Summary: Save Our Neighborhoods Act of 2012 - Authorizes a mortgagor of a property subject to a federally related mortgage loan to file a motion before a court in the jurisdiction in which the property is located for an order to: (1) stay any foreclosure proceedings brought against the property; (2) remain in effect for up to three years; (3) prohibit the assessment or collection of any late fees regarding payments on such loan; (4) toll the statute of limitations for any other applicable laws pertaining to such loan; (5) require the mortgagor to make payments in an appropriate amount to the mortgagee at appropriate times; and (6) require the mortgagee to apply such payments first to any taxes owed on the property, and then to property insurance obligations, interest due, and the mortgage principal due. Requires the court, if an order terminates before the mortgagor and mortgagee have submitted an agreement to the court, to enter an order: (1) ordering an appraisal by an approved licensed appraiser to determine the property's fair market value; (2) adjusting the principal amount to the property's fair market value if that value is less than the principal remaining on the mortgage loan; (3) ordering reasonable interest on the principal so adjusted, based on the average prime offer rate for mortgages; and (4) ordering payments set at a reasonable interest rate on the principal remaining on the mortgage loan, based on the average prime offer rate for mortgages on that date, if the fair market value is greater than the remaining principal. Requires: (1) the court, on the date such motion is filed, to stay any foreclosure proceedings that have been brought against the property; (2) the mortgagor and mortgagee to meet after the mortgagor files the motion; and (3) the mortgagee to provide the mortgagor with a list of approved local housing counseling agencies. Requires the foreclosure stay order to terminate if the mortgagor and mortgagee execute a consensually modified mortgage agreement within 60 days after the grant of the stay. Authorizes the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau of the Federal Reserve System to make rules or issue guidance to carry out this Act.

save neighborhoods act authorizes mortgagor property subject federally related mortgage loan file motion court jurisdiction property located order stay foreclosure proceedings brought property remain effect years prohibit assessment collection late fees payments loan toll statute limitations applicable laws pertaining loan require mortgagor payments appropriate mortgagee appropriate times require mortgagee apply payments taxes owed property property insurance obligations interest mortgage principal requires court order terminates mortgagor mortgagee submitted agreement court enter order ordering appraisal approved licensed appraiser determine property fair market value adjusting principal property fair market value value principal remaining mortgage loan ordering reasonable interest principal adjusted based average prime offer rate mortgages ordering payments set reasonable interest rate principal remaining mortgage loan based average prime offer rate mortgages date fair market value greater remaining principal requires court date motion filed stay foreclosure proceedings brought property mortgagor mortgagee meet mortgagor files motion mortgagee provide mortgagor list approved local housing counseling agencies requires foreclosure stay order terminate mortgagor mortgagee execute modified mortgage agreement days grant stay authorizes director consumer_financial_protection_bureau federal_reserve_system rules issue guidance carry act


Summary: Preserving America's Downtowns and Heritage Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rate of the rehabilitation tax credit for commercial buildings and for certified historic structures, and (2) allow a new 20% rehabilitation tax credit for certified historic buildings used by a taxpayer as a principal residence.

preserving america heritage act amends internal revenue code increase rate rehabilitation tax credit commercial buildings certified historic structures allow new rehabilitation tax credit certified historic buildings taxpayer principal residence


Summary: Amends the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act to exempt from certain registration and disclosure requirements the sale or lease of a condominium unit not already exempt from coverage under such Act.

amends disclosure act exempt certain registration disclosure requirements sale lease condominium unit exempt coverage act


Summary: Affordable Housing Regulation Simplification Act of 2012 - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act to authorize the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), to purchase, service, sell, lend on the security of, and otherwise deal in affordable workforce housing mortgages for one-family residences: (1) that shall be used as the mortgagor's residence at least 8 of any 12 months and 240 days of any 365 days; (2) located within, or are part of, a multifamily housing development meeting certain requirements; and (3) located in a high tourism area. Prescribes mortgagor income and employment criteria. Exempts such mortgages from any requirements and guidelines of such government sponsored entities (also known as GSEs) that are inconsistent with such authority. Limits the application of this Act to such mortgages in a high tourism area. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure any affordable workforce housing mortgage meeting certain requirements. Requires the Secretary of HUD to provide a spot approval process for insurance of condominium unit mortgages that does not require prior approval of the entire project or of the homeowners association for the entire project. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to determine high tourism areas.

affordable housing regulation simplification act amends federal_national_mortgage_association charter act authorize federal_national_mortgage_association fannie_mae federal_home_loan_mortgage_corporation_act authorize federal_home_loan_mortgage_corporation freddie_mac purchase service sell lend security deal affordable workforce housing mortgages family residences shall mortgagor residence months days days located multifamily housing development meeting certain requirements located high tourism area prescribes mortgagor income employment criteria exempts mortgages requirements guidelines government sponsored entities known gses inconsistent authority limits application act mortgages high tourism area amends national housing act authorize secretary housing_and_urban_development hud insure affordable workforce housing mortgage meeting certain requirements requires secretary hud provide spot approval process insurance condominium unit mortgages require prior approval entire project homeowners association entire project directs secretary commerce determine high tourism areas


Summary: CDBG Public Services Flexibility Act of 2011 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to revise requirements for activities eligible for community development block grant (CDBG) assistance. Increases from 15% to 25% the limitation on the amount of CDBG assistance that may be used to provide public services (e.g., those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, energy conservation, welfare or recreation needs). Repeals the 25% limitation on such assistance for such use by the city and county of Los Angeles, and by the city of Miami. (Thus subjects them to the same 25% limitation required by this Act).

flexibility act amends housing_and_community_development_act revise requirements activities eligible community development block grant cdbg assistance increases limitation cdbg assistance provide public services concerned employment crime prevention child care health drug abuse education energy conservation welfare recreation needs repeals limitation assistance use city county los_angeles city miami subjects limitation required act


Summary: Promise Neighborhoods Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive, matching Promise Neighborhood Partnership grants to nonprofit organizations that partner with a local educational agency (LEA) to implement a comprehensive continuum of supports and services that engage community partners in improving the academic achievement, health and social development, and college and career readiness of children that live in distressed neighborhoods with underperforming schools. Directs the Secretary to award competitive, matching Promise School grants to LEAs that partner with nonprofit organizations, and Indian or charter schools that partner with nonprofit organizations or institutions of higher education, to implement school-centered strategies and integrated student supports that leverage community partnerships to improve student achievement and development in schools with high concentrations of low-income children. Authorizes the Secretary to renew Promise Neighborhood Partnership grants and Promise School grants if the grantees demonstrate significant success in: (1) ensuring children's school readiness; (2) improving their academic outcomes; (3) increasing their college and career readiness; and (4) improving their health, mental health, and social and emotional well-being. Requires this Act's grantees to evaluate their programs continuously and improve them based on data and outcomes. Directs the Secretary to evaluate this Act's grant programs and disseminate research on best practices for improving the academic achievement of children living in our most distressed communities. Authorizes the Secretary to award matching planning grants to entities eligible for this Act's other grants.

promise neighborhoods_act directs secretary education award competitive matching promise neighborhood partnership grants nonprofit organizations partner local educational agency lea implement comprehensive continuum supports services engage community partners improving academic achievement health social development college career readiness children live distressed neighborhoods underperforming schools directs secretary award competitive matching grants leas partner nonprofit organizations indian charter schools partner nonprofit organizations institutions higher education implement school centered strategies integrated student supports leverage community partnerships improve student achievement development schools high concentrations low income children authorizes secretary renew promise neighborhood partnership grants grants grantees demonstrate significant success ensuring children school readiness improving academic outcomes increasing college career readiness improving health mental health social emotional requires act grantees evaluate programs continuously improve based data outcomes directs secretary evaluate act grant programs disseminate research best practices improving academic achievement children living distressed communities authorizes secretary award matching planning grants entities eligible act grants


