Summary:
Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2015

This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall designate and approve independent accreditation organizations that apply quality standards for suppliers only if they are Boards for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification or essentially equivalent programs.

Special payment rules for certain prosthetics and custom-fabricated orthotics are extended to custom-fitted orthotics. Such rules do not apply, however, to off-the-shelf orthotics furnished on or after January 1, 2016, which are included in a competitive acquisition program.

Decisions about Medicare coverage of orthotics and prosthetics on or after January 1, 2016, must take into account the complexity of the item as well as supplier qualifications (which do not apply, however, to physicians, occupational therapists, or physical therapists state-licensed to provide such items).

Documentation created by an orthotist or prosthetist is considered part of the patient's medical record.

Requirements for suppliers of orthotics and prosthetics are separated from those for suppliers of durable medical equipment.

Orthotists and prosthetists must have a supplier number for Medicare payment to be made.

Patients are not liable for payment of furnished orthotics or prosthetics where payment may not be made or where payment is denied. Only the orthotists or prosthetists are liable in such circumstances.

Only the patient may make the minimal self-adjustment required to qualify off-the-shelf orthotics for Medicare coverage in a competitive acquisition program.

medicare_orthotics prosthetics improvement act bill directs secretary health_and_human_services shall designate approve independent accreditation organizations apply quality standards suppliers essentially equivalent programs special payment rules certain prosthetics custom fabricated orthotics extended custom fitted orthotics rules apply shelf orthotics furnished january included competitive acquisition program decisions medicare coverage orthotics prosthetics january account complexity item supplier qualifications apply physicians occupational therapists physical therapists state licensed provide items documentation created considered patient medical record requirements suppliers orthotics prosthetics separated suppliers durable medical equipment supplier number medicare payment patients liable payment furnished orthotics prosthetics payment payment denied liable circumstances patient minimal self adjustment required qualify shelf orthotics medicare coverage competitive acquisition program


Summary:
This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with respect to air ambulance services furnished during 2017 or any subsequent year, to reduce the mandatory percentage increase (inflation adjustment) for payments under the fee schedule by 2.0% for any supplier or provider that fails to submit to the Secretary specified data.

The Secretary is required to select at least two quality measures with respect to which such providers and suppliers may voluntarily submit such data.

The Government Accountability Office is required to report to Congress on all such data, together with a recommendation on the adequate amount of Medicare reimbursement to providers and suppliers that would reflect their operational costs and preserve access to critical air medical services.

The Secretary is required, in the case of air ambulance services furnished during calendar 2017 through 2021 to make a percentage increase in the base rate of the fee schedule: (1) by 20% during 2017, and (2) by 5% during 2018-2020.

The Secretary must also, for 2017 through 2020, adjust such percentages, by either increasing or reducing them (but in no case below zero) to ensure that the increased expenditures under this Act are equal to the reduced expenditures.

bill amends title xviii medicare social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services respect air ambulance services furnished subsequent year reduce mandatory percentage increase inflation adjustment payments fee schedule supplier provider fails submit secretary specified data secretary required select quality measures respect providers suppliers voluntarily submit data government_accountability_office required report congress data recommendation adequate medicare reimbursement providers suppliers reflect operational costs preserve access critical air medical services secretary required case air ambulance services furnished calendar percentage increase base rate fee schedule secretary adjust percentages increasing reducing case zero ensure increased expenditures act equal reduced expenditures


Summary:
Rural ACO Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish additional requirements for assigning Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries to accountable care organizations (ACOs) under the Medicare shared savings program. The program enables ACOs to receive payments for savings stemming from care coordination and management.

Specifically, the bill requires the basis for assignment to reflect beneficiaries' utilization of not only primary care services provided by ACO physicians, but also those provided by other ACO practitioners, and those furnished in federally qualified health centers or rural health clinics. Other ACO practitioners include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse-midwives, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, and registered dieticians or nutrition professionals.

rural aco improvement act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act establish additional requirements assigning medicare fee service beneficiaries accountable care organizations medicare shared savings program program enables receive payments savings stemming care coordination management specifically bill requires basis assignment reflect beneficiaries utilization primary care services provided aco physicians provided aco practitioners furnished federally qualified health centers rural health clinics aco practitioners include physician assistants nurse practitioners clinical nurse specialists certified registered nurse anesthetists certified nurse midwives clinical social workers clinical psychologists registered nutrition professionals


Summary:
HIV Clinical Services Improvement Act

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require payment under the Medicaid program for services furnished by recipients of Ryan White Part C grants, which support comprehensive primary care in outpatient settings for individuals living with HIV.

Providers must be paid an amount equivalent to the prior average costs of providing these services. However, a state plan may establish an alternative payment methodology that: (1) is agreed to by the state and the grantee, and (2) results in payment to the grantee that at least equals the amount otherwise required to be paid to the grantee under the bill.

As a condition of receiving payment under the bill, a grantee shall be subject to specified quality management and reporting requirements.

hiv clinical services improvement act bill amends title xix medicaid social security act require payment medicaid program services furnished recipients ryan_white grants support comprehensive primary care outpatient settings individuals living hiv providers paid equivalent prior average costs providing services state plan establish alternative payment methodology agreed state grantee results payment grantee equals required paid grantee bill condition receiving payment bill grantee shall subject specified quality management reporting requirements


Summary:
Ensuring Enhanced Access to Primary Care Act

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend the application of the Medicare payment rate floor to certain primary care services furnished under the Medicaid program, and (2) apply the same payment rate floor to primary care services furnished under the Medicaid program by certain other providers.

A payment rate floor reflects the minimum rate of payment for applicable services. Under current law, the Medicare payment rate floor for primary care services also applies under the Medicaid program to primary care services furnished in 2013 or 2014 by a physician with a primary specialty designation of family medicine, general internal medicine, or pediatric medicine. The bill establishes an additional two-year period in which the floor shall apply to services provided a physician with one of these primary specialty designations or with a primary specialty designation in psychiatry, neurology, or obstetrics and gynecology. However, the floor shall apply only if the physician self-attests to being Board certified in the applicable specialty.

ensuring enhanced access primary care act bill amends title xix medicaid social security act extend application medicare payment rate floor certain primary care services furnished medicaid program apply payment rate floor primary care services furnished medicaid program certain providers payment rate floor reflects minimum rate payment applicable services current law medicare payment rate floor primary care services applies medicaid program primary care services furnished physician primary specialty designation family medicine general internal medicine pediatric medicine bill establishes additional year period floor shall apply services provided physician primary specialty designations primary specialty designation psychiatry obstetrics gynecology floor shall apply physician self attests board certified applicable specialty


Summary:
Provider Payment Sunshine Act

This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to expand reporting requirements related to the transparency of physician ownership or investment interests.

Under current law, a manufacturer of drugs, devices, or medical supplies that are covered under Medicaid or Medicare must regularly report on any payment or transfer of value by the manufacturer to a “covered recipient,” defined as either a physician who is not an employee of the manufacturer or a teaching hospital. The bill expands the definition of “covered recipient” to also include any of the following practitioners who is not an employee of the manufacturer: (1) a physician assistant, (2) a nurse practitioner, (3) a clinical nurse specialist, (4) certified registered nurse anesthetist, or (5) a certified nurse-midwife.

provider payment sunshine act bill amends title general provisions social security act expand reporting requirements related transparency physician ownership investment interests current law manufacturer drugs devices medical supplies covered medicaid medicare regularly report payment transfer value manufacturer covered recipient defined physician employee manufacturer teaching hospital bill expands definition covered recipient include following practitioners employee manufacturer physician assistant nurse practitioner clinical nurse specialist certified registered nurse anesthetist certified nurse midwife


Summary:
ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to establish additional requirements for assigning Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries to accountable care organizations (ACOs) under the Medicare shared savings program. (The program enables ACOs to receive payments for savings stemming from care coordination and management.)

