffic airspace to conduct research, experiments, and data collection in order to accelerate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system as part of that Office's research activities; (3) the Under Secretary to continue to research and develop technologies to permit detection of near surface voids, such as tunnels, with an emphasis on technologies with real time capability; and (4) the Secretary to coordinate with other federal agencies and ensure the integration of such activities with relevant efforts of such other agencies and DHS's Centers of Excellence Program.Directs the Under Secretary, in coordination with: (1) the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to continue a joint research and development program on anti-counterfeit technologies and standards; and (2) the Commissioner of United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to continue research on the use of mobile biometric technology at the nation's borders between the ports of entry.

innovation act directs secretary dhs ensure federal government interagency intra agency agreement entered secretary develop transition new technology explicitly requirements expected use concept operations technology changes termination date dhs december comptroller general assess basic science research needs border maritime security domain requires secretary dhs director continue research develop technologies permit routine operation unmanned aerial vehicles including piloted drones national airspace border maritime security missions degradation existing levels safety national airspace system users secretary coordinate director enter pilot projects designated test ranges populated low density air traffic airspace conduct research experiments data collection order accelerate safe integration unmanned aircraft systems national airspace system office research activities secretary continue research develop technologies permit detection near surface voids tunnels emphasis technologies real time capability secretary coordinate federal agencies ensure integration activities relevant efforts agencies dhs directs secretary coordination director national_institute_of_standards_and_technology continue joint research development program anti counterfeit technologies standards commissioner united_states_customs border protection cbp continue research use mobile biometric technology nation borders ports entry