Summary: Housing Opportunities Made Equal Act of 2011 or HOME Act of 2011 - Amends the Fair Housing Act, with respect to prohibited discrimination in housing sales and rentals, residential real estate-related transactions, and brokerage services, to specify that the race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin basis of discrimination may be actual or perceived. Adds to the list of prohibited actual or perceived bases sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and source of income. Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968, with respect to prohibited intimidation, interference, or injury of individuals, to specify that the race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin basis of discrimination may be actual or perceived. Adds also to the list of prohibited actual or perceived bases sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or source of income. Redefines "discriminatory housing practice" to specify that the definition: (1) applies regardless of whether the discriminatory practices occur pre- or post-acquisition; and (2) includes a failure to comply with administrative requirements of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including related regulations, in a manner affirmatively to further nondiscrimination policies. Redefines "familial status" to include individuals (under age 18) residing with: (1) a foster parent or another person having lawful physical custody of such individuals; or (2) anyone standing in loco parentis of such individuals (currently, the designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the parent's or other person's written permission). Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act to grant the Attorney General pre-litigation subpoena power if there is reason to believe that any person may be in possession, custody, or control of any documentary material or information relevant to an investigation under the respective Act. Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to prohibit discrimination against credit applicants on the basis of actual or perceived race or color, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. States that discrimination against a person because of a handicap includes the failure, in connection with a real estate-related transaction, to make reasonable accommodations for such persons. Revises the limitations on filing complaints and commencing civil actions by certain individuals alleging discriminatory housing practices to deem that the failure to design and construct a dwelling that meets requirements for reasonable modifications for handicapped persons shall continue (and with it the alleged discriminatory housing practice) until such time as the dwelling conforms to them.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

housing opportunities equal act home act amends fair housing act respect prohibited discrimination housing sales rentals residential real estate related transactions brokerage services specify race color religion sex familial status national origin basis discrimination actual perceived adds list prohibited actual perceived bases sexual orientation gender identity marital status source income amends civil rights act respect prohibited intimidation interference injury individuals specify race color religion sex familial status national origin basis discrimination actual perceived adds list prohibited actual perceived bases sexual orientation gender identity marital status source income redefines discriminatory housing practice specify definition applies regardless discriminatory practices occur pre- post acquisition includes failure comply administrative requirements secretary housing_and_urban_development hud including related regulations manner affirmatively nondiscrimination policies redefines familial status include individuals age residing foster parent person having lawful physical custody individuals standing loco parentis individuals currently designee parent person having custody parent person written permission amends equal_credit_opportunity_act fair housing act grant attorney general pre litigation subpoena power reason believe person possession custody control documentary material information relevant investigation respective act amends equal_credit_opportunity_act prohibit discrimination credit applicants basis actual perceived race color sex sexual orientation gender identity states discrimination person includes failure connection real estate related transaction reasonable accommodations persons revises limitations filing complaints commencing civil actions certain individuals alleging discriminatory housing practices deem failure design construct dwelling meets requirements reasonable modifications handicapped persons shall continue alleged discriminatory housing practice time dwelling conforms


Summary: Healthy Housing Council Act of 2011 - Establishes in the executive branch an independent Interagency Council on Healthy Housing. Requires the Council to: (1) review federal programs and services that provide housing, health, energy, or environmental services to families and individuals; (2) monitor, evaluate, and recommend improvements in programs and services administered, funded, or financed by federal, state, and local agencies; (3) recommend ways to reduce duplication among federal programs and services; and (4) ensure collaboration among and within agencies in the provision and availability of such programs and services.

establishes executive branch independent interagency council healthy housing requires council review federal programs services provide housing health energy environmental services families individuals monitor evaluate recommend improvements programs services administered funded financed federal state local agencies recommend ways reduce duplication federal programs services ensure collaboration agencies provision availability programs services


Summary: Livable Communities Act of 2011 - Establishes in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) an Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities (OSHC). Requires the OSHC Director to establish a program to make comprehensive planning grants to eligible entities (partnerships between a consortium of units of general local government and an eligible partner or an Indian tribe that meets specified requirements). Defines "eligible partner" as a metropolitan planning organization, a rural planning organization, or a regional council, or one of these and a state, an Indian tribe, a state and an Indian tribe, or an institution of higher education. Requires the use of a comprehensive planning grant to carry out a project to: (1) coordinate locally defined planning processes, across jurisdictions and agencies; (2) identify regional partnerships for developing and implementing a comprehensive regional plan; (3) conduct or update assessments to determine regional needs and promote economic and community development; (4) develop or update a comprehensive regional plan or goals and strategies to implement an existing comprehensive regional plan and other related activities; and (5) identify local zoning and other code changes necessary to implement a comprehensive regional plan and promote sustainable development. Requires the use of a community challenge grant to: (1) promote integrated planning and investments across policy and governmental jurisdictions, and (2) implement projects identified in a comprehensive regional plan. Authorizes the Secretary of HUD to make or guarantee (up to 75% of) loans to eligible governmental, corporate, or partnership borrowers for infrastructure development projects used to support transit-oriented development. Requires the Director of the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control to lead the federal initiative to support healthy housing and eradicate housing-related health hazards. Requires the Secretary to study how sustainable building features in housing, such as energy efficiency, affect: (1) the quality of the indoor environment, (2) the prevalence of housing-related health hazards, and (3) the health of such occupants. States that no housing assisted using a grant under this Act may be made available to an individual who is not lawfully present in the United States.

livable communities act establishes department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud requires director establish program comprehensive planning grants eligible entities partnerships consortium units general local government eligible partner indian tribe meets specified requirements defines eligible partner metropolitan planning organization rural planning organization regional council state indian tribe state indian tribe institution higher education requires use comprehensive planning grant carry project coordinate locally defined planning processes jurisdictions agencies identify regional partnerships developing implementing comprehensive regional plan conduct update assessments determine regional needs promote economic community development develop update comprehensive regional plan goals strategies implement existing comprehensive regional plan related activities identify local zoning code changes necessary implement comprehensive regional plan promote sustainable development requires use community challenge grant promote integrated planning investments policy governmental jurisdictions implement projects identified comprehensive regional plan authorizes secretary hud guarantee loans eligible governmental corporate partnership borrowers infrastructure development projects support transit oriented development requires director lead lead federal initiative support healthy housing eradicate housing related health hazards requires secretary study sustainable building features housing energy efficiency affect quality indoor environment prevalence housing related health hazards health occupants states housing assisted grant act available individual lawfully present united_states


Summary: Project Rebuild Act - Appropriates funds for assistance to eligible entities, including state and local governments, and qualified nonprofit organizations, businesses or eligible consortia, for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed-upon properties and for stabilization of affected neighborhoods (Project Rebuild). Allows such grantees to give priority emphasis and consideration to areas that have lost occupiable housing stock within three years of the enactment of this Act due to the effects of presidentially declared disasters. Allows the use of funds to: (1) establish financing mechanisms for the purchase and redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed-upon properties; (2) purchase and rehabilitate such properties; (3) establish and operate land banks for them, as well as for properties demolished or severely damaged by presidentially declared disasters; (4) demolish blighted structures (except public housing); and (5) redevelop abandoned, foreclosed, demolished, or vacant properties. Requires each state to receive at least $20 million of formula funds, all of which shall be used with respect to low and moderate-income individuals and families. Requires each state and local government grantee to establish procedures to create preferences for development of affordable rental housing. Allows a grantee to use up to 10% to create jobs by establishing and operating a program to maintain eligible neighborhood properties. Subjects amounts appropriated, revenues generated, and amounts otherwise made available under this Act to: (1) the requirement of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors on federally-assisted projects be paid wages at the locally prevailing rates (Davis-Bacon Act); and (2) the Secretary's authority to waive such wage rate and certain employment protection requirements with respect to grants to Indian tribes.

project rebuild act appropriates funds assistance eligible entities including state local governments qualified nonprofit organizations businesses eligible consortia redevelopment abandoned foreclosed properties stabilization affected neighborhoods allows grantees priority emphasis consideration areas lost housing stock years enactment act effects presidentially declared disasters allows use funds establish financing mechanisms purchase redevelopment abandoned foreclosed properties purchase rehabilitate properties establish operate land banks properties demolished severely damaged presidentially declared disasters demolish blighted structures public housing redevelop abandoned foreclosed demolished vacant properties requires state receive million formula funds shall respect low moderate income individuals families requires state local government grantee establish procedures create preferences development affordable rental housing allows grantee use create jobs establishing operating program maintain eligible neighborhood properties subjects amounts appropriated revenues generated amounts available act requirement housing_and_community_development_act laborers mechanics employed contractors subcontractors federally assisted projects paid wages locally prevailing rates davis-bacon_act secretary authority waive wage rate certain employment protection requirements respect grants indian tribes


