Summary:
Financial Institution Bankruptcy Act of 2014 - (Sec. 2) Amends federal bankruptcy law with respect to a "covered financial corporation" incorporated or organized under any federal or state law (other than a stockbroker, a commodity broker, or a domestic or foreign insurance company or financial institution meeting certain criteria) that is: (1) a bank holding company; or (2) a corporation that exists for the primary purpose of owning, controlling, and financing its subsidiaries, has total consolidated assets of $50 billion or greater, and whose annual gross revenues or consolidated assets meet specified tests.

Allows a case under subchapter V (established by this Act) to be converted to chapter 7 (Liquidation) if certain conditions are met, including: (1) a court-ordered appointment of a special trustee, and 2) the court finds that conversion is in the best interest of creditors and the estate.

(Sec. 3) Adds "Subchapter V - Liquidation, Reorganization, or Recapitalization of a Covered Financial Corporation," setting forth requirements and prohibitions regarding: (1) commencement of a case concerning a covered financial corporation; (2) a special trustee and bridge company; (3) special transfer of the property of the estate in bankruptcy; (4) treatment of qualified financial contracts and affiliate contracts; (5) licenses, permits, and registrations; (6) exemption from securities laws; and (7) inapplicability of certain avoiding powers.

Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the Department of the Treasury, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to raise and be heard on any issue in any case or proceeding under Subchapter V.

(Sec. 4) Amends the federal judicial code to require the Chief Justice of the United States to designate: (1) at least three appellate judges in at least four circuits to serve on an appellate panel available to hear appeals in a bankruptcy case concerning a covered financial corporation, and (2) a panel of at least 10 bankruptcy judges to be available to hear a case under subchapter V.

Prescribes requirements for the assignment of bankruptcy judges to subchapter V cases.

bankruptcy act sec amends federal bankruptcy law respect covered financial corporation incorporated organized federal state law commodity broker domestic foreign insurance company financial institution meeting certain criteria bank holding company corporation exists primary purpose owning controlling financing subsidiaries total consolidated assets billion greater annual gross revenues consolidated assets meet specified tests allows case subchapter established act converted chapter liquidation certain conditions met including court ordered appointment special trustee court finds conversion best interest creditors estate sec adds subchapter liquidation reorganization setting forth requirements prohibitions commencement case concerning covered financial corporation special trustee bridge company special transfer property estate bankruptcy treatment qualified financial contracts affiliate contracts licenses permits registrations exemption securities laws inapplicability certain avoiding powers federal_reserve sec federal_deposit_insurance_corporation fdic raise heard issue case proceeding sec amends federal judicial code require chief justice united_states designate appellate judges circuits serve appellate panel available hear appeals bankruptcy case concerning covered financial corporation panel bankruptcy judges available hear case subchapter prescribes requirements assignment bankruptcy judges subchapter cases


Summary: Corporate Fair Share Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the tax deduction of the interest expense of a U.S. corporation that is a member of a financial reporting group (a group that prepares consolidated financial statements according to accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards) to: (1) the amount of interest on indebtedness of the corporation includible in the corporation's gross income for the taxable year plus its proportionate share of the group's net interest expense in the taxable year; or (2) 10% of the corporation's adjusted taxable income, if the corporation fails to substantiate its proportionate share of interest expense. Exempts a corporation that is predominantly engaged in the active conduct of a banking, financing, or similar business or that has less than $5 million of net interest expense for the taxable year.

corporate fair share tax act amends internal revenue code limit tax deduction interest expense corporation member financial reporting group group prepares consolidated financial statements according accepted accounting principles international financial reporting standards interest indebtedness corporation includible corporation gross income taxable year plus proportionate share group net interest expense taxable year corporation adjusted taxable income corporation fails substantiate proportionate share interest expense exempts corporation predominantly engaged active conduct banking financing similar business million net interest expense taxable year


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on October 31, 2013. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act of 2013 - Amends the Antitrust Criminal Penalty Enhancement and Reform Act of 2004 to prohibit an employer from discharging, demoting, suspending, harassing, or in any other manner discriminating against an employee, contractor, subcontractor, or agent of such employer who: (1) provided information to the employer or the federal government concerning a violation of antitrust law or of another criminal law committed in conjunction with a potential violation of antitrust law or in conjunction with an antitrust investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ); or (2) filed, testified, participated, or otherwise assisted in an investigation relating to such a violation. Excludes from such protection any individual who planned and initiated such a violation or an obstruction to the investigation of such a violation.