Specifically, the bill requires the basis for assignment to reflect beneficiaries' utilization of not only primary care services provided by ACO physicians, but also those provided by other ACO practitioners. Other ACO practitioners include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse-midwives, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, and registered dieticians or nutrition professionals.

aco assignment improvement act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act establish additional requirements assigning medicare fee service beneficiaries accountable care organizations medicare shared savings program program enables receive payments savings stemming care coordination management specifically bill requires basis assignment reflect beneficiaries utilization primary care services provided aco physicians provided aco practitioners aco practitioners include physician assistants nurse practitioners clinical nurse specialists certified registered nurse anesthetists certified nurse midwives clinical social workers clinical psychologists registered nutrition professionals


Summary:
CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide Medicare coverage for screening computed tomography colonography (CTC) as a colorectal cancer screening test, and (2) exclude screening CTC from a special Medicare payment rule applicable to certain imaging services.

colonography screening colorectal cancer act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act provide medicare coverage screening computed tomography colonography ctc colorectal cancer screening test exclude screening ctc special medicare payment rule applicable certain imaging services


Summary:
Securing Fairness in Regulatory Timing Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to extend from 45 days to 60 days the annual notice period for the announcement of payment rates under Medicare Advantage (MA). MA organizations shall have at least 30 days to comment on proposed changes.

securing fairness regulatory timing act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act extend days days annual notice period announcement payment rates medicare_advantage organizations shall days comment proposed changes


Summary:
Ensuring Removal of Terminated Providers from Medicaid and CHIP Act

This bill amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program [CHIP]) of the Social Security Act to prohibit federal payment under Medicaid for nonemergency services furnished by providers whose participation in Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP has been terminated.

Under current law, a state must exclude from Medicaid participation any provider that has been terminated under any state's Medicaid program or under Medicare. The bill maintains those requirements and further requires a state to exclude from Medicaid participation any provider that has been terminated under CHIP. Furthermore, a state must exclude from CHIP participation any provider that has been terminated under Medicaid or Medicare.

The bill also revises a state's reporting requirements with respect to terminating a provider under a state plan. A state shall require each Medicaid or CHIP provider, whether the provider participates on a fee-for-service (FFS) basis or within the network of a managed care organization (MCO), to enroll with the state by providing specified identifying information. When notifying the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that a provider has been terminated under a state plan, the state must submit this information as well as information regarding the termination date and reason. HHS shall review such termination notifications and, if appropriate, include them in a database or similar system, as specified by the bill.

The bill prohibits federal payment under a state's Medicaid or CHIP program for services provided by an MCO unless: (1) the state has a system for notifying MCOs when a provider is terminated under Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP; and (2) any contract between the state plan and an MCO provides that such providers be excluded from participation in the MCO provider network.

ensuring removal terminated providers medicaid bill amends titles xix medicaid social security act prohibit federal payment medicaid nonemergency services furnished providers participation medicaid medicare chip terminated current law state exclude medicaid participation provider terminated state medicaid program medicare bill maintains requirements requires state exclude medicaid participation provider terminated chip furthermore state exclude chip participation provider terminated medicaid medicare bill revises state reporting requirements respect terminating provider state plan state shall require medicaid chip provider provider participates fee service ffs basis network managed care organization enroll state providing specified identifying information notifying department_of_health_and_human_services hhs provider terminated state plan state submit information information termination date reason hhs shall review termination notifications appropriate include database similar system specified bill bill prohibits federal payment state medicaid chip program services provided state system notifying provider terminated medicaid medicare chip contract state plan provides providers excluded participation provider network


Summary:
Medicaid Program Integrity Enhancement Act of 2016

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a state Medicaid agency to establish a process by which a provider may appeal a decision by the agency to suspend payment to the provider on the basis of credible fraud allegations.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must revise specified regulations related to such suspensions in order to comply with due process requirements established by the bill.

Specifically, a state Medicaid agency may not suspend payment until the agency: (1) consults with the state's Medicaid fraud control unit or, if the state has no such unit, with the state's attorney general; (2) certifies that it has considered whether the suspension will jeopardize beneficiary access and whether there is good cause not to suspend payment; and (3) furnishes the provider with the agency's reasons for finding no such good cause.

Furthermore, the agency must periodically evaluate whether there is good cause to discontinue a suspension for which an investigation is pending. With specified exceptions, such good cause shall be deemed to exist if the investigation remains unresolved after a suspension has been in effect for 18 months.

CMS must also revise specified regulations to provide that an allegation of fraud shall be considered credible only if the allegation has indications of reliability and the state Medicaid agency: (1) has reviewed all allegations, facts, and evidence carefully; (2) acts judiciously on a case-by-case basis; and (3) has considered the potential impact a payment suspension may have on beneficiary access to care.

bill amends title xix medicaid social security act require state medicaid agency establish process provider appeal decision agency suspend payment provider basis credible fraud allegations centers cms revise specified regulations related suspensions order comply process requirements established bill specifically state medicaid agency suspend payment agency consults state medicaid fraud control unit state unit state attorney general certifies considered suspension jeopardize beneficiary access good cause suspend payment furnishes provider agency reasons finding good cause furthermore agency periodically evaluate good cause discontinue suspension investigation pending specified exceptions good cause shall deemed exist investigation remains unresolved suspension effect months cms revise specified regulations provide allegation fraud shall considered credible allegation indications reliability state medicaid agency reviewed allegations facts evidence carefully acts case case basis considered potential impact payment suspension beneficiary access care


Summary:
Flexibility in Electronic Health Record Reporting Act

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services, with respect to electronic health record (EHR) meaningful use incentive programs under Medicare and Medicaid, to continue through 2016 to allow the use of quarterly reporting without regard to the payment year or the stage of meaningful use criteria involved.

flexibility electronic health record reporting act bill requires respect electronic health record ehr meaningful use incentive programs medicare medicaid continue allow use quarterly reporting regard payment year stage meaningful use criteria involved


Summary:
Nurturing and Supporting Healthy Babies Act or the NAS Healthy Babies Act

This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which results from a newborn's exposure to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother's womb.

Specifically, the GAO shall report on:

 the prevalence of NAS, NAS treatment services for which coverage is available under state Medicaid programs, the settings and associated reimbursement methodologies for NAS treatment, the prevalence of utilization of various care settings under state Medicaid programs for NAS treatment, and any federal barriers to treating infants with NAS under state Medicaid programs. The GAO shall also report on its recommendations for improvements that will ensure access to NAS treatment under state Medicaid programs.

supporting healthy babies act bill requires government_accountability_office gao report neonatal abstinence syndrome nas results newborn exposure opiate drugs mother specifically gao shall report prevalence nas nas treatment services coverage available state medicaid programs settings associated reimbursement methodologies nas treatment prevalence utilization care settings state medicaid programs nas treatment federal barriers treating infants nas state medicaid programs gao shall report recommendations improvements ensure access nas treatment state medicaid programs


Summary:
Local Coverage Determination Clarification Act of 2016

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the process by which Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) issue and reconsider local coverage determinations (LCDs) that: (1) are new, (2) restrict or substantively revise existing LCDs, or (3) are otherwise specified in regulation. (MACs are private insurers that process Medicare claims within specified geographic areas.)