Summary: Community Parks Revitalization Act - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to promulgate regulations establishing a community revitalization program to provide federal grants to eligible local governments for various park and recreation purposes, including grants for rehabilitation and construction, innovation and recreation programming, and recovery action programs. Authorizes the Secretary to designate local governments in standard metropolitan statistical areas not meeting program eligibility requirements to receive such grants, out of up to 15% of funds appropriated for them, under a partial eligibility waiver. Authorizes the Secretary, upon approval of an application by the chief executive of an eligible applicant, to provide 70% matching rehabilitation and construction, and innovation and recreation program grants directly to such applicant. Allows a recipient, at its discretion, to transfer a grant in whole or in part to private nonprofit agencies for recreational areas and facilities they own or operate which offer recreational opportunities to the general population. Requires an applicant, for project approval, to submit to the Secretary evidence of its commitment to ongoing planning, rehabilitation, service, operation, and maintenance programs for its park and recreation systems, expressed in a five-year local park and recreation recovery action program. Prescribes requirements for the five-year park and recreation recovery action program under an at-risk youth recreation grant. Authorizes the Secretary to increase all grants to a state under this Act by up to 15% (but not more than 85%) of total project or program cost. Prohibits the conversion, without HUD approval, of any property improved or developed with assistance under this Act for uses other than for public recreation. Limits to 10% the use of funds appropriated for rehabilitation and construction grants for acquisition of land or interests in land.

community parks revitalization act requires secretary housing_and_urban_development hud promulgate regulations establishing community revitalization program provide federal grants eligible local governments park recreation purposes including grants rehabilitation construction innovation recreation programming recovery action programs authorizes secretary designate local governments standard metropolitan statistical areas meeting program eligibility requirements receive grants funds appropriated partial eligibility waiver authorizes secretary approval application chief executive eligible applicant provide matching rehabilitation construction innovation recreation program grants directly applicant allows recipient discretion transfer grant private nonprofit agencies recreational areas facilities operate offer recreational opportunities general population requires applicant project approval submit secretary evidence commitment ongoing planning rehabilitation service operation maintenance programs park recreation systems expressed year local park recreation recovery action program prescribes requirements year park recreation recovery action program risk youth recreation grant authorizes secretary increase grants state act total project program cost prohibits conversion hud approval property improved developed assistance act uses public recreation limits use funds appropriated rehabilitation construction grants acquisition land interests land


Summary: Ensuring Proper Community Investments Act of 2013 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to prohibit a metropolitan city, urban county, local government, Indian tribe, or insular area that receives a community development block grant from the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or through a state allocation, from selling, trading, or otherwise transferring all or any portion of such grant to or for any other such entity.

ensuring proper community investments act amends housing_and_community_development_act prohibit metropolitan city urban county local government indian tribe insular area receives community development block grant secretary housing_and_urban_development hud state allocation selling trading transferring portion grant entity


Summary:
Cheating Doesn't Pay Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that: (1) prohibits the use of disadvantaged business enterprise program funds by any enterprise no longer eligible under the program; (2) each grant award, contract, or subcontract prohibits any program funds from being provided to an enterprise as soon as it is no longer eligible; (3) recuperates any unobligated program funds made available to any enterprise no longer eligible under the program; and (4) ensures that if an enterprise is no longer eligible to receive program funds, the Secretary takes appropriate measures to expedite bidding with other eligible enterprises to complete any project started by that enterprise.

Requires the Secretary, in cases where the enterprise is no longer eligible to receive program funds solely on the basis of its size, to allow it to complete any existing projects but not, however, be eligible for additional program funds for any new projects unless the state recertifies it.

cheating pay act directs secretary transportation dot issue rule prohibits use disadvantaged business enterprise program funds enterprise longer eligible program grant award contract subcontract prohibits program funds provided enterprise soon longer eligible unobligated program funds available enterprise longer eligible program ensures enterprise longer eligible receive program funds secretary takes appropriate measures expedite bidding eligible enterprises complete project started enterprise requires secretary cases enterprise longer eligible receive program funds solely basis size allow complete existing projects eligible additional program funds new projects state


Summary:
CDBG Public Services Flexibility Act of 2013 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to revise requirements for activities eligible for community development block grant (CDBG) assistance.

Increases from 15% to 25% the limitation on the amount of CDBG assistance that may be used to provide public services (e.g., those concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, energy conservation, welfare or recreation needs).

(Currently, only the city and county of Los Angeles, California, and the city of Miami, Florida, are favored with the 25% limit on the amount of CDBG assistance that may be used to provide public services.)

flexibility act amends housing_and_community_development_act revise requirements activities eligible community development block grant cdbg assistance increases limitation cdbg assistance provide public services concerned employment crime prevention child care health drug abuse education energy conservation welfare recreation needs currently city county los_angeles california city miami florida favored limit cdbg assistance provide public services


Summary:
Communities Achieving Sustainability Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), during a 2-year period, to insure and make commitments to insure rehabilitation loans (including advances during rehabilitation) made by financial institutions in order to assist in the rehabilitation of 1- to 4-family structures used primarily for residential purposes.

Limits insurable rehabilitation loans to investors who do not intend to occupy the structure in question but obtain a rehabilitation loan for the purpose of appreciation or production of income with respect to the structure.

Allows mortgage insurance for up to four such structures during a calendar year.

Prohibits such mortgages from exceeding 90% of the appraised value of the structure in question.

Requires the single premium payment due at the time of insurance to be increased by 10 basis points for any mortgage insured under this Act.

communities achieving sustainability act directs secretary housing_and_urban_development hud year period insure commitments insure rehabilitation loans including advances rehabilitation financial institutions order assist rehabilitation family structures primarily residential purposes limits insurable rehabilitation loans investors intend occupy structure question obtain rehabilitation loan purpose appreciation production income respect structure allows mortgage insurance structures calendar year prohibits mortgages exceeding appraised value structure question requires single premium payment time insurance increased basis points mortgage insured act


Summary: Preserving America's Downtowns and Heritage Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rate of the rehabilitation tax credit for commercial buildings and for certified historic structures, and (2) allow a new 20% rehabilitation tax credit for certified historic buildings used by a taxpayer as a principal residence.


Summary: Shuttle Workforce Revitalization Act of 2013 - Requires, during the period beginning upon enactment of this Act and ending January 1, 2020, that any portion of Brevard County, Florida, not otherwise a HUBZone (heavily underutilized business zone), as such term is defined under the Small Business Act, be treated as a HUBZone for purposes of that Act.

workforce revitalization act requires period beginning enactment act ending january portion florida hubzone heavily underutilized business zone term defined small business act treated hubzone purposes act


Summary:
Renovate and Enhance Veterans' Meeting Halls and Posts Act of 2013 or REVAMP Act of 2013 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible veterans service organizations for repairs and rehabilitation of their existing facilities.

Defines "eligible veterans service organization" as: (1) a tax-exempt entity organized on a local or area basis; and (2) a local or area chapter, post, or other unit of a national, regional, statewide, or other larger entity of which local or area chapters, posts, or units are members (but not any such national, regional, statewide, or other larger entity itself).

 Prohibits an eligible veterans service organization from receiving such grant amounts, for any single fiscal year, in an amount exceeding the lesser of the cost of the proposed repair or rehabilitation or $200,000.

Makes a grant recipient ineligible to receive another such grant until after five succeeding fiscal years.

Prohibits the use of such grants for construction or acquisition of a new facility.

renovate enhance veterans meeting halls posts act revamp act amends housing_and_community_development_act require secretary housing_and_urban_development hud grants competitive basis eligible veterans service organizations repairs rehabilitation existing facilities defines eligible veterans service organization tax exempt entity organized local area basis local area chapter post unit national regional statewide larger entity local area chapters posts units members national regional statewide larger entity prohibits eligible veterans service organization receiving grant amounts single fiscal year exceeding lesser cost proposed repair rehabilitation makes grant recipient ineligible receive grant succeeding fiscal years prohibits use grants construction acquisition new facility


Summary:
Housing Opportunities Made Equal Act of 2013 or HOME Act of 2013 - Amends the Fair Housing Act, with respect to prohibited discrimination in housing sales and rentals, residential real estate-related transactions, and brokerage services, to specify that the race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin basis of discrimination may be actual or perceived. Adds to the list of prohibited actual or perceived bases sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and source of income.

Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1968, with respect to prohibited intimidation, interference, or injury of individuals, to specify that the race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin basis of discrimination may be actual or perceived. Adds also to the list of prohibited actual or perceived bases sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or source of income.

Redefines "discriminatory housing practice" to specify that the definition: (1) applies regardless of whether the discriminatory practices occur pre- or post-acquisition; and (2) includes a failure to comply with administrative requirements of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including related regulations, in a manner affirmatively to further nondiscrimination policies.

Redefines "familial status" to include individuals (under age 18) residing with: (1) a foster parent or another person having lawful physical custody of such individuals; or (2) anyone standing in loco parentis of such individuals (currently, the designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the parent's or other person's written permission).

Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act to grant the Attorney General pre-litigation subpoena power if there is reason to believe that any person may be in possession, custody, or control of any documentary material or information relevant to an investigation under the respective Act.

Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to prohibit discrimination against credit applicants on the basis of actual or perceived race or color, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

States that discrimination against a person because of a handicap includes the failure, in connection with a real estate-related transaction, to make reasonable accommodations for such persons.

Revises the limitations on filing complaints and commencing civil actions by certain individuals alleging discriminatory housing practices to deem that the failure to design and construct a dwelling that meets requirements for reasonable modifications for handicapped persons shall continue (and with it the alleged discriminatory housing practice) until such time as the dwelling conforms to them.


Summary:
Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Agriculture, acting jointly, to designate, before January 1, 2017, not more than 20 areas as Promise Zones for purposes of priority consideration in federal grant programs and initiatives. Six of such areas shall be outside of a metropolitan statistical area or shall be determined to be rural areas.

A "Promise Zone" is any area with a continuous boundary and a population of not more than 200,000 that is nominated by one or more local governments or Indian tribes and designated on the basis of unemployment rates, poverty rates, household income, home ownership, labor force participation, and educational attainment. An application for designation as a Promise Zone shall include a competitiveness plan that addresses the need of the area to attract investment and jobs and improve educational opportunities.

The bill allows: (1) a Promise Zone employment tax credit for wages paid to a qualified zone or resident employee, and (2) expensing of Promise Zone property.

A "Promise Zone property" is a property that is: (1) tangible property with a recovery period of 20 years or less for depreciation purposes, water utility property, computer software, or qualified leasehold improvement property; (2) acquired by purchase for use in the active conduct of a trade or business; and (3) originally placed in service in a Promise Zone.

promise zone job creation act bill amends internal_revenue_code direct acting jointly designate january areas promise zones purposes priority consideration federal grant programs initiatives areas shall outside metropolitan statistical area shall determined rural areas promise zone area continuous boundary population nominated local governments indian tribes designated basis unemployment rates poverty rates household income home ownership labor force participation educational attainment application designation shall include competitiveness plan addresses need area attract investment jobs improve educational opportunities bill allows promise zone employment tax credit wages paid qualified zone resident employee expensing property promise zone property property tangible property recovery period years depreciation purposes water utility property computer software qualified leasehold improvement property acquired purchase use active conduct trade business originally placed service


Summary:
Investing in Opportunity Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the designation of opportunity zones in low-income communities and to provide tax incentives for investments in the zones, including deferring the recognition of capital gains that are reinvested in the zones.

Governors may submit nominations for a limited number of opportunity zones to the Department of the Treasury for certification and designation. Governors must give particular consideration to areas that:

 are currently the focus of mutually reinforcing state, local, or private economic development initiatives to attract investment and foster startup activity; have demonstrated success in geographically targeted development programs such as promise zones, the new markets tax credit, empowerment zones, and renewal communities; and have recently experienced significant layoffs due to business closures or relocations. Treasury must designate zones if a governor fails to submit nominations within a specified period of time.

The bill defines opportunity funds as any investment vehicle organized as a corporation or a partnership to invest in opportunity zones that holds at least 90% of its assets in opportunity zone assets.

Taxpayers may temporarily defer the recognition of capital gains that are invested in opportunity zones or opportunity funds. Investments that are held for at least five years are eligible for capital gains tax reductions or exemptions, depending on how long the investment is held.

Treasury must report to Congress on the opportunity zone incentives enacted in this bill, including an assessment of opportunity fund investments at the national and state levels.

investing opportunity act bill amends internal_revenue_code authorize designation opportunity zones low income communities provide tax incentives investments zones including deferring recognition capital gains reinvested zones governors submit nominations limited number opportunity zones department_of_the_treasury certification designation governors particular consideration areas currently focus mutually reinforcing state local private economic development initiatives attract investment foster startup activity demonstrated success geographically targeted development programs promise zones new markets tax credit empowerment zones renewal communities recently experienced significant layoffs business closures relocations treasury designate zones governor fails submit nominations specified period time bill defines opportunity funds investment vehicle organized corporation partnership invest opportunity zones holds assets opportunity zone assets taxpayers temporarily defer recognition capital gains invested opportunity zones opportunity funds investments held years eligible capital gains tax reductions exemptions depending long investment held treasury report congress opportunity zone incentives enacted bill including assessment opportunity fund investments national state levels


Summary:
Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act of 2016

 This bill authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make competitive grants to local governments, public housing agencies (PHAs), community development corporations, assisted housing owners, and other for-profit and nonprofit entities to implement transformational programs in eligible neighborhoods with a concentration of extreme poverty, severely distressed housing, and a potential for long-term viability, once certain key problems are addressed.

The programs shall include neighborhoods with proximity to educational institutions, medical centers, central business districts, major employers, effective transportation alternatives (including public transit, walking, and bicycling), and low poverty neighborhoods.

The bill requires grant applications to include a transformation plan that will demonstrate how a distressed neighborhood can be transformed into a mixed-income neighborhood with high-quality, safe, affordable housing, economic opportunities, access to jobs and public transportation, and effective education programs.

Such grants: (1) may not be used for construction or rehabilitation of a K-12 school building or an institution of higher education, and (2) are limited for certain non-housing activities and supportive services. HUD may waive these limitations.

The bill exempts from specified requirements of the United States Housing Act of 1937 the demolition and disposition of severely distressed public and assisted housing pursuant to a transformation plan.

choice neighborhoods initiative act bill authorizes department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud competitive grants local governments public housing agencies phas community development corporations assisted housing owners profit nonprofit entities implement transformational programs eligible neighborhoods concentration extreme poverty severely distressed housing potential long term viability certain key problems addressed programs shall include neighborhoods proximity educational institutions medical centers central business districts major employers effective transportation alternatives including public transit walking bicycling low poverty neighborhoods bill requires grant applications include transformation plan demonstrate distressed neighborhood mixed income neighborhood high quality safe affordable housing economic opportunities access jobs public transportation effective education programs grants construction rehabilitation k-12 school building institution higher education limited certain non housing activities supportive services hud waive limitations bill exempts specified requirements united_states housing act demolition disposition severely distressed public assisted housing pursuant transformation plan


Summary: Right to Life Act - Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being. Defines "human being" to encompass all stages of life, including but not limited to the moment of fertilization or cloning.

right life act declares right life guaranteed constitution vested human defines human encompass stages life including limited moment fertilization cloning


Summary: Pledge Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to deny jurisdiction to any federal court, and appellate jurisdiction to the Supreme Court, to hear or decide any question pertaining to the interpretation of the Pledge of Allegiance or its validity under the Constitution. Makes this limitation inapplicable to: (1) any court established by Congress under its power to make needful rules and regulations respecting the territory of the United States; or (2) the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

pledge protection act amends federal judicial code deny jurisdiction federal court appellate jurisdiction supreme_court hear decide question pertaining interpretation pledge allegiance validity constitution makes limitation inapplicable court established congress power rules regulations respecting territory united_states district_of_columbia_court_of_appeals


