Summary:
Head Start Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Head Start Act to replace the existing Head Start program with block grants to states and Indian tribes for prekindergarten (pre-K) education.

Instead of providing direct financial assistance to Head Start agencies, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall allot block grant funds for pre-K education among eligible states and Indian tribes in accordance with their relative proportions of children, age five and younger, from low-income households. Grant recipients shall use the grant funds to: (1) award subgrants to eligible entities that provide pre-K education programs; (2) administer such programs; and (3) provide technical assistance, oversight, monitoring, research, and training.

Under current law, HHS is authorized to designate, monitor, and establish standards for Head Start agencies. The bill instead shifts pre-K program oversight and control to states and Indian tribes, which shall have full flexibility to use grant funds to finance the pre-K programs of their choice. In addition, grant recipients may use grant funds to establish portable voucher systems that allow costs to be paid for attendance at private pre-K education programs.

Under current law, federal financial assistance for a Head Start program is generally limited to 80% of total program costs. The bill maintains this limitation by requiring grant recipients to provide matching funds equal to 20% of the grant amount.

head start improvement act bill amends head start act replace existing head_start program block grants states indian tribes prekindergarten education instead providing direct financial assistance head_start agencies department_of_health_and_human_services hhs shall allot block grant funds pre education eligible states indian tribes accordance relative proportions children age younger low income households grant recipients shall use grant funds award subgrants eligible entities provide pre education programs administer programs provide technical assistance oversight monitoring research training current law hhs authorized designate monitor establish standards head start agencies bill instead shifts program oversight control states indian tribes shall flexibility use grant funds finance programs choice addition grant recipients use grant funds establish portable voucher systems allow costs paid attendance private education programs current law federal financial assistance head start program generally limited total program costs bill maintains limitation requiring grant recipients provide matching funds equal grant


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

100 Years of Women in Congress Act

(Sec. 3) This bill amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to designate as Jeannette Rankin Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Program Grants the current research and extension grants to increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with priority given to eligible institutions that carry out continuing programs funded by the Department of Agriculture.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure years women congress act sec bill amends trade act designate minorities stem fields program grants current research extension grants increase participation women underrepresented minorities rural areas fields science technology engineering mathematics stem priority given eligible institutions carry continuing programs funded department_of_agriculture


Summary:
Families Learning and Understanding English Together Act of 2016

This bill authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to make grants to providers of family literacy services in order to improve the literacy and English skills of limited English proficient individuals who are parents or children in families where each parent is at least age 16 and at least one child is under age 8.

ED shall reserve certain funds to: (1) provide grantees with technical assistance and training, and (2) evaluate and improve the family literacy grant program.

Grantees must meet specified outcome measures.

understanding english act bill authorizes grants providers family literacy services order improve literacy english skills limited english proficient individuals parents children families parent age child age shall reserve certain funds provide grantees technical assistance training evaluate improve family literacy grant program grantees meet specified outcome measures


Summary:
Providing Resources to Improve Dual Language Education Act of 2016 or the PRIDE Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to award up to five grants to partnerships of local educational agencies, early childhood education programs, and technical assistance providers for the implementation of dual language demonstration programs designed to enhance and assess the biliteracy and bilingualism skills of low-income minority and limited English proficient children from preschool through grade five.

ED shall: (1) contract with an entity that has dual language program experience to provide technical assistance and program evaluation, and (2) disseminate information on best practices implemented under model programs.

pride act bill authorizes award grants partnerships local educational agencies early childhood education programs technical assistance providers implementation dual language demonstration programs designed enhance assess biliteracy skills low income minority limited english proficient children preschool grade shall contract entity dual language program experience provide technical assistance program evaluation disseminate information best practices implemented model programs


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.)

Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act

(Sec. 3) This bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to encourage women and girls to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), pursue careers in aerospace, and further advance the nation's space science and exploration efforts through support of the following initiatives:

 NASA GIRLS and NASA BOYS; Aspire to Inspire; and Summer Institute in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Research. (Sec. 4) NASA shall submit to Congress a specified plan on how NASA can best facilitate and support both current and retired astronauts, scientists, engineers, and innovators, including early career female astronauts, scientists, engineers, and innovators, to engage with K-12 female STEM students and inspire the next generation of women to consider participating in STEM fields and to pursue careers in aerospace.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house passed version repeated space pioneers innovators researchers women act sec bill directs national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa encourage women girls study science technology engineering mathematics stem pursue careers aerospace advance nation space science exploration efforts support following initiatives nasa girls nasa boys aspire research sec nasa shall submit congress specified plan nasa best facilitate support current retired scientists engineers innovators including early career female scientists engineers innovators engage k-12 female stem students generation women consider participating stem fields pursue careers aerospace


Summary:
Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2016

 This bill requires the National Science Foundation to award competitive grants to enable eligible entities to carry out the activities specified below in order to increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

 An eligible entity that receives a grant shall use grant funds to carry out one or more of the following activities designed to increase the participation of women or minorities underrepresented in science and engineering, or both:

 online workshops, mentoring programs that partner STEM professionals with students, internships for undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, outreach programs providing elementary and secondary school students with opportunities to increase their exposure to STEM fields, and programs to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented faculty.

women minorities stem booster act bill requires national_science_foundation award competitive grants enable eligible entities carry activities specified order increase participation women underrepresented minorities fields science technology engineering mathematics stem eligible entity receives grant shall use grant funds carry following activities designed increase participation women minorities underrepresented science engineering online workshops mentoring programs partner stem professionals students internships undergraduate graduate students stem fields outreach programs providing elementary secondary school students opportunities increase exposure stem fields programs increase recruitment retention underrepresented faculty


Summary:
Local Education Freedom Act of 2016

This bill requires a state to carry out an education voucher program as a condition of receiving federal funds for elementary and secondary education.

Through the program, a parent of an eligible child may enter into an agreement with a state educational agency (SEA) if the child's school receives federal funds on the condition of implementing a federal mandate with which the parent disagrees. An SEA shall: (1) provide an education savings account to each eligible child whose parent enters into such an agreement, and (2) disburse to each account an amount equal to the state's average per-pupil expenditure.

The funds in an education savings account may be used only for:

 tuition and fees for a qualifying provider; textbooks, supplemental materials, and supplies; specified examination fees; transportation; a contribution to a qualified tuition program or specified education savings account; and other education expenses approved by the SEA. A "qualifying provider" is an SEA-approved entity that complies with specified requirements and is: (1) a public or nonpublic school; (2) a home school, provided that the eligible child was enrolled in a public school during the previous academic year; (3) a tutoring facility; (4) a provider of distance learning or specialized instructional support services; or (5) an institution of higher education.

In general, a qualified provider may not discriminate against program participants or applicants on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex. However, the prohibition on sex discrimination shall not apply to religiously affiliated providers to the extent that such application is inconsistent with the provider's religious tenets or beliefs.

local education freedom act bill requires state carry education voucher program condition receiving federal funds elementary secondary education program parent eligible child enter agreement state educational agency sea child school receives federal funds condition implementing federal mandate parent disagrees sea shall provide education savings account eligible child parent enters agreement disburse account equal state average pupil expenditure funds education savings account tuition fees qualifying provider textbooks supplemental materials supplies specified examination fees transportation contribution qualified tuition program specified education savings account education expenses approved sea qualifying provider sea approved entity complies specified requirements public nonpublic school home school provided eligible child enrolled public school previous academic year tutoring facility provider distance learning specialized instructional support services institution higher education general qualified provider discriminate program participants applicants basis race color national origin sex prohibition sex discrimination shall apply affiliated providers extent application inconsistent provider religious beliefs


Summary:
Keep Students in School Act of 2016

This bill establishes a grant program through which the Department of Education (ED) shall assist local educational agencies in carrying out one or more of the following activities:

 establishing an attendance program; funding after-school programs and recreational activities; establishing a teacher training and development program that focuses on issues relating to racial inequality and poverty; if applicable, making a zero tolerance policy more compatible with the goals of student retention and engagement; establishing a student absence policy with respect to at-risk children; collaborating with local agencies and social workers to address issues facing at-risk children; providing parents of at-risk children with resources and support; establishing or expanding a mentoring program; or providing schools with licensed social workers. ED shall provide technical assistance to grantees upon request.