Before such an LCD may take effect, the MAC issuing the determination must, with respect to each geographic area to which the determination applies:

 publish online a proposed version of the determination and other specified, related information; convene one or more public meetings to review the draft determination, receive comments, and secure the advice of an expert panel; post online a record of the minutes from each such meeting; provide a period for submission of written public comments; and post online specified information related to the rationale for the final determination. Upon the filing of an applicable request by an interested party with regard to the reconsideration of a specified LCD, the MAC that issued the determination shall:

 provide specified information related to whether the determination failed to correctly apply qualifying relevant evidence, exceeds the scope of its intended purpose, fails to apply as intended, or is otherwise erroneous; preserve the determination, modify the determination, or rescind the determination in part; and make publicly available a written description of such action. An interested party may appeal a reconsideration decision to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

CMS shall appoint a Medicare Reviews and Appeals Ombudsman to carry out specified duties with regard to LCDs.

local coverage determination clarification act bill amends title xviii medicare social security act revise process medicare administrative contractors macs issue reconsider local coverage determinations new restrict revise existing specified regulation macs private insurers process medicare claims specified geographic areas lcd effect mac issuing determination respect geographic area determination applies publish online proposed version determination specified related information convene public meetings review draft determination receive comments secure advice expert panel post online record minutes meeting provide period submission written public comments post online specified information related rationale final determination filing applicable request interested party regard reconsideration specified lcd mac issued determination shall provide specified information related determination failed correctly apply qualifying relevant evidence exceeds scope intended purpose fails apply intended erroneous preserve determination modify determination rescind determination publicly available written description action interested party appeal reconsideration decision cms cms shall appoint carry specified duties regard


Summary: National Computer Recycling Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), after submitting to Congress the results of a study of waste materials in used computers that may be hazardous to human health or the environment along with related management recommendations, to require assessment of a fee on the sale to an end-user of any computer, monitor, or other designated electronic devices. Exempts nonprofit organizations from the fee requirement. Authorizes the Administrator to create additional fee exemptions for sales that will likely result in maximum reuse of significant components and the disposal of remaining components in an environmentally sound and lawful manner. Requires fees collected to be used for administration of this Act and for making grants to eligible individuals or organizations for: (1) collecting or processing used computers, monitors, or other devices for recycling; (2) reusing or reselling such devices; and (3) extracting and using, or selling for reuse, raw materials from such devices. Requires reports to Congress on the status of computer recycling, which shall include descriptions of fee collection and use.

environmental_protection_agency epa submitting congress results study waste materials computers hazardous human health environment related management recommendations require assessment fee sale end user computer monitor designated electronic devices exempts nonprofit organizations fee requirement authorizes administrator create additional fee exemptions sales likely result maximum reuse significant components disposal remaining components environmentally sound lawful manner requires fees collected administration act making grants eligible individuals organizations collecting processing computers monitors devices recycling reusing devices extracting selling reuse raw materials devices requires reports congress status computer recycling shall include descriptions fee collection use


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the taxpayer election to expense qualified film and television production costs in the current taxable year.

amends internal revenue code permanent taxpayer election expense qualified film television production costs current taxable year


Summary: Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit retailers and distributors from selling beverages (water, mineral water, soda water, flavored water, sports drinks, juice, iced tea, wine coolers, beer, or carbonated nonalcoholic beverages) in containers that do not display a statement of a refund value of five cents.Requires: (1) distributors to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers; and (2) retailers to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires: (1) retailers to pay the refund on returned unbroken containers of brands sold for up to a specified number of containers per day based on the square footage of the retailer's space (excluding any container contaminated by a hazardous waste); and (2) distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands sold, plus at least three cents per container for handling costs. Directs distributors to pay to a state, annually, unclaimed refund amounts, which shall be available to the state for programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Prohibits distributors and retailers from disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities.Exempts states that have implemented laws requiring beverage container deposits or that have demonstrated achievement of specified recycling or reuse rates for beverage containers. Prohibits states or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the refund amounts at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

amends solid waste disposal act prohibit retailers distributors selling beverages water mineral water soda water water sports drinks juice tea wine coolers beer beverages containers display statement refund value cents requires distributors collect refund value beverage sold retailers retailers collect refund value beverage sold consumers requires retailers pay refund returned containers sold specified number containers day based square footage retailer space excluding container contaminated hazardous waste distributors pay refund returned containers sold plus cents container handling costs directs distributors pay state annually unclaimed refund amounts shall available state programs designed reduce greenhouse gas emissions prohibits distributors retailers disposing containers subject act metal glass plastic containers seal landfills solid waste disposal facilities exempts states implemented laws requiring beverage container deposits demonstrated achievement specified recycling reuse rates beverage containers prohibits states political subdivisions impose taxes sale beverage containers imposing tax attributable refund value containers provides adjustment inflation refund amounts year intervals prescribes civil penalties violations act


Summary: Amends the Clean Air Act to provide that grants for support of air pollution planning and control programs shall be given to states that have enacted laws requiring a deposit on consumer beverage containers before any such grants may be given to other states.

amends clean air act provide grants support air pollution planning control programs shall given states enacted laws requiring deposit consumer beverage containers grants given states


Summary: Packaging Reduction Act of 2008 - Establishes a national consumer product packaging reduction goal to reduce the total amount of packaging used on consumer products in the United States to an amount that is at least 30 percent below the amount used on the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and implement a plan to meet the national packaging reduction goal within 10 years after enactment of this Act that includes methods of meeting the goal and methods of measuring the plan's effectiveness.

packaging reduction act establishes national consumer product packaging reduction goal reduce total packaging consumer products united_states percent date enactment act requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa develop implement plan meet national packaging reduction goal years enactment act includes methods meeting goal methods measuring plan effectiveness


Summary: Economic Credit Opportunity for Businesses Acting Green Act of 2008 or the ECOBAG Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow retailers a tax credit for up to 15% of the amount paid to implement an at-store recycling program for one or more types of plastic carry-out bags, film plastic, and other types of plastic specified by Treasury regulations.

economic credit opportunity businesses acting green act act amends internal revenue code allow retailers tax credit paid implement store recycling program types plastic carry bags film plastic types plastic specified treasury regulations


Summary: Copper Theft Prevention Act of 2008 - Requires secondary copper recyclers (purchasers of copper that has served its original economic purpose) to keep records for at least two years of all purchases of copper property. Prohibits such recyclers from accepting cash in excess of $500 for the purchase of copper property. Imposes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violations of this Act.

requires secondary copper purchasers copper served original economic purpose records years purchases copper property prohibits accepting cash excess purchase copper property imposes civil penalty violations act


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) an 10% energy tax credit for the installation of a qualified green roof; and (2) a residential energy efficient tax credit for 30% of qualified green roof property expenditures up to $2,000. Defines a "qualified green roof" as any green roof which is at least 40% vegetated. Defines "green roof" as any roof which consists of vegetation and soil, or a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane and its associated components.

amends internal revenue code allow energy tax credit installation qualified green roof residential energy efficient tax credit qualified green roof property expenditures defines qualified green roof green roof defines green roof roof consists vegetation soil growing medium planted membrane associated components


Summary: Secondary Metal Theft Prevention Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress that government agencies should work with representatives of the secondary metal recycling industry to combat the theft and sale of stolen secondary metal. Defines "secondary metal" as: (1) wire or cable commonly used by communications and electrical utilities; and (2) copper, aluminum, or other metal (including when combined with other materials) that is valuable for recycling or reuse as raw metal.Makes it unlawful to sell certain secondary metal unless the seller documents ownership and maintains written or electronic records of each secondary metal purchase. Includes within the prohibition: (1) secondary metal that is marked with the name, logo, or initials of a railroad, a utility company, or a state or local government; (2) highway or street poles, fixtures, rails, or signs; (3) unused or undamaged building construction or utility material; (4) historical markers or grave markers; and (5) large bulk containers for beer. Prohibits cash purchases of secondary metal in excess of $75 or small multiple cash purchases within a 48-hour period. Requires purchasers of secondary metal in excess of $75 to pay by check.Empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to enforce this Act. Imposes a civil penalty for violations. Declares that this Act does not preempt any state or local law regulating the sale or purchase of secondary metal.