Summary: Parental Notification and Intervention Act of 2007 - Prohibits any person or organization from performing, permitting facilities to be used to perform, or assisting in the performance of an abortion on an unemancipated minor unless: (1) written notification is provided to the parents of the minor informing the parents that an abortion has been requested, unless there is clear and convincing evidence of physical abuse of the minor by the parent; (2) there is compliance with a 96-hour waiting period after notice has been received by the parents; and (3) there is compliance with the judicial intervention process. Prescribes penalties of not more than a $1 million fine and/or imprisonment for not more than 10 years for violating such prohibition. Provides for an exception where a physician without principal responsibility for making the decision to perform the abortion determines that: (1) a medical emergency exists due to a grave, physical disorder or disease that would cause the minor's death if an abortion is not performed; (2) parental notification is not possible as a result of the emergency; and (3) certifications regarding compliance with such rules and the reasons upon which such determinations are based have been entered in the minor's medical records. Requires parental notification through certified mail or personal delivery. Authorizes a notified parent to bring an action in federal court which shall enjoin the abortion: (1) until the court's judgment is final; or (2) permanently unless the court determines that granting such relief would be unlawful.

parental notification intervention act prohibits person organization performing permitting facilities perform assisting performance abortion unemancipated minor written notification provided parents minor informing parents abortion requested clear convincing evidence physical abuse minor parent compliance hour waiting period notice received parents compliance judicial intervention process prescribes penalties million fine imprisonment years violating prohibition provides exception physician principal responsibility making decision perform abortion determines medical emergency exists grave physical disorder disease cause minor death abortion performed parental notification possible result emergency certifications compliance rules reasons determinations based entered minor medical records requires parental notification certified mail personal delivery authorizes notified parent bring action federal court shall enjoin abortion court judgment final permanently court determines granting relief unlawful


Summary: Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 2007 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to modify the definition of "religion" for purposes of coverage under that Act by requiring employers to make an affirmative and bona fide effort to reasonably accommodate the religious practices of employees. Defines the term "perform the essential functions" to exclude practices having a temporary or tangential impact on an employee's ability to perform job functions, such as practices relating to clothing or taking time off work. Sets forth factors to consider in determining whether an accommodation causes undue hardship. Defines "employee" to require an ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Requires removal of the conflict between employment requirements and the employee's religious practices in order for an accommodation to be considered reasonable. Considers an employer's refusal to permit an employee's use of general leave to remove a religious conflict solely because the leave will be used to accommodate religious practices to be an unlawful employment practice. Prohibits the amendments made by this Act from applying to conduct occurring prior to enactment.

workplace religious freedom act amends civil rights act modify definition religion purposes coverage act requiring employers affirmative bona fide effort reasonably accommodate religious practices employees defines term perform essential functions exclude practices having temporary impact employee ability perform job functions practices relating clothing taking time work sets forth factors consider determining accommodation causes undue hardship defines employee require ability perform essential job functions reasonable accommodation requires removal conflict employment requirements employee religious practices order accommodation considered reasonable considers employer refusal permit employee use general leave remove religious conflict solely leave accommodate religious practices unlawful employment practice prohibits amendments act applying conduct occurring prior enactment


Summary: Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund for the deposit of income, gift, and estate taxes paid by or on behalf of taxpayers: (1) who are designated conscientious objectors opposed to participation in war in any form based upon their deeply held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs or training (within the meaning of the Military Selective Service Act); and (2) who have certified their beliefs in writing to the Secretary.Requires that: (1) amounts deposited in the Fund be allocated annually to any appropriation not for a military purpose; (2) the Secretary report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on the total amount transferred into the Fund during the preceding fiscal year and the purposes for which such amount was allocated; and (3) the privacy of individuals using the Fund be protected. Expresses the sense of Congress that any revenue increase resulting from the creation of the Fund be allocated in a manner consistent with its purposes.

religious freedom peace tax fund act directs secretary treasury establish treasury religious freedom peace tax fund deposit income gift estate taxes paid behalf taxpayers designated conscientious opposed participation war form based held moral ethical religious beliefs training meaning military_selective_service_act certified beliefs writing secretary requires amounts deposited fund allocated annually appropriation military purpose secretary report house senate_appropriations_committees total transferred fund preceding fiscal year purposes allocated privacy individuals fund protected expresses sense congress revenue increase resulting creation fund allocated manner consistent purposes


Summary: Freedom of Choice Act - Declares that it is the policy of the United States that every woman has the fundamental right to choose to: (1) bear a child; (2) terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability; or (3) terminate a pregnancy after fetal viability when necessary to protect her life or her health. Prohibits a federal, state, or local governmental entity from: (1) denying or interfering with a woman's right to exercise such choices; or (2) discriminating against the exercise of those rights in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information. Provides that such prohibition shall apply retroactively. Authorizes an individual aggrieved by a violation of this Act to obtain appropriate relief, including relief against a governmental entity, in a civil action.

freedom choice act declares policy united_states woman fundamental right choose bear child terminate pregnancy prior fetal viability terminate pregnancy fetal viability necessary protect life health prohibits federal state local governmental entity denying interfering woman right exercise choices discriminating exercise rights regulation provision benefits facilities services information provides prohibition shall apply retroactively authorizes individual aggrieved violation act obtain appropriate relief including relief governmental entity civil action


Summary: Public Prayer Protection Act of 2007 - Denies the Supreme Court and district courts jurisdiction to review any matter related to the alleged establishment of religion involving the expression of public prayer by any federal, state, or local government entity or a government officer or agent acting in an official capacity.

public prayer protection act denies supreme_court district courts jurisdiction review matter related alleged establishment religion involving expression public prayer federal state local government entity government officer agent acting official capacity


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the prohibition against churches and other tax-exempt organizations participating in political campaigns or supporting or opposing candidates for public office. Provides that this repeal shall not invalidate or limit any provision of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.

amends internal revenue code repeal prohibition churches tax exempt organizations participating political campaigns supporting opposing candidates public office provides repeal shall invalidate limit provision federal_election_campaign_act


Summary: Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit any U.S. agent or attorney, in any federal investigation or criminal or civil enforcement matter, from demanding, requesting, or conditioning treatment ("giving cooperation credit") on the disclosure by an organization (or affiliated person) of any communication protected by the attorney-client privilege or any attorney work product. Prohibits a U.S. agent or attorney from conditioning a civil or criminal charging decision relating to an organization (or affiliated person) on one or more specified actions, or from using one or more such actions as a factor in determining whether an organization or affiliated person is cooperating with the government. Numbers among the actions a U.S. agent or attorney may not use as a charging decision condition or a cooperation-determining factor: (1) any valid assertion of the attorney-client privilege or privilege for attorney work product; (2) the provision of counsel to, or contribution to the legal defense fees or expenses of, an employee of the organization; (3) entry into a joint-defense, information-sharing, or common-interest agreement with an employee of the organization if the organization determines it has a common interest in defending against the investigation or enforcement matter; (4) the sharing of relevant information with an employee; or (5) a failure to terminate an employee's employment, or otherwise sanction an employee, because of the employee's decision to exercise his or her constitutional rights or other legal protections in response to a government request. Prohibits a U.S. agent or attorney from demanding or requesting that an organization or an affiliated person not take any such action. Declares that this Act does not affect any other federal statute that may authorize, in the course of an examination or inspection, a U.S. agent or attorney to require or compel the production of attorney-client privileged material or attorney work product. Declares that the prohibition against conditioning a charging decision does not apply to charging an organization (or affiliated person) for certain conduct under a federal law which makes that conduct in itself an offense. Specifies as conduct which may under federal law constitute an offense, and so be exempted from this prohibition: (1) the provision of counsel to, or contribution to the legal defense fees or expenses of, an employee of the organization; (2) entry into a joint defense, information sharing, or common interest agreement with an employee of that organization if the organization determines it has a common interest in defending against the investigation or enforcement matter; and (3) the sharing of information relevant to the investigation or enforcement matter with an employee of the organization.

attorney client privilege protection act amends federal criminal code prohibit agent attorney federal investigation criminal civil enforcement matter demanding requesting conditioning treatment giving cooperation credit disclosure organization affiliated person communication protected attorney client privilege attorney work product prohibits agent attorney conditioning civil criminal charging decision relating organization affiliated person specified actions actions factor determining organization affiliated person cooperating government numbers actions agent attorney use charging decision condition cooperation determining factor valid assertion attorney client privilege privilege attorney work product provision counsel contribution legal defense fees expenses employee organization entry joint defense information sharing common interest agreement employee organization organization determines common interest defending investigation enforcement matter sharing relevant information employee failure terminate employee employment sanction employee employee decision exercise constitutional rights legal protections response government request prohibits agent attorney demanding requesting organization affiliated person action declares act affect federal statute authorize course examination inspection agent attorney require compel production attorney client privileged material attorney work product declares prohibition conditioning charging decision apply charging organization affiliated person certain conduct federal law makes conduct offense specifies conduct federal law constitute offense exempted prohibition provision counsel contribution legal defense fees expenses employee organization entry joint defense information sharing common interest agreement employee organization organization determines common interest defending investigation enforcement matter sharing information relevant investigation enforcement matter employee organization