In addition, ED shall establish a task force to develop a comprehensive work plan to address the hardships that disadvantaged youth may face in attending school and attaining academic success. The task force shall: (1) coordinate interagency efforts to address such hardships, (2) assess the effectiveness of federal programs aimed at addressing those hardships, and (3) develop a plan that implements improvements to such federal programs and incorporates positive youth development practices.

students school act bill establishes grant program shall assist local educational agencies carrying following activities establishing attendance program funding school programs recreational activities establishing teacher training development program focuses issues relating racial poverty applicable making zero tolerance policy compatible goals student retention engagement establishing student absence policy respect risk children collaborating local agencies social workers address issues facing risk children providing parents risk children resources support establishing expanding mentoring program providing schools licensed social workers shall provide technical assistance grantees request addition shall establish task force develop comprehensive work plan address hardships disadvantaged youth face attending school attaining academic success task force shall coordinate interagency efforts address hardships assess effectiveness federal programs aimed addressing hardships develop plan implements improvements federal programs incorporates positive youth development practices


Summary:
Innovations to Recruit and Retain Excellent Teachers Act

This bill establishes a teacher support grant program through which the Department of Education (ED) shall award grants to educational agencies on a competitive basis. If funds for the program are authorized above a specified amount with respect to a given fiscal year, ED shall also award grants on a formula basis.

A grantee that is a state education agency (SEA) shall use the grant funds to: (1) make subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs), (2) provide technical assistance, (3) reduce bureaucratic barriers, and (4) conduct program evaluation.

In awarding subgrants, an SEA must give priority to LEAs that: (1) serve a high proportion of low-income students, (2) have either a teacher shortage or a high proportion of schools identified for support and improvement, and (3) demonstrate the capacity to carry out program activities.

An LEA shall use grant or subgrant funds to carry out a teacher support program in the elementary and secondary schools that it serves. The program must strengthen teaching careers by: (1) collaboratively reforming and improving compensation structures, (2) creating opportunities for personalized professional learning and enhancement for teachers, (3) creating leadership pathways, (4) using strategies such as innovative scheduling to support teacher improvement, and (5) implementing teacher-led initiatives. In addition, the program must carry out specified activities to strengthen teacher selection or induction.

The bill establishes requirements for grant applications, program evaluation, and reporting.

innovations recruit retain excellent teachers act bill establishes teacher support grant program shall award grants educational agencies competitive basis funds program authorized specified respect given fiscal year shall award grants formula basis grantee state education agency sea shall use grant funds subgrants local educational agencies leas provide technical assistance reduce bureaucratic barriers conduct program evaluation awarding subgrants sea priority leas serve high proportion low income students teacher shortage high proportion schools identified support improvement demonstrate capacity carry program activities lea shall use grant subgrant funds carry teacher support program elementary secondary schools serves program strengthen teaching careers collaboratively reforming improving compensation structures creating opportunities personalized professional learning enhancement teachers creating leadership pathways strategies innovative scheduling support teacher improvement implementing teacher led initiatives addition program carry specified activities strengthen teacher selection induction bill establishes requirements grant applications program evaluation reporting


Summary:
Providing Resources Early for Kids Act of 2015 or the PRE-K Act

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to enhance or improve state-funded preschool programs to states that: (1) have curricula aligned with state early learning standards; (2) use nationally-established, or better, best practices for class size and teacher-to-student ratios; (3) require each teacher to have at least an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field; (4) require such programs to operate for at least a full academic year; and (5) have a plan for meeting the requirement, within five years of receiving such grant, that teachers have at least a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or have such degree in a related field, but have also completed specialized training in early childhood education.

Directs the Secretary to establish a competitive process for awarding grants to other states that demonstrate that they will meet such requirements within two fiscal years.

Prohibits state grantees from reducing their preschool or child care expenditures.

Requires states to give priority, in using grant funds, to preschool programs in communities with high concentrations of impoverished children.

 Includes among grant uses: (1) increasing the qualifications of, and benefits provided to, teachers, teacher aides, and program directors; (2) decreasing class size and improving teacher-to-student ratios; (3) providing certain comprehensive services that support healthy child development; (4) extending program duration; (5) improving program monitoring and learning environments; and (6) providing classroom supplies or equipment.

Reserves funds for competitive grants to Indians for their preschool programs.

direct secretary education award matching grants enhance improve state funded preschool programs states curricula aligned state early learning standards use nationally established better best practices class size teacher student ratios require teacher associate degree early childhood education related field require programs operate academic year plan meeting requirement years receiving grant teachers baccalaureate degree early childhood education degree related field completed specialized training early childhood education directs secretary establish competitive process awarding grants states demonstrate meet requirements fiscal years prohibits state grantees reducing preschool child care expenditures requires states priority grant funds preschool programs communities high concentrations impoverished children includes grant uses increasing qualifications benefits provided teachers teacher aides program directors decreasing class size improving teacher student ratios providing certain comprehensive services support healthy child development extending program duration improving program monitoring learning environments providing classroom supplies equipment reserves funds competitive grants indians preschool programs


Summary:
Promise Neighborhoods Authorization Act of 2015

Amends title IV (21st Century Schools) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a new part D, entitled "the Promise Neighborhoods Act of 2015."

Directs the Secretary, under subpart 1 (Promise Neighborhood Partnership Grants), to award renewable, competitive, matching grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs), Indian tribes or tribal organizations, or nonprofit organizations to implement a comprehensive continuum of coordinated services and supports that engage community partners in improving the academic achievement, health and social development, and college and career readiness of children who live in distressed neighborhoods with persistently low-achieving schools or schools with an achievement gap.

Directs the Secretary, under subpart 2 (Promise School Grants), to award renewable, competitive, matching grants to high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) that partner with nonprofit organizations or IHEs, and to Indian schools that partner with nonprofit organizations or IHEs, to implement school-centered strategies and integrated student supports that leverage community partnerships to improve student achievement and development in schools with high concentrations of low-income children. Gives priority to applicants that propose to: (1) include significant investments in high-quality early learning programs, and (2) give schools the operational flexibility to carry out grant activities.

Requires part D grantees to evaluate their programs continuously and improve them based on data and outcomes. Directs the Secretary to use certain performance metrics to determine the eligibility of part D grantees for continued funding and renewal of their grant. Directs the Secretary to evaluate this part's grant programs and disseminate research on best practices for improving the academic and developmental outcomes of children living in our most distressed communities.

promise neighborhoods authorization act amends title 21st century schools elementary secondary education act establish new entitled promise neighborhoods act directs secretary subpart promise neighborhood partnership grants award renewable competitive matching grants institutions higher education ihes indian tribes tribal organizations nonprofit organizations implement comprehensive continuum coordinated services supports engage community partners improving academic achievement health social development college career readiness children live distressed neighborhoods persistently low achieving schools schools achievement gap directs secretary subpart promise school grants award renewable competitive matching grants high need local educational agencies leas partner nonprofit organizations ihes indian schools partner nonprofit organizations ihes implement school centered strategies integrated student supports leverage community partnerships improve student achievement development schools high concentrations low income children gives priority applicants propose include significant investments high quality early learning programs schools operational flexibility carry grant activities requires grantees evaluate programs continuously improve based data outcomes directs secretary use certain performance metrics determine eligibility grantees continued funding renewal grant directs secretary evaluate grant programs disseminate research best practices improving academic developmental outcomes children living distressed communities


Summary:
Every Child Counts Act

Amends the school improvement program under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow states to establish alternate academic achievement standards and assessments for students who have the most significant cognitive disabilities.