expresses sense congress government agencies work representatives secondary metal recycling industry combat theft sale stolen secondary metal defines secondary metal wire cable commonly communications electrical utilities copper aluminum metal including combined materials valuable recycling reuse raw metal makes unlawful sell certain secondary metal seller documents ownership maintains written electronic records secondary metal purchase includes prohibition secondary metal marked logo initials railroad utility company state local government highway street poles fixtures rails signs unused building construction utility material historical markers grave markers large bulk containers beer prohibits cash purchases secondary metal excess small multiple cash purchases hour period requires purchasers secondary metal excess pay check empowers_the_federal_trade_commission ftc state attorneys general enforce act imposes civil penalty violations declares act preempt state local law regulating sale purchase secondary metal


Summary: Tire Investment, Recovery and Extension Act of 2009 or the TIRE Act of 2009- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers who regularly use more than 100 vehicles a year in a trade or business (vehicle fleet operators) a tax credit for the purchase of new or retread tires made from recycled rubber.

tire investment recovery extension act tire act amends internal revenue code allow taxpayers regularly use vehicles year trade business vehicle fleet operators tax credit purchase new tires recycled rubber


Summary: Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit retailers and distributors from selling beverages in containers that do not display a statement of a refund value of five cents. Defines "beverage" as an alcoholic or non-alcoholic, carbonated or uncarbonated liquid that is intended for human consumption. Requires: (1) distributors to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers by a deposit initiator; and (2) retailers to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires: (1) retailers to pay the refund on returned unbroken containers of brands sold for up to a specified number of containers per day based on the square footage of the retailer's space (excluding any container contaminated by a hazardous waste); and (2) distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands sold, plus at least three cents per container for handling costs. Directs each deposit initiator to pay to a state, quarterly, unclaimed refund amounts, which shall be available to the state for programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Prohibits distributors and retailers from intentionally disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Exempts states that have implemented laws requiring beverage container deposits or that have demonstrated achievement of specified recycling, reuse, or recovery rates for beverage containers. Prohibits states or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the refund amounts at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

amends solid waste disposal act prohibit retailers distributors selling beverages containers display statement refund value cents defines beverage alcoholic non alcoholic liquid intended human consumption requires distributors collect refund value beverage sold retailers deposit retailers collect refund value beverage sold consumers requires retailers pay refund returned containers sold specified number containers day based square footage retailer space excluding container contaminated hazardous waste distributors pay refund returned containers sold plus cents container handling costs directs deposit pay state quarterly unclaimed refund amounts shall available state programs designed reduce greenhouse gas emissions prohibits distributors retailers intentionally disposing containers subject act metal glass plastic containers seal landfills solid waste disposal facilities exempts states implemented laws requiring beverage container deposits demonstrated achievement specified recycling reuse recovery rates beverage containers prohibits states political subdivisions impose taxes sale beverage containers imposing tax attributable refund value containers provides adjustment inflation refund amounts year intervals prescribes civil penalties violations act


Summary: Economic Credit Opportunity for Businesses Acting Green Act of 2010 or the ECOBAG Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow retailers a tax credit for up to 15% of the amount paid to implement an at-store recycling program for one or more types of plastic carry-out bags, film plastic, and other types of plastic specified by Treasury regulations.


Summary: Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of: (1) recycled water distribution systems in California in cooperation with the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District and the Ironhouse Sanitary District; and (2) recycled water system facilities in California in cooperation with the Dublin San Ramon Services District, the city of Petaluma, Redwood City, and the city of Palo Alto. Limits the federal share of each project to 25%. Prohibits the Secretary from providing funds for project operation and maintenance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into individual agreements with the San Francisco Bay Area Regional Water Recycling implementing agencies to fund specified projects under such Act through the Bay Area Clean Water Agencies; and (2) include in such agreements a provision for the reimbursement of construction costs. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the design, planning, and construction of: (1) recycled water system facilities in cooperation with the city of Antioch, California; and (2) recycled water treatment facilities in cooperation with the city of San Jose, California, and the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

amends reclamation wastewater groundwater_study facilities act authorize secretary interior participate design planning construction recycled water distribution systems california cooperation central sanitary district sanitary district recycled water system facilities california cooperation city redwood_city city palo_alto limits federal share project prohibits secretary providing funds project operation maintenance directs secretary enter individual agreements implementing agencies fund specified projects act include agreements provision reimbursement construction costs increases authorization appropriations design planning construction recycled water system facilities cooperation city antioch california recycled water treatment facilities cooperation city san_jose california santa clara valley water district


Summary: Electronic Device Recycling Research and Development Act - (Sec. 4) Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide multiyear grants to consortia: (1) to conduct research to create innovative and practical approaches to manage the environmental impacts of electronic devices through recycling, reuse, reduction of the use of hazardous materials, and life-cycle extension; and (2) through such research, to contribute to the professional development of scientists, engineers, and technicians in the fields of electronic device manufacturing, design, refurbishing, and recycling. Sets forth provisions concerning research objectives, grant application requirements, and requirements for disseminating research results to the public. Provides for the protection of proprietary information of trade secrets provided by any person or entity pursuant to this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress biennially on the grants provided and the results of research projects carried out under such grants. (Sec. 5) Requires the Administrator, through an applied research program of EPA's Office of Research and Development, to conduct electronic device engineering research. (Sec. 6) Requires the Administrator to enter into an arrangement for the National Academy of Sciences to report to Congress on: (1) opportunities for, and barriers to, increasing the recyclability of electronic devices and making electronic devises safer and more environmentally preferable; (2) the risks posed by the storage, transport, recycling, and disposal of unwanted electronic devices; (3) the current status of research and training programs to promote the environmental design of electronic devices to increase recyclability; (4) regulatory or statutory barriers that may prevent the adoption or implementation of best management practices or technological innovations that may arise from the research and training programs established under this Act; and (5) economic and domestic employment impacts associated with recycling and harvesting materials from unwanted electronic devices in lieu of the disposal of those devices directly in landfills. Requires such reports to: (1) identify gaps in the research and training programs in addressing the opportunities, barriers, and risks relating to electronic device recycling; and (2) recommend areas in which additional research and development resources are needed to reduce the impact of unwanted electronic devices on the environment. (Sec. 7) Requires the Administrator to provide grants to institutions of higher education to develop curricula that incorporate the principles of environmental design into the development of electronic devices: (1) for the training of engineers and other students; and (2) to support the continuing education of professionals in the electronic device manufacturing, design, refurbishing, or recycling industries. Requires: (1) the Administrator to conduct outreach to minority serving institutions to provide information about the grants; and (2) the grants to be used for activities that enhance the ability of an institution to broaden its engineering or professional continuing education curriculum to include environmental engineering design principles and consideration of product lifecycles relating to electronic devices and increasing their recyclability. (Sec. 8) Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to: (1) develop a comprehensive physical property database for environmentally preferable alternative materials, design features, and manufacturing practices for use in electronic devices; (2) develop a strategic plan to establish priorities and physical property characterization requirements for the database; and (3) update the database no less than annually. Authorizes the Director to expand the database to include information on the environmental impacts of various materials, design features, and manufacturing practices used in electronic devices from a lifecycle standpoint. Authorizes appropriations.

electronic device recycling research development act sec requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa provide multiyear grants consortia conduct research create innovative practical approaches manage environmental impacts electronic devices recycling reuse reduction use hazardous materials life cycle extension research contribute professional development scientists engineers technicians fields electronic device manufacturing design recycling sets forth provisions concerning research objectives grant application requirements requirements disseminating research results public provides protection proprietary information trade secrets provided person entity pursuant act requires administrator report congress biennially grants provided results research projects carried grants sec requires administrator applied research program epa conduct electronic device engineering research sec requires administrator enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences report congress opportunities barriers increasing electronic devices making electronic devises safer environmentally preferable risks posed storage transport recycling disposal unwanted electronic devices current status research training programs promote environmental design electronic devices increase regulatory statutory barriers prevent adoption implementation best management practices technological innovations arise research training programs established act economic domestic employment impacts associated recycling harvesting materials unwanted electronic devices lieu disposal devices directly landfills requires reports identify gaps research training programs addressing opportunities barriers risks relating electronic device recycling recommend areas additional research development resources needed reduce impact unwanted electronic devices environment sec requires administrator provide grants institutions higher education develop curricula incorporate principles environmental design development electronic devices training engineers students support continuing education professionals electronic device manufacturing design recycling industries requires administrator conduct outreach minority serving institutions provide information grants grants activities enhance ability institution broaden engineering professional continuing education curriculum include environmental engineering design principles consideration product relating electronic devices increasing sec requires director national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist develop comprehensive physical property database environmentally preferable alternative materials design features manufacturing practices use electronic devices develop strategic plan establish priorities physical property characterization requirements database update database annually authorizes director expand database include information environmental impacts materials design features manufacturing practices electronic devices lifecycle authorizes appropriations