Summary: Freedom of Religious Expression in the Home Act of 2008 - Amends the Fair Housing Act with respect to discrimination in the sale or rental of housing and other prohibited practices. Makes it unlawful to establish a rule or policy that prevents a person from displaying, on the basis of that person's religious belief, a religious symbol, object, or sign on the door, doorpost, entrance, or otherwise on the exterior of that person's dwelling, or that is visible from the exterior of that dwelling, unless the rule or policy is reasonable and is necessary to prevent significant damage to property, physical harm to persons, a public nuisance, or similar undue hardship.

freedom religious expression home act amends fair housing act respect discrimination sale rental housing prohibited practices makes unlawful establish rule policy prevents person displaying basis person religious belief religious symbol object sign door entrance exterior person dwelling visible exterior dwelling rule policy reasonable necessary prevent significant damage property physical harm persons public nuisance similar undue hardship


Summary: Religious Freedom Act of 2007 - Prohibits denial of: (1) a federal tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code to any church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other house of worship or meditation (including any affiliated organization) because it engages in activity protected by the U.S. Constitution, including comment on public issues, election contests, and pending legislation made in a theological or philosophical context; or (2) the tax deductibility of donor contributions to such organizations.

religious freedom act prohibits denial federal tax exemption internal revenue code church house worship including affiliated organization engages activity protected constitution including comment public issues election contests pending legislation context tax deductibility donor contributions organizations


Summary: Abortion Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to include a health care entity's refusal to provide coverage of, or pay for, induced abortions among the bases for which the federal government or any state or local government that receives federal financial assistance may not discriminate against such an entity. Expands the definition of "health care entity" to include a hospital, a provider sponsored organization, a health maintenance organization, a health insurance plan, and any other kind of health care facility, organization, or plan.

abortion non discrimination act amends public_health_service_act include health care entity refusal provide coverage pay induced abortions bases federal government state local government receives federal financial assistance discriminate entity expands definition health care entity include hospital provider sponsored organization health maintenance organization health insurance plan kind health care facility organization plan


Summary: Protecting Children from Indecent Programming Act - Amends the Public Telecommunications Act of 1992 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in applying regulations prohibiting the broadcasting of indecent programming, to maintain a policy that a single word or image may constitute indecent programming.

protecting children indecent programming act amends public telecommunications act require federal_communications_commission fcc applying regulations prohibiting broadcasting indecent programming maintain policy single word image constitute indecent programming


Summary: Andrew Larochelle God, Family, and Country Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to permit the acknowledgment of God on flag certificates issued at the request of a Member of the United States House of Representatives or of the United States Senate.

god family country act authorizes architect capitol permit acknowledgment god flag certificates issued request member united_states house_of_representatives united states senate


Summary: Life at Conception Act - Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, and other moment at which an individual comes into being.

life conception act declares right life guaranteed constitution vested human beginning moment fertilization cloning moment individual comes


Summary: Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 2008 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide that the practice of wearing religious clothing or a religious hairstyle, or of taking time off for a religious reason, imposes an undue hardship on the conduct of an employer's business in accommodating such practice only if the accommodation imposes a significant difficulty or expense on the conduct of the employer's business when considered in light of specified factors set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, including: (1) the nature and cost of the accommodation needed; (2) the financial resources and size of the business; and (3) the type of operation of the business.

workplace religious freedom act amends civil rights act provide practice wearing religious clothing religious taking time religious reason imposes undue hardship conduct employer business accommodating practice accommodation imposes significant difficulty expense conduct employer business considered light specified factors set forth americans disabilities act including nature cost accommodation needed financial resources size business type operation business


Summary: Ultrasound Informed Consent Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require abortion providers, before a woman gives informed consent to any part of an abortion, to perform an obstetric ultrasound on the pregnant woman, explain the results, display the ultrasound images so the woman may view them, and provide a medical description of the ultrasound images, including the dimensions of the embryo or fetus and the presence of external members and internal organs, if present and viewable. Provides for: (1) civil penalties for willful failure to comply; and (2) a medical emergency exception. Prohibits construing this Act to require a woman to view the images or penalizing the physician or the woman if she refuses to look at the images.

consent act amends public_health_service_act require abortion providers woman gives informed consent abortion perform obstetric ultrasound pregnant woman explain results display ultrasound images woman view provide medical description ultrasound images including dimensions embryo fetus presence external members internal organs present viewable provides civil penalties willful failure comply medical emergency exception prohibits construing act require woman view images penalizing physician woman refuses look images


Summary: Right to Life Act - Declares that the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human being beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. Prohibits construing this Act to authorize the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.

right life act declares right life guaranteed constitution vested human beginning moment fertilization cloning moment individual comes prohibits construing act authorize prosecution woman death unborn child


Summary: State Video Tax Fairness Act of 2009 - Prohibits any state from imposing a discriminatory tax on any means of providing multichannel video programming distribution services, including Internet protocol technology (or any successor protocol), direct broadcast satellite delivery, and cable television services. Defines a tax as discriminatory if the net tax imposed on one means of providing multichannel video service is higher than the net tax rate imposed on another. Applies this prohibition only to any tax imposed on or after January 1, 2008.

prohibits state imposing discriminatory tax means providing multichannel video programming distribution services including internet protocol technology successor protocol direct broadcast satellite delivery cable television services defines tax discriminatory net tax imposed means providing multichannel video service higher net tax rate imposed applies prohibition tax imposed january


Summary: Overseas Voting Practical Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) to rename the official post card form containing both an absentee voter registration application and an absentee ballot application the Federal Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Application. Prohibits states from refusing to accept balloting materials on any of specified grounds, including that the materials are not printed on a post card, do not include certain information, are not notarized or witnessed by an authorized official, are not delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, or do not meet certain other nonessential requirements. Prohibits a state from requiring an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter who submits a voter registration application or absentee ballot application to include any form of documentation which may be issued only to an individual who physically resides in the state (such as a current state motor vehicle operator's license or a current utility bill). Prescribes requirements for postage markings on pre-printed return envelopes prepared by a state for the submission of materials by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter. Amends UOCAVA to: (1) permit voters to request absentee ballots in all subsequent elections; (2) repeal the requirement to provide absentee ballots in subsequent elections to individuals with unknown addresses; (3) sets forth special rules for use of federal absentee ballots in certain states; (4) apply it to individuals who have never resided in the United States (whose parents are overseas voters); (5) require prompt notification of rejection of a voter registration or absentee ballot request; and (6) provide for use of a U.S. state Department diplomatic pouch for returning completed absentee ballots. Directs the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to establish a grant program for outreach to absentee uniformed services voters and overseas voters. Requires the head of each office of the federal government that has employees whose designated post of duty is outside the United states to notify such employees of their UOCAVA rights to submit voter registration and absentee ballot requests as well as absentee ballots (including the federal write-in absentee ballot). Requires the Secretary of State to ensure that each passport issued on or after the enactment of this Act includes a page: (1) describing such rights; and (2) listing resources through which individuals may obtain additional information regarding them.

amends uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act uocava rename official post card form containing absentee voter registration application absentee ballot application prohibits states refusing accept balloting materials specified grounds including materials printed post card include certain information notarized witnessed authorized official delivered meet certain nonessential requirements prohibits state requiring absent uniformed services voter overseas voter submits voter registration application absentee ballot application include form documentation issued individual physically resides state current state motor vehicle operator license current utility bill prescribes requirements postage markings pre printed return prepared state submission materials absent uniformed services voter overseas voter amends uocava permit voters request absentee ballots subsequent elections repeal requirement provide absentee ballots subsequent elections individuals unknown addresses sets forth special rules use federal absentee ballots certain states apply individuals resided united_states parents overseas voters require prompt notification rejection voter registration absentee ballot request provide use state department diplomatic returning completed absentee ballots directs election_assistance_commission eac establish grant program outreach absentee uniformed services voters overseas voters requires head office federal government employees designated post duty outside united states notify employees uocava rights submit voter registration absentee ballot requests absentee ballots including federal write absentee ballot requires secretary state ensure passport issued enactment act includes page describing rights listing resources individuals obtain additional information