Requires the alternate standards to meet certain conditions, including that they:

 are aligned with the state's challenging academic content and achievement standards; provide access to the general curriculum for the grade in which the student is enrolled; and establish, at a minimum, two levels of achievement (on-target and advanced) that indicate that a student meets or exceeds the state's proficient level of academic achievement; and establish, at a minimum, a third level of achievement (catch-up) that provides information about a student's progress toward proficiency. Requires each state using alternate assessments to ensure that: (1) not more than 1% of the total number of all students in each grade level in the state who are assessed in a subject are assessed using the alternate assessments, (2) the state's regular academic assessments remain accessible to all students, and (3) the alternate assessments are peer reviewed and based on the best available evidence.

Allows each state to count students who are determined to be proficient using such alternate assessments in its determination of the percentage of the state's students who are meeting or exceeding the state's academic content and achievement standards.

Requires states' annual report cards to: (1) include the number and percentage of disabled students who take the alternate assessments; and (2) break that information down by grade, subject matter, and disability type.

child counts act amends school improvement program title elementary secondary education act allow states establish alternate academic achievement standards assessments students significant cognitive disabilities requires alternate standards meet certain conditions including aligned state challenging academic content achievement standards provide access general curriculum grade student enrolled establish minimum levels achievement target advanced indicate student meets exceeds state proficient level academic achievement establish minimum level achievement catch provides information student progress proficiency requires state alternate assessments ensure total number students grade level state assessed subject assessed alternate assessments state regular academic assessments remain accessible students alternate assessments peer reviewed based best available evidence allows state count students determined proficient alternate assessments determination percentage state students meeting exceeding state academic content achievement standards requires states annual report cards include number percentage disabled students alternate assessments break information grade subject matter disability type


Summary:
Empowering Parents and Students Through Information Act

Amends the school improvement program under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require each state that elects to use alternate academic achievement standards for students that have the most significant cognitive disabilities to:

 establish and monitor the implementation of clear and appropriate guidelines for individualized education program (IEP) teams to apply in determining, on an annual and subject-by-subject basis, when a child's significant cognitive disability justifies assessment using alternate standards; ensure that the parents of students the state plans to assess using alternate assessments are involved in, and provide informed consent to, the decision to apply such alternate standards; provide evidence that students with the most significant cognitive disabilities are making progress in the general curriculum for the grade in which the students are enrolled and in assessments aligned with that curriculum; develop and promote the use of reasonable accommodations to increase the number of such students participating in grade-level academic instruction and assessments aligned with grade-level academic standards; promote the use of such accommodations to increase the number of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who are tested against grade-level academic achievement standards; ensure that general and special education teachers and other appropriate staff know how to administer assessments for disabled students; require separate annual determinations about whether a student should be assessed using an alternate assessment based on alternate academic achievement standards for each subject assessed; and ensure that students who take such alternate assessments are not precluded from attempting to complete the state requirements for a regular secondary school diploma. Prohibits states from using any student's IEP in the state accountability system.

Requires states' annual report cards to: (1) include the number and percentage of disabled students who take the alternate assessments; and (2) break that information down by grade and subject matter and by the disability categories described in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

empowering parents students information act amends school improvement program title elementary secondary education act require state elects use alternate academic achievement standards students significant cognitive disabilities establish monitor implementation clear appropriate guidelines individualized education program teams apply determining annual subject subject basis child significant cognitive disability justifies assessment alternate standards ensure parents students state plans assess alternate assessments involved provide informed consent decision apply alternate standards provide evidence students significant cognitive disabilities making progress general curriculum grade students enrolled assessments aligned curriculum develop promote use reasonable accommodations increase number students participating grade level academic instruction assessments aligned grade level academic standards promote use accommodations increase number students significant cognitive disabilities tested grade level academic achievement standards ensure general special education teachers appropriate staff know administer assessments disabled students require separate annual determinations student assessed alternate assessment based alternate academic achievement standards subject assessed ensure students alternate assessments precluded attempting complete state requirements regular secondary school diploma prohibits states student state accountability system requires states annual report cards include number percentage disabled students alternate assessments break information grade subject matter disability categories described individuals_with_disabilities_education_act


Summary:
Continuum of Learning Act of 2015

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to coordinate school improvement and professional development activities with early childhood development and education programs.

Amends the school improvement program under part A of title I of the ESEA to require states to create or revise early learning guidelines for preschool age children and early learning standards for children in kindergarten through grade three.

Requires the guidelines and standards to be developmentally appropriate and cover all domains of child development and learning.

Requires states to encourage local educational agencies (LEAs) and elementary schools to use school improvement funds to offer early childhood education programs from birth to school entry.

Requires LEAs to: (1) ensure, to the extent feasible, starting with the 2017-2018 school year, that teachers placed in the early elementary school grades have a specialized early childhood education teaching license, credential, or endorsement; and (2) work with early childhood education programs to establish a continuity of curricular objectives and developmental expectations that support children's transition to school.

Limits the use of child assessments for children from birth through grade two.

Amends part A (Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund) of title II of the ESEA to require states to incorporate knowledge regarding early childhood development and learning into teacher and principal certification or licensing requirements.

Requires professional development activities to include: (1) training in early child development and learning, and (2) joint training for elementary school staff and early childhood education program staff.

continuum learning act amends elementary secondary education act esea coordinate school improvement professional development activities early childhood development education programs amends school improvement program title esea require states create revise early learning guidelines preschool age children early learning standards children kindergarten grade requires guidelines standards developmentally appropriate cover domains child development learning requires states encourage local educational agencies leas elementary schools use school improvement funds offer early childhood education programs birth school entry requires leas ensure extent feasible starting school year teachers placed early elementary school grades specialized early childhood education teaching license credential endorsement work early childhood education programs establish continuity curricular objectives developmental expectations support children transition school limits use child assessments children birth grade amends teacher principal_training recruiting fund title esea require states incorporate knowledge early childhood development learning teacher principal certification licensing requirements requires professional development activities include training early child development learning joint training elementary school staff early childhood education program staff


Summary:
Prepare All Kids Act of 2015

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to establish a Prekindergarten Incentive Fund from which matching grants shall be awarded to states and, through them, subgrants to qualified prekindergarten providers to establish, expand, or enhance voluntary high quality full-day prekindergarten programs serving children ages three through five.

Directs state grantees to set aside: (1) at least 15% of their grant for quality early childhood development programs for children from birth through age three, and (2) at least 10% of their grant to extend the hours of early childhood development programs to create extended day and year programs.

Requires prekindergarten subgrantees to: (1) maintain a maximum class size of 20 children, with at least 1 prekindergarten teacher per classroom; and (2) ensure that the ratio of children to prekindergarten teachers and teacher aides does not exceed 10 to 1.

Prohibits the use of program funds for assessments of children in prekindergarten or early childhood development programs if: (1) the assessments are used to reward or sanction individual children, teachers, programs, or schools; or (2) a single assessment is used as the primary or sole method for assessing program effectiveness.

prepare kids act amends elementary secondary education act require secretary education establish prekindergarten_incentive_fund matching grants shall awarded states subgrants qualified prekindergarten providers establish expand enhance voluntary high quality day prekindergarten programs serving children ages directs state grantees set aside grant quality early childhood development programs children birth age grant extend hours early childhood development programs create extended day year programs requires prekindergarten subgrantees maintain maximum class size children prekindergarten teacher classroom ensure ratio children prekindergarten teachers teacher aides exceed prohibits use program funds assessments children prekindergarten early childhood development programs assessments reward sanction individual children teachers programs schools single assessment primary sole method assessing program effectiveness


Summary:
College Options for DREAMers Act

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow Dreamer students to receive federal financial aid for higher education.