Summary: Amends Solid Waste Disposal Act provisions concerning federal procurement of recycled materials to provide that for a product containing at least 25% recovered material, a price of not more than 110% of the bid price of the highest ranked competing product containing zero or de minimis recovered materials shall not be considered to be unreasonable.

amends solid waste disposal act provisions concerning federal procurement recycled materials provide product containing recovered material price bid price highest ranked competing product containing zero minimis recovered materials shall considered unreasonable


Summary: Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize states to adopt and implement coal combustion residuals permit programs. Requires each state governor to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within six months about whether such state will implement such a program. Requires states that decide to implement such a program to: (1) submit to the Administrator within 36 months a certification that such program meets the specifications of this Act; and (2) maintain either an approved municipal solid waste program for the control of hazardous disposal or an authorized state hazardous waste program. Establishes minimum requirements for coal combustion residuals permit programs. Requires: (1) the revised criteria established by this Act to apply to such programs; (2) landfills, surface impoundments, or other land-based units that may receive coal combustion residuals (structures) to be designed, constructed, and maintained to provide for containment of the maximum volumes of coal combustion residuals appropriate for the structure; (3) such programs to apply such revised criteria to surface impoundments; and (4) new structures that first receive coal combustion residuals after this Act's enactment to be constructed with a base located a minimum of two feet above the upper limit of the natural water table. Authorizes: (1) state agency heads to require action to correct structural integrity deficiencies according to a schedule for structures that are classified as posing a high hazard potential pursuant to the guidelines published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) entitled "Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Hazard Potential Classification System for Dams"; (2) state agency heads to require that such a structure close if such deficiency is not corrected according to such schedule; (3) states to inspect structures and implement and enforce such permit program; and (4) states to address wind dispersal of dust from coal combustion residuals by requiring dust control measures. Sets forth revised criteria for such programs with respect to: (1) design, groundwater monitoring, corrective action, and closure and post-closure for structures; (2) location restrictions for new structures in floodplains, wetlands, fault areas, seismic impact zones, and unstable areas; (3) criteria for air quality, financial assurance, surface water, and record keeping; (4) criteria for run-on and run-off control systems for landfills and other land-based units, other than surface impoundments that receive coal combustion residuals; and (5) run-off control systems for surface impoundments. Authorizes states to determine that such criteria is not needed for the management of their coal combustion residuals permit program. Authorizes the Administrator to treat such state determination as a deficiency if it does not accurately reflect the needs for the management of coal combustion residuals in the state. Requires the Administrator to provide a state with notice of, and an opportunity to remedy, deficiencies. Requires the Administrator to implement such a program for a state only if: (1) the governor of such state notifies the Administrator that such state will not implement a program, (2) the state is notified of, but fails to remedy, program deficiencies, or (3) the state notifies the Administrator that it will no longer implement such a program. Sets forth provisions concerning resumption of implementation by states. Requires the time period and method for a structure's closure to be set forth in a schedule in a closure plan that takes into account the site-specific characteristics of such structure. Directs the closure plan for a surface impoundment to require the removal of liquid and the stabilization of remaining waste as necessary to support the final cover. Prohibits the Administrator from applying such programs to the utilization, placement, and storage of coal combustion residuals at surface mining and reclamation operations. (Sec. 3) Prohibits this Act from being construed to alter the EPA's regulatory determination, entitled "Notice of Regulatory Determination on Wastes from the Combustion of Fossil Fuels," that the fossil fuel combustion wastes addressed in that determination do not warrant regulation under such Act.

coal residuals reuse management act sec amends solid waste disposal act authorize states adopt implement coal combustion residuals permit programs requires state governor notify administrator environmental_protection_agency epa months state implement program requires states decide implement program submit administrator months certification program meets specifications act maintain approved municipal solid waste program control hazardous disposal authorized state hazardous waste program establishes minimum requirements coal combustion residuals permit programs requires revised criteria established act apply programs landfills surface impoundments land based units receive coal combustion residuals structures designed constructed maintained provide containment maximum volumes coal combustion residuals appropriate structure programs apply revised criteria surface impoundments new structures receive coal combustion residuals act enactment constructed base located minimum feet upper limit natural water table authorizes state agency heads require action correct structural integrity deficiencies according schedule structures classified posing high hazard potential pursuant guidelines published federal_emergency_management_agency fema entitled federal guidelines dam safety hazard potential classification system dams state agency heads require structure close deficiency corrected according schedule states inspect structures implement enforce permit program states address wind dispersal dust coal combustion residuals requiring dust control measures sets forth revised criteria programs respect design groundwater monitoring corrective action closure post closure structures location restrictions new structures floodplains wetlands fault areas seismic impact zones unstable areas criteria air quality financial assurance surface water record keeping criteria run run control systems landfills land based units surface impoundments receive coal combustion residuals run control systems surface impoundments authorizes states determine criteria needed management coal combustion residuals permit program authorizes administrator treat state determination deficiency accurately reflect needs management coal combustion residuals state requires administrator provide state notice opportunity remedy deficiencies requires administrator implement program state governor state notifies administrator state implement program state notified fails remedy program deficiencies state notifies administrator longer implement program sets forth provisions concerning resumption implementation states requires time period method structure closure set forth schedule closure plan takes account site specific characteristics structure directs closure plan surface impoundment require removal liquid stabilization remaining waste necessary support final cover prohibits administrator applying programs utilization placement storage coal combustion residuals surface mining reclamation operations sec prohibits act construed alter epa regulatory determination entitled notice regulatory determination wastes fossil fuel combustion wastes addressed determination warrant regulation act


Summary: Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit retailers and distributors from selling beverages in containers that do not display a statement of a refund value of five cents. Defines "beverage" as an alcoholic or non-alcoholic, carbonated or uncarbonated liquid that is intended for human consumption. Requires: (1) distributors to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers by a deposit initiator, and (2) retailers to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires: (1) retailers to pay the refund on returned unbroken containers of brands sold for up to a specified number of containers per day based on the square footage of the retailer's space (excluding any container contaminated by a hazardous waste), and (2) distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands sold, plus at least three cents per container for handling costs. Directs each deposit initiator to pay to a state, quarterly, unclaimed refund amounts, which shall be available to the state for programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Prohibits distributors and retailers from intentionally disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Exempts states that have implemented laws requiring beverage container deposits or that have demonstrated achievement of specified recycling, reuse, or recovery rates for beverage containers. Prohibits states or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the refund amounts at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.


Summary:
Drinking Water Supply Assistance Act of 2013 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux that contains brass from certain prohibitions against the use of lead pipes, solder, and flux under the following conditions:

 a supplier of water owns the brass before enactment of this Act; the brass is used to prevent or mitigate a municipal budget deficit or an interruption in service of a public water system; and the supplier of water is otherwise in compliance with all laws and regulations, except monitoring requirements regarding lead in water. Makes the exemption inapplicable to a municipality if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines it would result in an unreasonable risk to public health.