Summary: Congressional Hope for Uniform Recognition of Christian Heritage (CHURCH) Act of 2009 - Requires the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to enter into an agreement with a private entity for the design and fabrication of a historical plaque to be permanently displayed in National Statuary Hall recognizing the seven decades of Christian church services being held in the Capitol from 1800 to 1868. Authorizes the AOC to use National Statuary Hall for a presentation ceremony for the plaque. Requires the AOC upon receiving such plaque to display it permanently in a place of prominence in National Statuary Hall.

congressional hope uniform recognition church act requires architect capitol aoc enter agreement private entity design fabrication historical plaque permanently displayed recognizing seven decades christian church services held capitol authorizes aoc use presentation ceremony plaque requires aoc receiving plaque display permanently place prominence


Summary: Citizen Participation Act of 2009 - Declares that Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), filed against thousands of individuals, organizations, and businesses based upon their valid exercise of the rights to petition or free speech, are an abuse of the judicial process that waste judicial resources and clog the already over-burdened court dockets. Declares immune from civil liability any act of petitioning the government made without knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard of falsity. Requires a plaintiff (especially in a SLAPP) to prove knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard of falsity by clear and convincing evidence. Provides that any act in futherance of the constitutional right of petition or free speech shall be entitled to the procedural protections provided in this Act. Allows a party to file a special motion to dismiss any claim arising from an act or alleged act in furtherance of the constitutional right of petition or free speech within 45 days after service of the claim if the claim was filed in federal court or, if the claim was removed to federal court pursuant to this Act, within 15 days after removal. Exempts from this Act: (1) certain procedural protections in any action brought solely on behalf of the public or solely to enforce an important right affecting the public interest; and (2) certain claims for relief involving commercial speech.

citizen participation act declares strategic lawsuits public participation filed individuals organizations businesses based valid exercise rights petition free speech abuse judicial process waste judicial resources court declares immune civil liability act petitioning government knowledge reckless disregard requires plaintiff especially prove knowledge reckless disregard clear convincing evidence provides act constitutional right petition free speech shall entitled procedural protections provided act allows party file special motion dismiss claim arising act alleged act furtherance constitutional right petition free speech days service claim claim filed federal court claim removed federal court pursuant act days removal exempts act certain procedural protections action brought solely behalf public solely enforce important right affecting public interest certain claims relief involving commercial speech


Summary: Prevent Deceptive Census Look Alike Mailings Act - Declares matter that bears the term "census" on its envelope, outside cover, or wrapper, but that constitutes a solicitation by a nongovernmental entity, to be nonmailable by the United States Postal Service, unless: (1) it satisfies one of the exceptions specified for otherwise nonmailable matter under existing law (such as displaying an appropriate disclaimer); and (2) its envelope, outside cover, or wrapper bears on its face an accurate return address including the name of the entity that sent it.

prevent deceptive census look mailings act declares matter bears term census envelope outside cover constitutes solicitation nongovernmental entity nonmailable united_states_postal_service satisfies exceptions specified nonmailable matter existing law displaying appropriate disclaimer envelope outside cover bears face accurate return address including entity sent


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to exempt a tax return preparer who is opposed to using magnetic media on religious grounds from the requirement to file tax returns on magnetic media.

amends internal revenue code authorize secretary treasury exempt tax return preparer opposed magnetic media religious grounds requirement file tax returns magnetic media


Summary: Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require an abortion provider who knowingly performs an abortion of a pain-capable unborn child (defined as an unborn child who has reached a probable stage of development of 20 weeks or more after fertilization), to first: (1) inform the woman of the probable age of the child; (2) provide to the woman an Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure (unless she waives receipt); (3) provide information that pain medicine administered to the mother may not prevent pain in the child, but in some cases anesthesia or pain-reducing drugs can be administered directly to the child; (4) give the woman the provider's best medical judgment of the risks and costs of such anesthesia or analgesic; and (5) obtain the woman's signature on the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Decision Form and her explicit request for or refusal of the administration of drugs to the child. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Brochure that includes a statement that there is substantial evidence that the process of being killed in an abortion will cause the unborn child pain and that the mother has the option of having pain-reducing drugs administered directly to the child. Creates an exception to save the life of the mother. Establishes civil penalties for willfully failing to comply with this Act. Authorizes: (1) the U.S. Attorney General to bring a civil action under this Act; and (2) private rights of action for violations of this Act.

unborn_child_pain_awareness_act amends public_health_service_act require abortion provider knowingly performs abortion pain capable unborn child defined unborn child reached probable stage development weeks fertilization inform woman probable age child provide woman unborn_child_pain_awareness_brochure waives receipt provide information pain medicine administered mother prevent pain child cases anesthesia pain reducing drugs administered directly child woman provider best medical judgment risks costs anesthesia analgesic obtain woman signature unborn child pain awareness decision form explicit request refusal administration drugs child requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs develop unborn child pain awareness brochure includes statement substantial evidence process killed abortion cause unborn child pain mother option having pain reducing drugs administered directly child creates exception save life mother establishes civil penalties willfully failing comply act authorizes attorney general bring civil action act private rights action violations act


Summary: Sons and Daughters of America Act - Limits the remedies of an injured party in a civil action for deprivation of rights to injunctive and declaratory relief where the deprivation is a deprivation of the right to freedom of speech secured by the Constitution and is under the authority of a statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage which prohibits or restricts picketing, protesting, or demonstrating at, or in proximity to, a funeral or any other ceremony, procession, or memorial service held in connection with the burial or cremation of the dead. Prohibits the award of attorney's fees to a prevailing party in any action that is brought against the United States or any federal agency or official acting in his or her official capacity and that alleges such an injury.

remedies injured party civil action deprivation rights injunctive declaratory relief deprivation deprivation right freedom speech secured constitution authority statute ordinance regulation custom usage prohibits restricts picketing demonstrating proximity funeral ceremony memorial service held connection burial dead prohibits award attorney fees prevailing party action brought united_states federal agency official acting official capacity alleges injury


Summary: Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit any person, on the ground of religion, from being excluded from participation in, being denied the benefits of, or being subjected to discrimination under an educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. States rules of construction concerning religious affiliation of educational institutions, accommodation of students' religious obligations, and the exercise of freedom of expressive association by expressive organizations.

amends civil rights act prohibit person ground religion excluded participation denied benefits subjected discrimination educational program activity receiving federal financial assistance states rules construction concerning religious affiliation educational institutions accommodation students religious obligations exercise freedom expressive association expressive organizations


Summary: Amends the Fair Housing Act to exempt any person who prints or publishes a notice seeking to enter into a shared living arrangement with a person sharing similar religious opinions or beliefs from the prohibition against notices, statements, or advertisements, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling, that indicate a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Defines "shared living arrangement" as an agreement in which occupants of a dwelling share living space within the dwelling.

amends fair housing act exempt person prints publishes notice seeking enter shared living arrangement person sharing similar religious opinions beliefs prohibition notices statements advertisements respect sale rental dwelling indicate preference limitation discrimination based race color religion sex familial status national origin defines shared living arrangement agreement occupants dwelling share living space dwelling


Summary: Free Speech Protection Act of 2009 - Allows any U.S. person against whom a lawsuit for defamation is brought in a foreign country for defamation on the basis of the content of any speech by that person that has been published, uttered, or otherwise disseminated in the United States to bring an action in a U.S. district court against any person who, or entity which, brought the suit, if: (1) the speech at issue in the foreign lawsuit does not constitute defamation under U.S. law; and (2) the person or entity which brought the foreign lawsuit serves or causes to be served any documents in connection with such foreign lawsuit on a U.S. person. Allows the award of treble damages if it is determined by a preponderance of the evidence that the person or entity bringing the foreign lawsuit intentionally engaged in a scheme to suppress rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution by discouraging publishers or other media from publishing, or by discouraging financial supporters from employing, retaining, or supporting the research, writing, or other speech of an individual.