A "Dreamer student" is an individual who was under age 16 upon entering this country, has provided a list of secondary schools the individual attended in this country, and, in this country:

 has earned a high school diploma or the equivalent, is scheduled to complete the requirements for a high school diploma or equivalent before the next academic year begins, has acquired a degree from an institution of higher education, has successfully completed at least two years of a program for a baccalaureate or higher degree, is a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or has served honorably in the uniformed services for at least four years. The Department of Education must provide for a hardship exception to the age and secondary school list requirements.

States are allowed to offer unlawful aliens postsecondary benefits on the basis of their residence in the state (e.g., in-state tuition).

college options dreamers act bill amends title student assistance higher education act allow dreamer students receive federal financial aid higher education dreamer student individual age entering country provided list secondary schools individual attended country country earned high school diploma equivalent scheduled complete requirements high school diploma equivalent academic year begins acquired degree institution higher education successfully completed years program baccalaureate higher degree beneficiary deferred_action_for_childhood_arrivals program served honorably uniformed services years department_of_education provide hardship exception age secondary school list requirements states allowed offer unlawful aliens postsecondary benefits basis residence state state tuition


Summary:
STEM Gateways Act

This bill directs the Department of Education to award competitive grants for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) elementary and secondary school programs that:

 encourage interest in the STEM fields; motivate engagement in the STEM fields by providing relevant hands-on learning opportunities; support classroom success in the STEM disciplines; support STEM workforce training and career preparation for secondary school students; or improve the access of secondary school students to STEM career and continuing education opportunities.

bill directs department_of_education award competitive grants science technology engineering mathematics stem elementary secondary school programs encourage interest stem fields motivate engagement stem fields providing relevant hands learning opportunities support classroom success stem disciplines support stem workforce training career preparation secondary school students improve access secondary school students stem career continuing education opportunities


Summary:
Strong Start for America's Children Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to allot matching grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies, childhood education program providers, or consortia of those entities to implement high-quality prekindergarten programs for children from low-income families.

Grants are allotted to states based on each state's proportion of children who are age four and who are from families with incomes at or below 200% of the poverty level.

"High-quality prekindergarten programs" are those that serve children three or four years of age and meet criteria concerning: class size; learning environments; teacher qualifications, salaries, and professional development; program monitoring; and accessibility to comprehensive health and support services.

States may apply to use up to 15% of their grant for subgrants to high-quality early childhood education and care programs for infants and toddlers whose family income is at or below 200% of the poverty level.

ED and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall develop a process to: (1) provide Head Start program services to children younger than age four in states or regions that already provide four-year-olds whose family income is at or below 200% of the poverty level with sustained access to high-quality prekindergarten programs, or (2) convert programs to serve infants and toddlers.

ED shall award competitive matching grants to states to increase their capacity to offer high-quality prekindergarten programs. States must provide assurances that they will use their grant to become eligible, within three years of receiving the grant, for this Act's grants for high-quality prekindergarten programs.

The bill amends the Head Start Act to direct HHS to make grants to Early Head Start agencies to partner with center-based or family child care providers, particularly those that receive support under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, to assist them in meeting program performance standards. Such partnerships may serve children through age three.

The bill reauthorizes the programs providing: (1) preschool grants for special education and related services, and (2) early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.

The bill expresses the sense of the Senate concerning the value of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program.

strong start america children act bill directs allot matching grants states subgrants local educational agencies childhood education program providers consortia entities implement high quality prekindergarten programs children low income families grants allotted states based state proportion children age families incomes poverty level high quality prekindergarten programs serve children years age meet criteria concerning class size learning environments teacher qualifications salaries professional development program monitoring accessibility comprehensive health support services states apply use grant subgrants high quality early childhood education care programs infants toddlers family income poverty level department_of_health_and_human_services hhs shall develop process provide head_start program services children younger age states regions provide year olds family income poverty level sustained access high quality prekindergarten programs convert programs serve infants toddlers shall award competitive matching grants states increase capacity offer high quality prekindergarten programs states provide assurances use grant eligible years receiving grant act grants high quality prekindergarten programs bill amends head start act direct hhs grants early head start agencies partner center based family child care providers particularly receive support child care development block grant act assist meeting program performance standards partnerships serve children age bill reauthorizes programs providing preschool grants special education related services early intervention services infants toddlers disabilities families bill expresses sense senate concerning value maternal infant early_childhood_home_visiting program


Summary:
AmeriCorps School Turnaround Act of 2015

This bill authorizes a grant program to enable elementary schools, secondary schools, or specified entities that serve low-performing schools to: (1) improve the academic achievement of elementary and secondary school students, and (2) select national service participants and engage such participants in school turnaround projects.

An entity that receives a grant under the program must use the grant funds to carry out one or more of the following activities: (1) improving the quality and frequency of individualized learning time, (2) increasing individualized learning time or extended learning programs, (3) providing college and career readiness guidance and assistance, (4) accelerating reading and mathematics knowledge and skills, or (5) carrying out school-wide activities to increase graduation rates or address nonacademic factors impacting student achievement.

americorps school turnaround act bill authorizes grant program enable elementary schools secondary schools specified entities serve low performing schools improve academic achievement elementary secondary school students select national service participants engage participants school turnaround projects entity receives grant program use grant funds carry following activities improving quality frequency individualized learning time increasing individualized learning time extended learning programs providing college career readiness guidance assistance accelerating reading mathematics knowledge skills carrying school wide activities increase graduation rates address nonacademic factors impacting student achievement


Summary:
Disaggregating Student Outcomes by Disability Category Act

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require annual state report cards to disaggregate, by type of disability (such as blindness), data regarding the educational outcomes of students with disabilities.

disability category act bill amends elementary secondary education act require annual state report cards disaggregate type disability blindness data educational outcomes students disabilities


Summary:
Head Start Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends the Head Start Act to replace the existing Head Start program with block grants to states and Indian tribes for prekindergarten (pre-K) education.

Instead of providing direct financial assistance to Head Start agencies, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall allot block grant funds for pre-K education among eligible states and Indian tribes in accordance with their relative proportions of children, age five and younger, from low-income households. Grant recipients shall use the grant funds to: (1) award subgrants to eligible entities that provide pre-K education programs; (2) administer such programs; and (3) provide technical assistance, oversight, monitoring, research, and training.

Under current law, HHS is authorized to designate, monitor, and establish standards for Head Start agencies. The bill instead shifts pre-K program oversight and control to states and Indian tribes, which shall have full flexibility to use grant funds to finance the pre-K programs of their choice. In addition, grant recipients may use grant funds to establish portable voucher systems that allow costs to be paid for attendance at private pre-K education programs.

Under current law, federal financial assistance for a Head Start program is generally limited to 80% of total program costs. The bill maintains this limitation by requiring grant recipients to provide matching funds equal to 20% of the grant amount.

head start improvement act bill amends head start act replace existing head_start program block grants states indian tribes prekindergarten education instead providing direct financial assistance head_start agencies department_of_health_and_human_services hhs shall allot block grant funds pre education eligible states indian tribes accordance relative proportions children age younger low income households grant recipients shall use grant funds award subgrants eligible entities provide pre education programs administer programs provide technical assistance oversight monitoring research training current law hhs authorized designate monitor establish standards head start agencies bill instead shifts program oversight control states indian tribes shall flexibility use grant funds finance programs choice addition grant recipients use grant funds establish portable voucher systems allow costs paid attendance private education programs current law federal financial assistance head start program generally limited total program costs bill maintains limitation requiring grant recipients provide matching funds equal grant


Summary:
Children's Head Start Intervention for Life and Development Act

This bill amends the Head Start Act to establish five-year, nonrenewable grants for eligible entities to carry out Head Start programs in communities affected by the pollution of water by lead or a toxic pollutant in an event declared by the President to be an emergency.