Directs the Administrator to: (1) consult with and seek the advice of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council on potential changes to federal regulations pertaining to lead; and (2) request the Council to consider sources of lead throughout drinking water distribution systems, including through components used to reroute drinking water during distribution system repairs.

drinking water supply assistance act amends safe drinking water act exempt pipe pipe plumbing fitting solder flux contains brass certain prohibitions use lead pipes solder flux following conditions supplier water owns brass enactment act brass prevent mitigate municipal budget deficit interruption service public water system supplier water compliance laws regulations monitoring requirements lead water makes exemption inapplicable municipality administrator environmental_protection_agency epa determines result unreasonable risk public health directs administrator consult seek advice potential changes federal regulations pertaining lead request council consider sources lead drinking water distribution systems including components reroute drinking water distribution system repairs


Summary: Authorizes the Redwood Valley County Water District, California, to enter into additional non-federal obligations necessary to finance procurement of dedicated water rights and improvements needed, if the Secretary of the Interior and the District, as of January 1, 2006, have not renegotiated the schedule of payments for loans made by the United States to the District. Requires: (1) the renegotiated schedule of payments to commence when such additional obligations have been financially satisfied by the District; and (2) the date of the initial payment by the District to the United States to be regarded as the start of the repayment period and the time upon which any interest shall first be computed and assessed under the Small Reclamation Projects Act of 1956.

authorizes valley county water district california enter additional non federal obligations necessary finance procurement dedicated water rights improvements needed secretary interior district january renegotiated schedule payments loans united_states district requires renegotiated schedule payments commence additional obligations financially satisfied district date initial payment district united_states regarded start repayment period time interest shall computed assessed small reclamation projects act


Summary: Veterans' Memorials, Boy Scouts, Public Seals, and Other Public Expressions of Religion Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Revised Statutes of the United States to limit the remedy, in a civil action against a state or local official for deprivation of civil rights, to injunctive and declaratory relief and deny attorneys' fees where the deprivation consists of a violation of a prohibition in the Constitution against the establishment of religion, including violations relating to: (1) religious words or imagery in veterans' memorials, public buildings, or official seals of states or their subdivisions; and (2) the chartering of Boy Scout units by states or their subdivisions and the Boy Scouts' using public buildings. Imposes the same limits regarding such an action against the United States or any U.S. agency or official acting in his or her official capacity.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

boy scouts public seals amends revised statutes united_states limit remedy civil action state local official deprivation civil rights injunctive declaratory relief deny attorneys fees deprivation consists violation prohibition constitution establishment religion including violations relating religious words imagery veterans memorials public buildings official seals states subdivisions chartering boy units states subdivisions public buildings imposes limits action united_states agency official acting official capacity


Summary: Strengthening the Ownership of Private Property Act of 2007 or STOPP Act of 2007 - Prohibits federal financial assistance under defined federal economic development programs to a state or local government entity that: (1) uses the power of eminent domain to take property from a private entity and transfer ownership to another private entity; or (2) fails to provide, to any person displaced by the use of eminent domain for any economic development purpose, relocation assistance under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Excepts from the first clause property taken for: (1) use by a public utility; (2) a road open to the public or common carriers; (3) an aqueduct, pipeline, or similar use; (4) a prison or hospital; or (5) any use during and in relation to a national emergency or national disaster declared by the President. Provides a private right of action for the owner of any real property taken by conduct prohibited under this Act.

strengthening act prohibits federal financial assistance defined federal economic development programs state local government entity uses power eminent domain property private entity transfer ownership private entity fails provide person displaced use eminent domain economic development purpose relocation assistance uniform relocation assistance real property acquisition policies act excepts clause property taken use public utility road open public common carriers aqueduct pipeline similar use prison hospital use relation national emergency national disaster declared president provides private right action owner real property taken conduct prohibited act


Summary: Northern Border Prosecution Initiative Reimbursement Act - Directs the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the Office of Justice Programs, to carry out the Northern Border Prosecution Initiative to provide funds to reimburse eligible northern border states (or local governments thereof) for costs incurred for handling dispositions of criminal cases that are federally initiated but federally declined-referred (i.e., where a decision has been made in a criminal case by a U.S. Attorney or a federal law enforcement agency during a federal investigation to no longer pursue federal criminal charges against a defendant and to refer the investigation to a state or local jurisdiction for possible prosecution). Requires that such program be modeled after the Southwestern Border Prosecution Initiative and serve as a partner program to that initiative to reimburse local jurisdictions for processing federal cases.

northern_border_prosecution_initiative reimbursement act directs attorney general acting director bureau_of_justice_assistance office_of_justice_programs carry northern_border_prosecution_initiative provide funds reimburse eligible northern border states local governments thereof costs incurred handling dispositions criminal cases federally initiated federally declined referred decision criminal case attorney federal law enforcement agency federal investigation longer pursue federal criminal charges defendant refer investigation state local jurisdiction possible prosecution requires program modeled serve partner program initiative reimburse local jurisdictions processing federal cases


Summary: Amends federal monetary law relating to reduction of a tax refund by the amount of a tax debt to establish a pilot program during 2009 and 2010 for the collection of past-due legally enforceable local government tax obligations. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury, upon receiving notice from any eligible state on behalf of a local government that a named person owes such local government a past-due, legally enforceable tax obligation, to: (1) reduce the federal tax refunds payable to such person by the amount of such debt; (2) pay the amount of such reduction to the state for payment to the affected local government; (3) notify the state of the person's name, taxpayer identification number, address, and the amount collected; and (4) notify the person due the refund that it has been reduced by an amount necessary to satisfy a past-due, legally enforceable tax obligation. Requires the Secretary to select between three and five states to participate in the pilot program, including from among: (1) Illinois; (2) Iowa; (3) Louisiana; (4) New York; (5) Ohio; and (6) Virginia. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit disclosure of taxpayer information to agencies of states requesting refund offsets for tax debts owed to local governments.

amends federal monetary law relating reduction tax refund tax debt establish pilot program collection past legally enforceable local government tax obligations instructs secretary treasury receiving notice eligible state behalf local government named person owes local government past legally enforceable tax obligation reduce federal tax refunds payable person debt pay reduction state payment affected local government notify state person taxpayer identification number address collected notify person refund reduced necessary satisfy past legally enforceable tax obligation requires secretary select states participate pilot program including illinois iowa louisiana new_york ohio virginia amends internal revenue code permit disclosure taxpayer information agencies states requesting refund offsets tax debts owed local governments


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from tax interest on federally-guaranteed bonds for the financing of water, wastewater, and essential community facilities.

amends internal revenue code exempt tax interest federally guaranteed bonds financing water wastewater essential community facilities


Summary: Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned, at the request of a state or local government that has one or more first responder employees who are also members of a reserve component and absent from their employment as first responders under a call or order to serve on active duty for more than 30 days, to reimburse the state or local government by the amount actually paid by the state or local government to such employees during their absence.

requires secretary military department concerned request state local government responder employees members reserve component absent employment responders order serve active duty days reimburse state local government actually paid state local government employees absence


Summary: Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act - Amends the federal judicial code to authorize any state or local government or related official (or successor) to file a motion to modify or terminate a federal consent decree upon the earlier of: (1) four years after the consent decree is originally entered; or (2) in the case of a civil action in which a state or state official, or a local government or local government official, is a party, the expiration of the term of office of the highest state or local government official who was a party to the consent decree; or (3) the date otherwise provided by law. Places the burden of proof with respect to such motions on the party originally filing the action to demonstrate that the denial of the motion to modify or terminate a consent decree (or any part of it) is necessary to prevent the violation of a federal requirement that: (1) was actionable by such party; and (2) was addressed in the original consent decree. Requires a court, within 30 days after the filing of a motion, to enter a scheduling order that: (1) limits the time of the parties to file motions and complete discovery; and (2) sets the date or dates of any necessary hearings. Authorizes a court to stay the injunctive or prospective relief set forth in the consent decree if a party opposing the motion to modify or terminate it seeks any continuance or delay that prevents the court from entering a final ruling on the motion within 180 days of its filing. Requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on all consent decrees in which the United States is a party that were entered four or more years before the date of the report.