free speech protection act allows person lawsuit defamation brought foreign country defamation basis content speech person published disseminated united_states bring action district court person entity brought suit speech issue foreign lawsuit constitute defamation law person entity brought foreign lawsuit serves causes served documents connection foreign lawsuit person allows award treble damages determined preponderance evidence person entity bringing foreign lawsuit intentionally engaged scheme suppress rights amendment constitution discouraging publishers media publishing discouraging financial supporters employing retaining supporting research writing speech individual


Summary: Promoting Mortgage Responsibility Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit prepayment fees or penalties under any consumer credit transaction secured by the consumer's owner-occupied principal dwelling. Makes any prepayment penalty in violation of this prohibition unenforceable.

promoting mortgage responsibility act amends truth lending act prohibit prepayment fees penalties consumer credit transaction secured consumer owner occupied principal dwelling makes prepayment penalty violation prohibition unenforceable


Summary: Workplace Religious Freedom Act of 2010 - Amends provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 related to equal employment opportunities to include in the term "religion" all aspects of religious observance and practice, as well as belief, unless an employer demonstrates that the employer is unable, after initiating and engaging in an affirmative and bona fide effort to reasonably accommodate to an employee's or prospective employee's religious observance or practice without undue hardship on the conduct of the employer's business. (Current law makes no reference to an employer's affirmative and bona fide effort.) Provides that an employer's accommodation of an employee's practice of wearing religious clothing or a religious hairstyle, or of taking time off for a religious reason, imposes an undue hardship on the conduct of an employer's business in accommodating such practice only if the accommodation imposes a significant difficulty or expense on the conduct of the employer's business when considered in light of specified factors set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, including: (1) the nature and cost of the accommodation needed; (2) the financial resources and size of the business; and (3) the type of operation of the business. Requires an employer's accomodation, before it may be considered a reasonable accomodation, to remove the conflict between employment requirements and the employee's religious practice. Prohibits an accomodation from being a reasonable accomodation if it requires an employee to be segregated from customers or the general public.

workplace religious freedom act amends provisions civil rights act related equal employment opportunities include term religion aspects religious observance practice belief employer demonstrates employer unable initiating engaging affirmative bona fide effort reasonably accommodate employee prospective employee religious observance practice undue hardship conduct employer business current law makes reference employer affirmative bona fide effort provides employer accommodation employee practice wearing religious clothing religious taking time religious reason imposes undue hardship conduct employer business accommodating practice accommodation imposes significant difficulty expense conduct employer business considered light specified factors set forth americans disabilities act including nature cost accommodation needed financial resources size business type operation business requires employer considered reasonable remove conflict employment requirements employee religious practice prohibits reasonable requires employee segregated customers general public


Summary: (Sec. 2) Directs the President to appoint a Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia within the Department of State. (Sec. 3) Requires the Special Envoy to: (1) promote the right of religious freedom of religious minorities in the countries of the Near East and South Central Asia, denounce the violation of such right, and recommend appropriate U.S government responses to such violations; (2) monitor and combat acts of religious intolerance and incitement targeted against such religious minorities; (3) ensure that the needs of such religious minority communities are addressed, including economic and security needs directly tied to religious-based discrimination and persecution; (4) work with foreign governments of such countries to address inherently discriminatory laws; and (5) coordinate and assist in the preparation of specified reports required by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Special Envoy, subject to direction by the President and the Secretary of State, to represent the United States in matters and cases relevant to religious freedom in: (1) contacts with foreign governments, intergovernmental organizations, and specialized agencies of the United Nations (U.N.), the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, and other international organizations; and (2) multilateral conferences and meetings relevant to religious freedom. (Sec. 5) Requires the Special Envoy to give priority to programs, projects, and activities for Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. (Sec. 6) Authorizes, from amounts available for Diplomatic and Consular Programs, $1 million to be appropriated each fiscal year from FY2011-FY2015. Provides that no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated for such Programs to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary, unless otherwise authorized or required by law, to eliminate positions within the Department as necessary to offset the costs to be incurred for hiring staff, conducting investigations, and for the necessary travel to carry out this Act. (Sec. 7) Declares that this Act shall cease to be effective on October 1, 2015.

sec directs president appoint special envoy promote religious freedom religious minorities near_east department_of_state sec requires special envoy promote right religious freedom religious minorities countries near_east violation right recommend appropriate government responses violations monitor combat acts religious incitement targeted religious minorities ensure needs religious minority communities addressed including economic security needs directly tied religious based discrimination persecution work foreign governments countries address inherently discriminatory laws coordinate assist preparation specified reports required foreign assistance act international religious freedom act sec authorizes special envoy subject direction president secretary state represent united_states matters cases relevant religious freedom contacts foreign governments intergovernmental organizations specialized agencies united_nations international organizations multilateral conferences meetings relevant religious freedom sec requires special envoy priority programs projects activities egypt iraq afghanistan pakistan sec authorizes amounts available million appropriated fiscal year provides additional funds authorized appropriated programs carry act directs secretary authorized required law eliminate positions department necessary offset costs incurred hiring staff conducting investigations necessary travel carry act sec declares act shall cease effective october


Summary: Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011 - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to permit a health plan to decline coverage of specific items and services that are contrary to the religious beliefs of the sponsor, issuer, or other entity offering the plan or the purchaser or beneficiary (in the case of individual coverage) without penalty.  Declares that such plans are still considered to: (1) be providing the essential health benefits package or preventive health services, (2) be a qualified health plan, and (3) have fulfilled other requirements under PPACA. Declares that nothing in PPACA shall be construed to authorize a health plan to require a provider to provide, participate in, or refer for a specific item or service contrary to the provider's religious beliefs or moral convictions. Prohibits a health plan from being considered to have failed to provide timely or other access to items or services or to fulfill any other requirement under PPACA because it has respected the rights of conscience of such a provider. Prohibits an American Health Benefit Exchange (a state health insurance exchange) or other official or entity acting in a governmental capacity in the course of implementing PPACA from discriminating against a health plan, plan sponsor, health care provider, or other person because of an unwillingness to provide coverage of, participate in, or refer for, specific items or services. Creates a private cause of action for the protection of individual rights created under this Act. Authorizes any person or entity to assert a violation of this Act as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive and investigate complaints of discrimination based on this Act. Makes this Act effective as if it were included in PPACA.

amends patient protection affordable care act ppaca permit health plan decline coverage specific items services contrary religious beliefs sponsor issuer entity offering plan purchaser beneficiary case individual coverage penalty declares plans considered providing essential health benefits package preventive health services qualified health plan fulfilled requirements ppaca declares ppaca shall construed authorize health plan require provider provide participate refer specific item service contrary provider religious beliefs moral convictions prohibits health plan considered failed provide timely access items services fulfill requirement ppaca rights conscience provider prohibits american_health_benefit_exchange state health insurance exchange official entity acting governmental capacity course implementing ppaca discriminating health plan plan sponsor health care provider person unwillingness provide coverage participate refer specific items services creates private cause action protection individual rights created act authorizes person entity assert violation act claim defense judicial proceeding hhs receive investigate complaints discrimination based act makes act effective included ppaca


Summary: Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish in the Treasury the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund for the deposit of income, gift, and estate taxes paid by or on behalf of taxpayers: (1) who are designated conscientious objectors opposed to participation in war in any form based upon their sincerely held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs or training (within the meaning of the Military Selective Service Act); and (2) who have certified their beliefs in writing to the Secretary. Requires that: (1) amounts deposited in the Fund be allocated annually to any appropriation not for a military purpose, (2) the Secretary report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on the total amount transferred into the Fund during the preceding fiscal year and the purposes for which such amount was allocated, and (3) the privacy of individuals using the Fund be protected. Expresses the sense of Congress that any revenue increase resulting from the creation of the Fund be allocated in a manner consistent with its purposes.

religious freedom peace tax fund act directs secretary treasury establish treasury religious freedom peace tax fund deposit income gift estate taxes paid behalf taxpayers designated conscientious opposed participation war form based sincerely held moral ethical religious beliefs training meaning military_selective_service_act certified beliefs writing secretary requires amounts deposited fund allocated annually appropriation military purpose secretary report house senate_appropriations_committees total transferred fund preceding fiscal year purposes allocated privacy individuals fund protected expresses sense congress revenue increase resulting creation fund allocated manner consistent purposes