In awarding these grants, the Department of Education shall give priority to eligible entities in partnerships with child care providers that are providing child care services at the time of the enactment of this bill.

children head start intervention life development act bill amends head start act establish year nonrenewable grants eligible entities carry head start programs communities affected pollution water lead toxic pollutant event declared president emergency awarding grants department_of_education shall priority eligible entities partnerships child care providers providing child care services time enactment bill


Summary:
Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act

This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award National Classified School Employee Awards to classified public school employees within certain occupational specialties who provide exemplary service to students in prekindergarten through higher education.

ED shall choose an awardee each year, out of nominations received from each state, from one of the following occupational specialties: (1) paraeducator services, (2) clerical and administrative services, (3) transportation services, (4) food and nutrition services, (5) custodial and maintenance services, (6) security services, (7) health and student services, (8) technical services, and (9) skilled trades.

recognizing achievement classified school employees act bill directs award classified public school employees certain occupational specialties provide exemplary service students prekindergarten higher education shall choose awardee year nominations received state following occupational specialties services clerical administrative services transportation services food nutrition services custodial maintenance services security services health student services technical services skilled trades


Summary:
Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2016

 This bill requires the National Science Foundation to award competitive grants to enable eligible entities to carry out the activities specified below in order to increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

 An eligible entity that receives a grant shall use grant funds to carry out one or more of the following activities designed to increase the participation of women or minorities underrepresented in science and engineering, or both:

 online workshops, mentoring programs that partner STEM professionals with students, internships for undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, outreach programs providing elementary and secondary school students with opportunities to increase their exposure to STEM fields, and programs to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented faculty.

women minorities stem booster act bill requires national_science_foundation award competitive grants enable eligible entities carry activities specified order increase participation women underrepresented minorities fields science technology engineering mathematics stem eligible entity receives grant shall use grant funds carry following activities designed increase participation women minorities underrepresented science engineering online workshops mentoring programs partner stem professionals students internships undergraduate graduate students stem fields outreach programs providing elementary secondary school students opportunities increase exposure stem fields programs increase recruitment retention underrepresented faculty


Summary: Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act - Designates specified lands within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

wilderness act designates specified lands arctic_national_wildlife_refuge anwr wilderness components national_wilderness_preservation_system


Summary: Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the African Elephant Conservation Act and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994 to: (1) authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2012 for such Acts; (2) increase the amount that may be used for administrative expenses to carry out such Acts; and (3) repeal provisions requiring the Secretary of the Interior to notify countries regarding the approval of conservation projects for African elephants, rhinoceros, and tigers.

amends african_elephant_conservation_act rhinoceros tiger conservation act authorize appropriations fy2007 fy2012 acts increase administrative expenses carry acts repeal provisions requiring secretary interior notify countries approval conservation projects african rhinoceros


Summary: Pacific Salmon Emergency Disaster Assistance Act of 2007 - Appropriates funds for a lump sum payment to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. Requires the Commission to distribute the funds among various entities for assistance for the economic and social effects of the commercial fishery failure designated under specified provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act regarding closures or restrictions on harvesting of Klamath River Fall Chinook salmon.

pacific salmon emergency disaster assistance act appropriates funds lump sum payment requires commission distribute funds entities assistance economic social effects commercial fishery failure designated specified provisions magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act closures restrictions harvesting salmon


Summary: Asian Elephant Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997 to: (1) authorize appropriations for FY2007-FY2012 for such Act; (2) increase the amount that may be used for administrative expenses to carry out such Act; and (3) repeal provisions requiring the Secretary of the Interior to notify countries regarding the approval of conservation projects for Asian elephants.

amends asian_elephant_conservation_act authorize appropriations fy2007 fy2012 act increase administrative expenses carry act repeal provisions requiring secretary interior notify countries approval conservation projects asian


Summary: Refuge Ecology Protection, Assistance, and Immediate Response Act - (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide under the Refuge Ecology Protection, Assistance, and Immediate Response Grant Program or the REPAIR Program (established by this Act): (1) a grant to any eligible applicant to carry out a qualified control project to control harmful nonnative species; and (2) a grant to any state to carry out an assessment project to identify harmful nonnative species, assess the needs to restore, manage, or enhance native fish, wildlife, and habitats, identify priorities, and identify mechanisms to increase capacity building for native fish, wildlife, and habitats. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Invasive Species Advisory Committee: (1) on the projects proposed for such grants, including the scientific merit, technical merit, feasibility, and priority of proposed projects; and (2) regarding the development of a database concerning control projects carried out with such grants. Requires the Invasive Species Advisory Committee to: (1) consult with the Secretary on the creation of criteria and guidelines for such grants; (2) consult with the Secretary regarding whether proposed control projects are qualified control projects, as determined under this Act; and (3) carry out functions relating to the monitoring of control projects. Specifies that eligible applicants for grants to carry out qualified control projects shall: (1) be a state, local government, interstate or regional agency, university, or private person; (2) have adequate personnel, funding, and authority to carry out and monitor or maintain a control project; and (3) have entered into an agreement with the Secretary or the Secretary's designee for a national wildlife refuge or refuge complex. Sets forth requirements for determining the selection of qualified control projects, including the ranking of such projects.Instructs the Secretary to ensure: (1) a balance of smaller and larger projects conducted; and (2) an equitable geographic distribution of projects carried out among all regions and states within which such projects are proposed to be conducted. Sets forth requirements for: (1) the duration and renewal of grants; (2) reporting by grantees carrying out control and assessment projects; and (3) federal and non-federal cost sharing for such projects. Provides that the federal share of the cost of the portion of a control project that is carried out on national wildlife refuge lands or waters shall be 100%, including the cost of acquisition by the federal government of land or waters. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the implementation of such Program. Requires such reports to include an assessment of specified, data, trends, and reviews concerning the control projects carried out under this Act. Bars the Secretary from making a grant for a control project on national wildlife refuge lands or lands in proximity to refuge resources before a non-federal interest has entered into a written agreement with a national wildlife refuge or refuge complex under which the non-federal interest agrees to: (1) monitor and maintain the control project according to the plan required by this Act; and (2) provide any other items of cooperation the Secretary considers necessary to carry out the project.(Sec. 5) Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to enable an immediate response to outbreaks of harmful nonnative species that threaten or may negatively impact refuge resources that are at a stage at which rapid eradication or control is possible, and to ensure eradication or immediate control of such species. Requires the provision of such assistance to local and state agencies, universities, or nongovernmental entities for the eradication of an immediate harmful nonnative species threat only under specified conditions, including that the proposed response to such threat minimizes adverse impacts to the structure and function of national wildlife refuge ecosystems and adverse effects on nontarget species. Makes the federal share of the cost of any activity carried out with such assistance 100%. Requires recipients of such assistance to monitor and report on activities carried out with such assistance.(Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary, consistent with the National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer and Community Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998, to establish a cooperative volunteer harmful nonnative species monitoring and control program to administer and coordinate projects implemented by partner organizations concerned with national wildlife refuges to address such species that threaten national wildlife refuges or adjacent lands. Requires each project administered and coordinated to include one of the following activities: (1) habitat surveys; (2) detection and identification of new introductions or infestations of harmful nonnative species; (3) harmful nonnative species control projects; or (4) public education and outreach to increase awareness concerning such species and their threat to the refuge system.(Sec. 7) Describes this Act's effect with respect to: (1) other authorities, responsibilities, obligations, or powers of the Secretary under any other statute; and (2) preemption of any provision or enforcement of state law relating to management of fish and wildlife resources.(Sec. 8) Requires the Secretary to submit biennial reports summarizing all grant activities relating to invasive species initiated under this Act.(Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations. Allows not more than 25% of amounts appropriated for carrying out this Act to be available in any fiscal year for immediate response assistance under this Act. Limits expenditure for administrative expenses.