federal consent decree fairness act amends federal judicial code authorize state local government related official successor file motion modify terminate federal consent decree earlier years consent decree originally entered case civil action state state official local government local government official party expiration term office highest state local government official party consent decree date provided law places burden proof respect motions party originally filing action demonstrate denial motion modify terminate consent decree necessary prevent violation federal requirement actionable party addressed original consent decree requires court days filing motion enter scheduling order limits time parties file motions complete discovery sets date dates necessary hearings authorizes court stay injunctive prospective relief set forth consent decree party opposing motion modify terminate seeks continuance delay prevents court entering final ruling motion days filing requires attorney general report annually congress consent decrees united_states party entered years date report


Summary: Restoring the West's Fair Share Act of 2008 - Amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, to repeal the requirement for a deduction of 2% from the amount payable to a state in FY2008 under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982, and under the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act and the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, before disbursing a payment to that state and for the deposit of the amount deducted to miscellaneous receipts.

restoring west fair share act amends consolidated appropriations act repeal requirement deduction payable state fy2008 federal_oil_and_gas_royalty_management_act provisions mineral leasing act geothermal steam act disbursing payment state deposit deducted miscellaneous receipts


Summary: Equitable Mineral Lease Revenue Sharing Restoration Act - Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, to repeal the requirement that the Secretary of the Interior deduct 2% from the amount payable to each state in FY2008, and deposit such amount to miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury.

equitable mineral lease revenue sharing restoration act amends department interior environment related agencies appropriations act repeal requirement secretary interior deduct payable state fy2008 deposit miscellaneous receipts treasury


Summary: Prohibits any federal funds from being provided to a state, city, county, or other political subdivision thereof if the Secretary of Defense determines that such state or political subdivision prohibits or unreasonably restricts, through zoning requirements more restrictive than those imposed on most small businesses in that jurisdiction, the ability of the Armed Forces to establish and operate a military recruiting office. Requires the Secretary to notify the President and Congress of each such determination.

prohibits federal funds provided state city county political subdivision thereof secretary defense determines state political subdivision prohibits unreasonably restricts zoning requirements restrictive imposed small businesses jurisdiction ability armed_forces establish operate military recruiting office requires secretary notify president congress determination


Summary: Schools in Homeland Security Planning Act of 2008 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to condition the receipt of certain state homeland security grants on a state including a representative of the state department of education in each homeland security decision-making body of the state that has authority to determine how such grants will be used.

schools homeland security planning act amends homeland security act condition receipt certain state homeland security grants state including representative state department education homeland security decision making body state authority determine grants


Summary: Presidential Signing Statements Act of 2008 - Requires the President to transmit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the chairmen of the House and Senate Committees on the Judiciary, and to the Senate Majority Leader each signing statement that declares or insinuates the President's intention to disregard provisions of any bill he has signed into law because he believes it is unconstitutional. Requires the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, or White House Counsel to testify before such congressional committees at the behest of any single Member of either committee to explain the meaning and justification of every presidential signing statement covered by this Act. Prohibits executive privilege from being recognized as a valid basis for refusing to appear or refusing to answer a question pertinent to the legal reasoning behind a signing statement or its legal ramifications. Bars authorization or expenditure of federal funds to implement any law accompanied by a presidential signing statement noncompliant with this Act.

presidential signing statements act requires president transmit speaker house_of_representatives chairmen house senate committees judiciary senate majority leader signing statement declares president intention disregard provisions bill signed law believes unconstitutional requires attorney general deputy attorney general white_house counsel testify congressional committees single member committee explain meaning justification presidential signing statement covered act prohibits executive privilege recognized valid basis refusing appear refusing answer question pertinent legal reasoning signing statement legal ramifications bars authorization expenditure federal funds implement law accompanied presidential signing statement noncompliant act


Summary: Preserving the American Historical Record Act - Authorizes the Archivist of the United States to make grants to states to: (1) protect historical records; (2) use such records in new and creative ways; (3) provide education and training to those who care for historical records; and (4) create a wide variety of access tools, including finding aids, documentary editions, indexes, and images of key records maintained on state and local organization websites.Requires the Archivist to consult with state and local officials on criteria for making the grants.

preserving american historical record act authorizes archivist united_states grants states protect historical records use records new creative ways provide education training care historical records create wide variety access tools including finding aids documentary indexes images key records maintained state local organization websites requires archivist consult state local officials criteria making grants


Summary: Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants to an eligible state to assist the state, if the State has established a program to inspect at least 20% of rooms in lodging facilities in the state, for cimex lectularius, commonly know as the bed bug. Allows a state to use a grant to conduct inspections, train inspection personnel, and educate lodging proprietors and staff about prevention and eradication of bed bugs.

let bed act authorizes secretary commerce provide grants eligible state assist state state established program inspect rooms lodging facilities state commonly know bed allows state use grant conduct inspections train inspection personnel educate lodging proprietors staff prevention eradication bed


Summary: Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act of 2008 or PRICE of Homeland Security Act - Amends Homeland Security Act of 2002 provisions concerning the use of funds to allow recipients of grants under provisions relating to the Urban Area Security Initiative or to the State Homeland Security Grant Program to use grant funds to achieve target capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, and responding to acts of terrorism, consistent with a state homeland security plan and relevant local, tribal, and regional homeland security plans. Permits such aims to be met, among other ways, by paying intelligence analysts: (1) regardless of whether the analysts are current or new full-time employees or contract employees; and (2) without limitations on the period of time that an analyst can serve under awarded grants.

personnel reimbursement intelligence cooperation enhancement homeland security act price homeland security act amends homeland security act provisions concerning use funds allow recipients grants provisions relating urban_area_security_initiative state_homeland_security_grant_program use grant funds achieve target capabilities related preventing preparing protecting responding acts terrorism consistent state homeland security plan relevant local tribal regional homeland security plans permits met ways paying intelligence analysts regardless analysts current new time employees contract employees limitations period time analyst serve awarded grants


Summary: State Temporary Economic Priority (STEP) Act - Authorizes states to transfer or consolidate funds made available to them under certain federal transportation, education, and job training programs: (1) beginning with the calendar quarter after the United States experiences economic growth at an annual rate of less than 1% for two consecutive calendar quarters; and (2) continuing until 18 months after it experiences economic growth at an annual rate of 1% or more for two consecutive calendar quarters.

step act_-_authorizes states transfer consolidate funds available certain federal transportation education job training programs beginning calendar quarter united_states experiences economic growth annual rate consecutive calendar quarters continuing months experiences economic growth annual rate consecutive calendar quarters


Summary: State and Local Economic Stimulus Act - Makes FY2009 appropriations to the Secretary of the Treasury to award one-time revenue grants to state governments for themselves as well as for redistribution to local governments. Sets forth a schedule for allotments based upon relative population and Tier-1 and Tier-2 unemployment rates. Requires a state or local government to use such funds to: (1) provide essential government services; (2) cover the costs of complying with any federal intergovernmental mandate for which the federal government has not provided funds; or (3) compensate for a decline in federal funding.

state local economic stimulus act makes fy2009 appropriations secretary treasury award time revenue grants state governments redistribution local governments sets forth schedule allotments based relative population tier-1 tier-2 unemployment rates requires state local government use funds provide essential government services cover costs complying federal intergovernmental mandate federal government provided funds compensate decline federal funding