Authorizes an individual who alleges discharge or other discrimination by an employer in violation of such prohibition to seek relief: (1) by filing a complaint with the Secretary of Labor; or (2) if the Secretary has not issued a final decision within 180 days of such filing, by bringing an action at law or equity in the appropriate U.S. district court. Entitles an individual who prevails in any such action to all relief necessary to make such individual whole, including reinstatement with the same status, back pay plus interest, and compensation for special damages sustained.

measure amended reported senate october summary version repeated criminal antitrust anti retaliation act amends reform act prohibit employer discharging suspending harassing manner discriminating employee contractor subcontractor agent employer provided information employer federal government concerning violation antitrust law criminal law committed conjunction potential violation antitrust law conjunction antitrust investigation department_of_justice doj filed testified participated assisted investigation relating violation excludes protection individual planned initiated violation obstruction investigation violation authorizes individual alleges discharge discrimination employer violation prohibition seek relief filing complaint secretary labor secretary issued final decision days filing bringing action law equity appropriate district court entitles individual prevails action relief necessary individual including reinstatement status pay plus interest compensation special damages sustained


Summary: Anti-Trust Freedom Act of 2013 - Provides that the Sherman Act, the Clayton Act, and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act prohibiting unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce shall not be construed to prohibit, ban, or otherwise extend to any voluntary economic coordination, cooperation, agreement, or other association, compact, contract, or covenant entered into by or between any individual or group of individuals.

provides sherman act clayton act provisions federal_trade_commission act prohibiting unfair methods competition unfair deceptive acts practices affecting commerce shall construed prohibit ban extend voluntary economic coordination cooperation agreement association compact contract covenant entered individual group individuals


Summary: Stop Corporate Inversions Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise rules for the taxation of inverted corporations (i.e., U.S. corporations that acquire foreign companies to reincorporate in a foreign jurisdiction with income tax rates lower than the United States) to provide that during the period beginning after May 8, 2014, and before May 9, 2016, a foreign corporation that acquires the properties of a U.S. corporation or partnership shall be treated as an inverted corporation and thus subject to U.S. taxation if, after such acquisition: (1) it holds more than 50% of the stock of the new entity (expanded affiliated group), or (2) the management or control of the new entity occurs primarily within the United States and the new entity has significant domestic business activities.

stop corporate act amends internal revenue code revise rules taxation inverted corporations corporations acquire foreign companies reincorporate foreign jurisdiction income tax rates lower united_states provide period beginning foreign corporation acquires properties corporation partnership shall treated inverted corporation subject taxation acquisition holds stock new entity expanded affiliated group management control new entity occurs primarily united_states new entity significant domestic business activities


Summary:
Worker Ownership, Readiness, and Knowledge Act or the WORK Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, to establish within the Employment and Training Administration an Employee Ownership and Participation Initiative to promote employee ownership and employee participation in business decisionmaking.

Requires the Secretary to establish a program, which may include grants for outreach, technical assistance, and training, to encourage new and existing state programs designed to foster employee ownership and employee participation in business decisionmaking throughout the United States.

Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on progress related to employee ownership and participation in U.S. businesses.

readiness work act directs secretary labor acting assistant secretary employment training establish employment_and_training_administration employee ownership participation initiative promote employee ownership employee participation business decisionmaking requires secretary establish program include grants outreach technical assistance training encourage new existing state programs designed foster employee ownership employee participation business decisionmaking united_states requires secretary report congress progress related employee ownership participation businesses


Summary:
Corporate Inverters Earnings Stripping Reform Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose limitations on the tax deduction for interest paid by corporations which are designated as applicable entities (i.e., members of an expanded affiliated group which includes a surrogate foreign corporation which is not treated as a domestic corporation). Prohibits such an entity from claiming a tax deduction for interest that exceeds 25% of its adjusted taxable income and from carrying forward interest which is paid or accrued during the first year in which such entity becomes an applicable entity.

Requires an applicable entity to file an annual application for an approval agreement (i.e., a prefiling, advance pricing, or other agreement involving a related-party transaction) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during the 10-year period after it becomes an applicable entity.

corporate earnings reform act amends internal revenue code impose limitations tax deduction interest paid corporations designated applicable entities members expanded affiliated group includes surrogate foreign corporation treated domestic corporation prohibits entity claiming tax deduction interest exceeds adjusted taxable income carrying forward interest paid accrued year entity applicable entity requires applicable entity file annual application approval agreement prefiling advance pricing agreement involving related party transaction internal_revenue_service irs year period applicable entity


Summary: Pay What You Owe Before You Go Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the recapture in subpart F income (i.e., income of a controlled foreign corporation earned outside the United States which is not tax deferred) the accumulated deferred foreign income of such corporation (i.e., the undistributed earnings of the controlled foreign corporation over its undistributed U.S. earnings) for its last taxable year.

pay owe act amends internal revenue code require recapture subpart income income controlled foreign corporation earned outside united_states tax deferred accumulated deferred foreign income corporation undistributed earnings controlled foreign corporation undistributed earnings taxable year


Summary:
Partnership Auditing Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise rules for audits of large for-profit partnerships (partnerships with more than 100 partners). Repeals existing audit rules under Chapter 1 and Chapter 63 of the Internal Revenue Code. Allows partnerships with 100 or fewer partners to elect not to be covered by this provisions of this Act.