assistance immediate response act sec authorizes secretary interior provide assistance immediate response grant program established act grant eligible applicant carry qualified control project control harmful nonnative species grant state carry assessment project identify harmful nonnative species assess needs restore manage enhance native fish wildlife habitats identify priorities identify mechanisms increase capacity building native fish wildlife habitats requires secretary consult projects proposed grants including scientific merit technical merit feasibility priority proposed projects development database concerning control projects carried grants requires consult secretary creation criteria guidelines grants consult secretary proposed control projects qualified control projects determined act carry functions relating monitoring control projects specifies eligible applicants grants carry qualified control projects shall state local government interstate regional agency university private person adequate personnel funding authority carry monitor maintain control project entered agreement secretary secretary designee national wildlife refuge refuge complex sets forth requirements determining selection qualified control projects including ranking projects instructs secretary ensure balance smaller larger projects conducted equitable geographic distribution projects carried regions states projects proposed conducted sets forth requirements duration renewal grants reporting grantees carrying control assessment projects federal non federal cost sharing projects provides federal share cost portion control project carried national wildlife refuge lands waters shall including cost acquisition federal government land waters requires secretary report congress implementation program requires reports include assessment specified data trends reviews concerning control projects carried act bars secretary making grant control project national wildlife refuge lands lands proximity refuge resources non federal interest entered written agreement national wildlife refuge refuge complex non federal interest agrees monitor maintain control project according plan required act provide items cooperation secretary considers necessary carry authorizes secretary provide financial assistance enable immediate response outbreaks harmful nonnative species threaten negatively impact refuge resources stage rapid eradication control possible ensure eradication immediate control species requires provision assistance local state agencies universities nongovernmental entities eradication immediate harmful nonnative species threat specified conditions including proposed response threat minimizes adverse impacts structure function national wildlife refuge ecosystems adverse effects species makes federal share cost activity carried assistance requires recipients assistance monitor report activities carried directs secretary consistent establish cooperative volunteer harmful nonnative species monitoring control program administer coordinate projects implemented partner organizations concerned national wildlife refuges address species threaten national wildlife refuges adjacent lands requires project administered coordinated include following activities habitat surveys detection identification new infestations harmful nonnative species harmful nonnative species control projects public education outreach increase awareness concerning species threat refuge describes act effect respect authorities responsibilities obligations powers secretary statute preemption provision enforcement state law relating management fish wildlife secretary submit biennial reports summarizing grant activities relating invasive species initiated authorizes appropriations allows amounts appropriated carrying act available fiscal year immediate response assistance act limits expenditure administrative expenses


Summary: Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Amendments of 2008 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to require the collection and updating of existing practices and procedures for rescuing and rehabilitating stranded or entangled (currently, only stranded) marine mammals. Authorizes entanglement response agreements. Deems authorized responders to be government employees for purposes of specified tort claims procedures provisions. Renames the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program as the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Funding Program and revises provisions, including adding providing for stranding events requiring emergency assistance to the program's duties. Authorizes the program to be carried out through grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or other agreements or arrangements. Authorizes appropriations through FY2010 to carry out the Program. Revises provisions concerning administrative costs and expenses. Establishes in the Treasury the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Emergency Fund to provide for the recovery or treatment of marine mammals, the collection of data from living or dead stranded marine mammals for scientific research regarding marine mammal health, directly related facility operation costs, and stranding events requiring emergency assistance. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) enter into grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or other appropriate agreements; and (2) solicit, accept, receive, hold, administer, and use gifts, devises, and bequests. Limits support for a project under the provisions amended by this paragraph to $200,000 per year. (Current law limits support to 100,000 and makes no reference to the limit being per year.) Defines the term "emergency assistance" as: (1) assistance for a stranding event that is not an unusual mortality event, leads to an immediate increase in required costs in excess of regularly scheduled costs, may be cyclical or endemic, and may involve out-of-habitat animals; or (2) is determined by the Secretary to qualify for such assistance. Authorizes appropriations through FY2010 to the Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Event Fund.

marine_mammal_protection_act require collection updating existing practices procedures rehabilitating stranded entangled currently stranded marine mammals authorizes response agreements deems authorized responders government employees purposes specified tort claims procedures provisions renames john prescott marine mammal rescue assistance grant program john prescott marine revises provisions including adding providing stranding events requiring emergency assistance program duties authorizes program carried grants cooperative agreements contracts agreements arrangements authorizes appropriations fy2010 carry program revises provisions concerning administrative costs expenses establishes treasury john prescott marine provide recovery treatment marine mammals collection data living dead stranded marine mammals scientific research marine mammal health directly related facility operation costs stranding events requiring emergency assistance authorizes secretary commerce enter grants cooperative agreements contracts appropriate agreements solicit accept receive hold administer use gifts devises bequests limits support project provisions amended paragraph year current law limits support makes reference limit year defines term emergency assistance assistance stranding event unusual mortality event leads immediate increase required costs excess regularly scheduled costs cyclical involve habitat animals determined secretary qualify assistance authorizes appropriations fy2010 marine mammal unusual mortality event fund


Summary: Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to repeal the long-term goal of reducing to zero the incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals in commercial fishing operations. Makes reduction of such incidental mortality and serious injury (but not to any specified percentage) the long-term goal.

amends marine_mammal_protection_act repeal long term goal reducing zero incidental mortality injury marine mammals commercial fishing operations makes reduction incidental mortality injury specified percentage long term goal


Summary: Declares that nothing in the Act of March 2, 1929, (relating to prohibited acts of killing, wounding, or capturing wild birds and animals and fish in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado) or other applicable law shall be construed as prohibiting the Secretary of the Interior from using the services of qualified individuals, as volunteers or under contract with the Secretary, to assist in the implementation of the Elk and Vegetation Management Plan for the Park by using lethal means to reduce the population of elk within the Park. Instructs the Secretary to consult with the Colorado Division of Wildlife regarding possible participation by it in the implementation of such Plan. Prohibits anything in this Act from being construed as applicable to the taking of wildlife within Rocky Mountain National Park for any purpose other than the implementation of the Elk and Vegetation Management Plan.

declares act march relating prohibited acts killing capturing wild birds animals fish rocky mountain national park colorado applicable law shall construed prohibiting secretary interior services qualified individuals volunteers contract secretary assist implementation vegetation management plan park lethal means reduce population park instructs secretary consult possible participation implementation plan prohibits act construed applicable taking wildlife purpose implementation vegetation management plan


Summary: Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act - Declares that it is U.S. policy to protect and preserve living and other resources of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (Farallones NMS) and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (Cordell Bank NMS) marine environments. Makes certain adjustments to expand the boundaries of the Farallones NMS and the Cordell NMS. Prohibits the issuance of a lease or permit authorizing mineral or hydrocarbon exploration, development, production, or transportation by pipeline within the sanctuaries. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to complete: (1) an interim supplemental management plan for the sanctuaries that focuses on protective resource management in the areas added by this Act; and (2) a revised comprehensive management plan for the sanctuaries. Directs the Secretary to carry out an assessment of necessary revisions to the regulations for the sanctuaries, including considering regulations regarding the deposit or release of introduced species and the alteration of stream and river drainage into the sanctuaries.

gulf cordell_bank_national_marine_sanctuaries_boundary_modification protection act declares policy protect preserve living resources gulf_of_the_farallones_national_marine_sanctuary farallones_nms cordell_bank_national_marine_sanctuary cordell_bank_nms marine environments makes certain adjustments expand boundaries farallones_nms prohibits issuance lease permit authorizing mineral hydrocarbon exploration development production transportation pipeline sanctuaries directs secretary commerce complete interim supplemental management plan sanctuaries focuses protective resource management areas added act revised comprehensive management plan sanctuaries directs secretary carry assessment necessary revisions regulations sanctuaries including considering regulations deposit release introduced species alteration stream river drainage sanctuaries


Summary: Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2007- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species and who enter into a habitat protection agreement a tax credit for costs relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. Places limits on the amount of such credit for calendar years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to study and report to Congress on the effectiveness of such credit. Allows a tax deduction for expenditures related to recovery plans approved by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Excludes from gross income certain payments under: (1) the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program authorized by the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act; and (2) the Landowner Incentive Program, the State Wildlife Grants Program, and the Private Stewardship Grants Program authorized by the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956.