Summary: Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2008 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require reports on federal mandates to include: (1) an assessment of the prospective costs of carrying out changes to a condition of federal assistance being imposed on participating state, local, or tribal governments and how these costs compare with the funds being authorized; (2) for reauthorizations, an assessment of the additional costs of changes in those conditions compared with the changes in funding being authorized; (3) in cases where a bill or joint resolution provides necessary sums, an estimate of that amount; and (4) an identification and description of any reasonably foreseeable indirect costs to such governments or the private sector from implementing the federal mandate. Repeals a provision excluding independent regulatory agencies from reporting requirements. Makes requirements under this Act applicable to general notice of any final rule that includes such a mandate.

transparency act amends congressional budget act require reports federal mandates include assessment prospective costs carrying changes condition federal assistance imposed participating state local tribal governments costs compare funds authorized assessment additional costs changes conditions compared changes funding authorized cases bill joint resolution provides necessary sums estimate identification description reasonably foreseeable indirect costs governments private sector implementing federal mandate repeals provision excluding independent regulatory agencies reporting requirements makes requirements act applicable general notice final rule includes mandate


Summary: Save America's Cities Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to each local government having jurisdiction under state law over an area having a population of 1 million or more an amount of the appropriations under this Act (proportional to the population of the area) to improve public safety, clean and maintain streets, and preserve services benefitting children and youth, as otherwise authorized by state and local law.

cities act directs secretary treasury pay local government having jurisdiction state law area having population million appropriations act proportional population area improve public safety clean maintain streets preserve services benefitting children youth authorized state local law


Summary: Cellulosic Ethanol Incentive Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) increase the volume of renewable fuel required to be in gasoline for 2012; (2) prescribe such volumes applicable for 2013 through 2030; (3) apply existing requirements (with a revised ratio) for determining volumes for years not specified to calendar year 2031 and thereafter; (4) prescribe increasing minimum quantities of renewable fuel that must be derived from cellolosic biomass for 2010 through 2030; and (5) apply, for 2010 and thereafter, the 2.5-to-1 ratio of cellulosic biomass ethanol or waste derived ethanol to renewable fuel only to the quantity of cellulosic biomass ethanol sold that is in excess of the minimum quantity of renewable fuel derived from cellulosic biomass required for that year. Requires not less than 30% of the total volume of renewable fuel required in a state under this Act to be derived from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) region in which the state is located. Allows the Administrator of the EPA to reduce or waive such requirement if it would be impracticable for the region to produce the required volume of renewable fuel.

cellulosic ethanol incentive act amends clean air act increase volume renewable fuel required gasoline prescribe volumes applicable apply existing requirements revised ratio determining volumes years specified calendar year prescribe increasing minimum quantities renewable fuel derived biomass apply ratio cellulosic biomass ethanol waste derived ethanol renewable fuel quantity cellulosic biomass ethanol sold excess minimum quantity renewable fuel derived cellulosic biomass required year requires total volume renewable fuel required state act derived environmental_protection_agency epa region state located allows administrator epa reduce waive requirement impracticable region produce required volume renewable fuel


Summary: Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act of 2008 - Title I: Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery - Authorizes the Attorney General to award a Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery to a federal law enforcement officer who is cited by the Attorney General for performing an act of bravery while in the line of duty. Sets forth criteria for nominating a law enforcement officer for such Badge. Requires nominated officers to have: (1) sustained a physical injury while engaged in lawful duties and performing an act of bravery that put such officer at personal risk; or (2) performed an act of bravery that placed such officer at risk of serious physical injury or death.Establishes within the Department of Justice (DOJ) a Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Board to: (1) design such Badge; (2) select an engraver to produce such Badges; and (3) recommend recipients. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to the Board, including its membership, operations, and powers.Authorizes a Member of Congress to make a presentation of such a Badge to a federal law enforcement officer residing in such Member's congressional district. Directs the Attorney General to make such presentation otherwise.Title II: State And Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery - Authorizes the Attorney General to award a State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery to a state or local law enforcement officer who is cited by the Attorney General for performing an act of bravery while in the line of duty. Establishes a State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Board within DOJ to design such Badge, select an engraver, and recommend recipients, who may be presented their Badge by their Member of Congress.Title III: Congressional Badge of Bravery Office - Establishes in DOJ a Congressional Badge of Bravery Office to receive nominations for such Badges and to provide staff support to the Boards.

law enforcement congressional badge act title federal law enforcement congressional badge authorizes attorney general award federal law enforcement congressional badge federal law enforcement officer cited attorney general performing act line duty sets forth criteria nominating law enforcement officer badge requires nominated officers sustained physical injury engaged lawful duties performing act officer personal risk performed act placed officer risk physical injury death establishes department_of_justice doj federal law enforcement congressional badge board design badge select produce recommend recipients sets forth administrative provisions relating board including membership operations powers authorizes member congress presentation badge federal law enforcement officer residing member congressional district directs attorney general presentation title state local law enforcement congressional badge authorizes attorney general award state local law enforcement congressional badge state local law enforcement officer cited attorney general performing act line duty establishes state local law enforcement congressional badge doj design badge select recommend recipients presented badge member congress title iii doj congressional badge office receive nominations provide staff support boards


Summary: Sales Tax Holiday Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse each state that elects to partipicapte in a sales tax holiday period (beginning after April 3, 2008, and ending before April 14, 2008) for 60% of the amount of state and local sales tax payable and not collected during such period.

sales tax holiday act directs secretary treasury reimburse state elects sales tax holiday period beginning april ending april state local sales tax payable collected period


Summary: SCAAP Reimbursement Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to compensate states for incarcerating undocumented aliens charged with a felony or two or more misdemeanors.

amends immigration nationality act compensate states incarcerating undocumented aliens charged felony misdemeanors


Summary: Ensure Timely SCAAP Reimbursement Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require distribution of state criminal alien assistance program funds no later than 120 days after the last day of the annual program application period.

require distribution state criminal alien assistance program funds later days day annual program application period


Summary: Amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, to repeal the requirement for a deduction of 2% from the amount payable to a state in FY2008 under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982, and under the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act and the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, before disbursing a payment to that state and for the deposit of the amount deducted to miscellaneous receipts.

amends consolidated_appropriations_act repeal requirement deduction payable state fy2008 federal_oil_and_gas_royalty_management_act provisions mineral leasing act geothermal steam act disbursing payment state deposit deducted miscellaneous receipts


Summary: Provides for the transfer from the Secretary of the Treasury to the state of Colorado of certain amounts derived from oil and gas development leases involving Oil Shale Reserves Numbered 1 and 3, to be used by Colorado for: (1) conservation, restoration, and protection of land, water, and wildlife resources affected by oil or gas development; (2) repair, maintenance, and construction of state and county roads in development-affected areas; and (3) capital improvement projects to address impacts of such development.

provides transfer secretary treasury state colorado certain amounts derived oil gas development leases involving oil_shale reserves numbered colorado conservation restoration protection land water wildlife resources affected oil gas development repair maintenance construction state county roads development affected areas capital improvement projects address impacts development


Summary: Sets forth non-federal cost allocation, non-federal share repayment, and expenditure requirements to reach the Corps of Engineers designated 100-year level of protection for the Lake Pontchartrain and Vicinity project, the West Bank and Vicinity project, and elements of the Southeast Louisiana Urban Drainage project located within such projects.

sets forth non federal cost allocation non federal share repayment expenditure requirements reach corps_of_engineers designated year level protection vicinity project west_bank vicinity project elements project located projects


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to each local government having jurisdiction under state law over an area having a population of 1 million or more an amount of the appropriations under this Act (proportional to the population of the area) to improve public safety, clean and maintain streets, and preserve services benefitting children and youth, as otherwise authorized by state and local law.

directs secretary treasury pay local government having jurisdiction state law area having population million appropriations act proportional population area improve public safety clean maintain streets preserve services benefitting children youth authorized state local law


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to terminate any easement held by the Secretary on land owned by the Village of Caseyville, Illinois, and terminate associated contractual arrangements with the Village.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated authorizes secretary agriculture usda terminate easement held secretary land owned illinois terminate associated contractual arrangements village