endangered species recovery act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow certain landowners property contains habitat endangered threatened species enter habitat protection agreement tax credit costs relating habitat protection easements restoration places limits credit calendar years directs comptroller_general_of_the_united_states study report congress effectiveness credit allows tax deduction expenditures related recovery plans approved endangered species act excludes gross income certain payments partners authorized partners fish wildlife act authorized fish wildlife act


Summary: Great Cats and Rare Canids Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide assistance for projects for the conservation of rare felids and rare canids. Authorizes the Secretary to convene an advisory group of individuals representing public and private organizations actively involved in the conservation of felids and canids. Restricts the use of grants for captive breeding or display purposes.(Sec. 5) Establishes in the Multinational Species Conservation Fund as a separate account the Great Cats and Rare Canids Conservation Fund.Defines "rare canid" to: (1) mean any of the canid species dhole, gray wolf, Ethiopian wolf, bush dog, African wild dog, maned wolf, and Darwin's fox, including any subspecies or population of such a species; and (2) exclude any subspecies or population that is native to the area comprised of the United States and Canada or the European Union.Defines "rare felid" to: (1) mean any of the felid species lion, leopard, jaguar, snow leopard, clouded leopard, cheetah, Iberian lynx, and Borneo bay cat, including any subspecies or population of such a species; and (2) exclude any species, subspecies, or population that is native to the United States and any tiger.Authorizes the Secretary to convene an advisory group, to assist in carrying out this Act, consisting of individuals representing public and private organizations actively involved in felid and canid conservation.(Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary to initiate a study of felid and canid species listed under the IUCN Red List (the Red List of Threatened Species Maintained by the World Conservation Union) that are not rare canids and rare felids (as defined in this Act), to determine: (1) the conservation status of the species in the wild, including identification of those that are critically endangered or endangered; and (2) any such species that should be made eligible for project assistance. Requires a report to Congress.(Sec. 7) Makes ineligible for assistance under this Act any project in a country the government of which the Secretary of State has determined has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism pursuant to provisions of the Export Administration Act of 1979, the Arms Export Control Act, and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.(Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations.

rare canids act sec directs secretary interior provide assistance projects conservation rare felids rare canids authorizes secretary convene advisory group individuals representing public private organizations actively involved conservation felids canids restricts use grants captive breeding display establishes multinational_species_conservation_fund separate account rare canids conservation fund defines rare mean species gray wolf ethiopian wolf bush dog african wild dog wolf including subspecies population species exclude subspecies population native area comprised united_states canada european_union defines rare mean species lion leopard jaguar snow leopard leopard cheetah bay cat including subspecies population species exclude species subspecies population native united_states tiger authorizes secretary convene advisory group assist carrying act consisting individuals representing public private organizations actively involved requires secretary initiate study species listed red list threatened species maintained world_conservation_union rare canids rare felids defined act determine conservation status species wild including identification critically endangered endangered species eligible project assistance requires report makes ineligible assistance act project country government secretary state determined repeatedly provided support acts international terrorism pursuant provisions export administration act arms_export_control_act foreign assistance act authorizes appropriations


Summary: Legal Timber Protection Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to redefine "plant" to mean any wild member of the plant kingdom, including roots, seeds, parts, and products thereof, excluding any common food crop or cultivar that is a species not listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora or an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Redefines "take" under such Act to include the harvesting, cutting, logging, or removing of a plant.Restates and modifies prohibitions under such Act against the sale or possession of plants in violation of state or foreign laws enacted to protect such plants. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to allow public participation in the review of the implementation of plant declaration requirements.

legal timber protection act amends lacey act amendments redefine plant mean wild member plant including roots seeds parts products thereof excluding common food crop species listed convention_on_international_trade_in_endangered_species_of_wild_fauna flora endangered threatened species endangered species act redefines act include harvesting cutting logging removing plant restates modifies prohibitions act sale possession plants violation state foreign laws enacted protect plants requires secretary agriculture allow public participation review implementation plant declaration requirements


Summary: Salmon Economic Analysis and Planning Act - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences for scientific analysis of federal salmon protection, restoration, and recovery actions. Requires such analysis to include: (1) the biological effectiveness of current recovery actions for Columbia and Snake River Basin salmon and steelhead populations; (2) a comparison of the effectiveness of salmon recovery actions; and (3) an identification of limiting factors and global climate change on salmon recovery actions.Requires the Comptroller General to study the potential effects and costs of partially and fully removing the four lower Snake River dams, including those on: (1) the economy of surrounding communities; (2) freight transportation; (3) irrigation; (4) energy production; and (5) the extinction of salmon and steelhead populations in the Snake River. Requires the Comptroller General to study the accuracy of the engineering costs associated with dam removal as determined by the February 2002 Army Corps of Engineers Lower Snake River Juvenile Salmon Migration Feasibility Report/Environmental Impact Statement.

secretary commerce enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences scientific analysis federal salmon protection restoration recovery actions requires analysis include biological effectiveness current recovery actions columbia salmon steelhead populations comparison effectiveness salmon recovery actions identification limiting factors global climate change salmon recovery actions requires comptroller general study potential effects costs partially fully removing lower snake_river dams including economy surrounding communities freight transportation irrigation energy production extinction salmon steelhead populations snake_river requires comptroller general study accuracy engineering costs associated dam removal determined february army corps engineers lower snake river juvenile salmon migration feasibility report environmental impact statement


Summary: Inhumane Trapping Prevention Act - Makes it unlawful to: (1) import, export, or transport in interstate commerce conventional steel jawed leghold traps and articles of fur derived from animals trapped in such traps; or (2) sell or acquire such a trap transported in violation of such provision. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reward persons (other than government employees performing official duties) for information leading to a conviction under this Act. Empowers enforcement officials to detain, search, and seize suspected containers or merchandise and any accompanying documents, to make arrests without warrants with probable cause, and to execute warrants. Subjects seized merchandise to forfeiture.

inhumane trapping prevention act makes unlawful import export transport interstate commerce conventional steel traps articles fur derived animals traps sell acquire trap transported violation provision prescribes criminal penalties violations directs secretary interior reward persons government employees performing official duties information leading conviction act empowers enforcement officials detain search seize suspected containers merchandise accompanying documents arrests warrants probable cause execute warrants subjects seized merchandise forfeiture


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

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


Summary: Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to issue one-year permits for the lethal taking of California sea lions if the Secretary determines that alternative measures to reduce sea lion predation on threatened or endangered salmonid stocks in the Columbia River do not adequately protect the salmonid stocks from such predation. Limits the cumulative annual taking of California sea lions to one percent of the annual potential biological removal level of such sea lions. Requires the Secretary to determine whether alternative measures to reduce sea lion predation on salmonid stocks will adequately protect such stocks. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) nonlethal means of preventing sea lion predation of salmonid stocks in the Columbia River is preferable to lethal means; (2) permit holders exercising lethal removal authority should be trained in wildlife management; and (3) the federal government should continue to fund, research, and support effective nonlethal alternative measures for preventing such predation.

endangered salmon predation prevention act amends marine_mammal_protection_act authorize secretary commerce issue year permits lethal taking california sea lions secretary determines alternative measures reduce sea lion predation threatened endangered salmonid stocks columbia_river adequately protect salmonid stocks predation limits cumulative annual taking california sea lions percent annual potential biological removal level sea lions requires secretary determine alternative measures reduce sea lion predation salmonid stocks adequately protect stocks expresses sense congress nonlethal means preventing sea lion predation salmonid stocks columbia_river preferable lethal means permit holders exercising lethal removal authority trained wildlife management federal government continue fund research support effective nonlethal alternative measures preventing predation


Summary: Species Rescue Act - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide for expedited consultation and conferencing (within 60 days of the date on which initiated) with respect to impacts on endangered or threatened species of federal agency flood control actions. Directs the Secretary of the Interior or of Commerce, as appropriate, acting through the Fish and Wildlife Service, any other federal land management agency, the National Marine Fisheries Service, or a state conservation agency, to relocate from the flood control levee: (1) any threatened or endangered species of plant or animal that would be taken in the course of the agency action; and (2) any plant or other natural material that the Secretary considers to be suitable habitat, or a component of suitable habitat, for such species and that the Secretary determines would be damaged, destroyed, or removed in the course of the action. Bars the Secretary from requiring a non-federal person (other than a state conservation agency) to carry out any measures to minimize or mitigate impacts of agency flood control actions.

species rescue act amends endangered species act provide expedited consultation conferencing days date initiated respect impacts endangered threatened species federal agency flood control actions directs secretary interior commerce appropriate acting fish_and_wildlife_service federal land management agency national_marine_fisheries_service state conservation agency relocate flood control levee threatened endangered species plant animal taken course agency action plant natural material secretary considers suitable habitat component suitable habitat species secretary determines damaged destroyed removed course action bars secretary requiring non federal person state conservation agency carry measures minimize mitigate impacts agency flood control actions


Summary: Polar Bear Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to prohibit issuing permits for the importation of polar bear parts taken in a sport hunt.

amends marine_mammal_protection_act prohibit issuing permits importation polar bear parts taken sport hunt


Summary: Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate a national strategy for mitigating the impacts of global warming on wildlife populations and to revise it within five years after its promulgation and not later than every ten years thereafter to reflect new information.Requires the Secretary to establish a science advisory board to: (1) provide scientific and technical advice and recommendations on the impacts of global warming on wildlife and its habitat, areas of habitat of particular importance, and strategies and mechanisms to mitigate such impacts in the management of federal lands and in other federal wildlife conservation programs; (2) advise the National Global Warming and Wildlife Science Center and review the quality of the Center's research programs; and (3) advise the Secretary regarding the best science available.Requires the Secretary to establish the National Global Warming and Wildlife Science Center within the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to: (1) conduct scientific research on national issues related to the impacts of global warming on wildlife and its habitat and mechanisms for adaptation or mitigation of such impacts; and (2) provide scientific support to federal land management agencies and federal wildlife agencies regarding such issues.Authorizes the establishment of a State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program, to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior, to provide wildlife conservation grants for the planning, development, and implementation of programs for the benefit of wildlife and their habitat, including species that are not hunted or fished.

secretary interior promulgate national strategy mitigating impacts global warming wildlife populations revise years promulgation later years reflect new information requires secretary establish science advisory board provide scientific technical advice recommendations impacts global warming wildlife habitat areas habitat particular importance strategies mechanisms mitigate impacts management federal lands federal wildlife conservation programs advise wildlife science center review quality center research programs advise secretary best science available requires secretary establish wildlife science center united_states_geological_survey usgs conduct scientific research national issues related impacts global warming wildlife habitat mechanisms adaptation mitigation impacts provide scientific support federal land management agencies federal wildlife agencies issues authorizes establishment state administered secretary interior provide wildlife conservation grants planning development implementation programs benefit wildlife habitat including species hunted


Summary: Endangered Species Compliance and Transparency Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrators of the Bonneville Power Administration, the Western Area Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Southeastern Power Administration to provide: (1) estimates of each customer's share of each Administration's direct and indirect costs for compliance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 in monthly billing statements; and (2) an annual report estimating such costs (on a project-by-project basis for the Western Area Power Administration and on a system-wide basis for the other Administrations) to the House Committee on Resources and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

endangered species compliance transparency_act requires administrators bonneville_power_administration western_area_power_administration southwestern_power_administration southeastern_power_administration provide estimates customer share administration direct indirect costs compliance endangered species act monthly billing statements annual report estimating costs project project basis western_area_power_administration system wide basis administrations senate_committee_on_environment_and_public_works


Summary: Pollinator Habitat Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to require that conservation programs, except the farmland protection program, establish a priority and provide incentives for: (1) increasing habitat for native and managed pollinators; and (2) establishing cropping systems, integrated pest management regimes, and other practices to protect native and managed pollinators. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture should: (1) designate pollinator protection as a national priority resource concern for conservation programs administered by the Department of Agriculture; and (2) continue efforts to make nurseries and land managers aware of pollinator-friendly plants.

amends food security act require conservation programs farmland protection program establish priority provide incentives increasing habitat native managed pollinators establishing cropping systems integrated pest management regimes practices protect native managed pollinators expresses sense congress secretary agriculture designate pollinator protection national priority resource concern conservation programs administered department_of_agriculture continue efforts land managers aware pollinator friendly plants


Summary: Captive Primate Safety Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to add nonhuman primates (i.e., monkeys, great apes, lemurs, etc.) to the definition of "prohibited wildlife species" for purposes of the prohibition against the sale or purchase of such species in interstate or foreign commerce. Makes it unlawful for a person to sell or purchase a live animal of any prohibited wildlife species in interstate or foreign commerce (i.e., for pet trade purposes). Sets forth: (1) exceptions to such prohibition; and (2) civil and criminal penalties for violations of the requirements of this Act.Requires the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with other relevant federal and state agencies, to issue regulations to implement the Captive Wildlife Safety Act.Authorizes additional appropriations to the Secretary for FY2009 to hire additional law enforcement personnel of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to enforce the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981.

captive primate safety act amends lacey act amendments add nonhuman primates great apes etc definition prohibited wildlife species purposes prohibition sale purchase species interstate foreign commerce makes unlawful person sell purchase live animal prohibited wildlife species interstate foreign commerce pet trade purposes sets forth exceptions prohibition civil criminal penalties violations requirements act requires secretary interior consultation relevant federal state agencies issue regulations implement authorizes additional appropriations secretary fy2009 hire additional law enforcement personnel united_states fish_and_wildlife_service enforce lacey act amendments


Summary: Community Forestry Conservation Act of 2007 - Provides for the treatment of qualified forest conservation bonds as tax-exempt facility bonds under the Internal Revenue Code. Defines "qualified forest conservation bonds" as bonds issued for certain forestry organizations within 36 months after the enactment of this Act. Requires 95% or more of the net proceeds of such bonds to be used for specified forestry project costs, including the acquisition of forest lands subject to a conservation restriction. Exempts from income tax income, gains, and other tax incidents generated by certain harvesting activity on forest lands purchased with qualified forest conservation bonds.

community forestry conservation act provides treatment qualified forest conservation bonds tax exempt facility bonds internal revenue code defines qualified forest conservation bonds bonds issued certain forestry organizations months enactment act requires net proceeds bonds specified forestry project costs including acquisition forest lands subject conservation restriction exempts income tax income gains tax incidents generated certain harvesting activity forest lands purchased qualified forest conservation bonds


Summary: Transparent Reporting Under ESA Listing Act or the TRUE Listing Act - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require the Secretary of the Interior to publish, concurrently with the publication of any finding or final regulation relating to a determination of whether a species is an endangered or threatened species or to a designation or revision of critical habitat, a summary statement of the scientific basis for such determination, designation, or revision.Requires such statement to be dated and to include: (1) the scientific rationale for the determination, designation, or revision; and (2) identification of officers or employees who participated in such determination, designation, or revision.Prohibits the Secretary from altering the text of the summary statement after its publication. Authorizes the Secretary to prepare a description of changes to the summary statement in an addendum.

transparent reporting true listing act amends endangered species act require secretary interior publish concurrently publication finding final regulation relating determination species endangered threatened species designation revision critical habitat summary statement scientific basis determination designation revision requires statement dated include scientific rationale determination designation revision identification officers employees participated determination designation revision prohibits secretary altering text summary statement publication authorizes secretary prepare description changes summary statement addendum