Provides that items of partnership income, gain, loss, deductions, or credits shall be determined at the partnership level, instead of for each individual partner. Makes adjustments to partnership taxes applicable in the tax year in which such adjustments are finalized.

Sets forth new procedures for notifying a partnership of an audit or an adjustment of partnership taxes. Requires partnerships to participate in an audit through a designated partnership representative.

Allows partnerships to include audit adjustments on tax returns for the year in which such adjustments are finalized. Provides for the collection of additional taxes resulting from an audit and tax penalties from the partnership, instead of from individual partners.

Permits partnerships to request judicial review of audit adjustments by filing a petition with the Tax Court, a district court, or the Court of Claims. Grants such courts jurisdiction to determine all items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit of the partnership. Establishes a three-year limitation period for making adjustments to partnership tax returns.

partnership auditing fairness act amends internal revenue code revise rules audits large profit partnerships partnerships partners repeals existing audit rules chapter chapter internal revenue code allows partnerships fewer partners elect covered provisions act provides items partnership income gain loss deductions credits shall determined partnership level instead individual partner makes adjustments partnership taxes applicable tax year adjustments finalized sets forth new procedures notifying partnership audit adjustment partnership taxes requires partnerships participate audit designated partnership representative allows partnerships include audit adjustments tax returns year adjustments finalized provides collection additional taxes resulting audit tax penalties partnership instead individual partners permits partnerships request judicial review audit adjustments filing petition tax_court district court grants courts jurisdiction determine items income gain loss deduction credit partnership establishes year limitation period making adjustments partnership tax returns


Summary:
Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2015

Amends federal bankruptcy law governing expenses and claims to increase to $20,000: (1) allowed unsecured claims in the fourth order of priority (wages, salaries, or commissions); and (2) the factor multiplied by the number of employees covered with respect to employee benefit plan contributions in the fifth order of priority.

Includes within the scope of a claim in bankruptcy certain equity securities held in a defined contribution plan for the benefit of certain individuals, but only if an employer or plan sponsor who has commenced a case in bankruptcy has committed fraud regarding the plan or has otherwise breached a duty to the participant that has proximately caused the loss of value.

Allows as an administrative expense of the estate: (1) severance pay owed to certain employees of the debtor for layoff or termination (which pay shall be deemed earned in full), and (2) damages as a result of violation of law by the debtor.

Includes among prerequisites for confirmation of a business reorganization bankruptcy plan (Chapter 11) provision for: (1) recovery of damages payable for the rejection of a collective bargaining agreement, or other financial returns as negotiated by the debtor and the authorized representative; (2) continued payment of retiree benefits maintained or established by the debtor before the petition filing date if no modifications are made before confirmation of the plan; and (3) recovery of claims arising from the modification of retiree benefits or for certain financial returns, as negotiated by the debtor and the authorized representative.

Revises requirements governing: (1) rejection of collective bargaining agreements; (2) payment of insurance benefits to retired employees, including benefit modifications proposed by the trustee; and (3) a trustee's administrative power to dispose of property. Requires the court, in approving a sale of business assets, to consider the extent to which a bidder has offered to maintain existing jobs, preserve terms and conditions of employment, and assume or match pension and retiree health benefit obligations in determining whether an offer constitutes the highest or best offer for such property.

Requires the bankruptcy court to allow certain claims asserted by an active or retired participant, or by a labor organization representing such participant, for any shortfall in pension benefits accrued as a result of the termination of the plan and limitations upon the payment of certain statutory benefits.

States that, if employees have not received wages and benefits for services rendered on and after the date of the commencement of the case in bankruptcy, such unpaid obligations shall be deemed necessary costs and expenses of preserving, or disposing of, property securing an allowed secured claim and shall be recovered even if the trustee has otherwise waived certain provisions under an agreement with the holder of the allowed secured claim.

Allows reduction of a debtor's time frame for filing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan in the event of: (1) the filing of a motion seeking rejection of a collective bargaining agreement if a plan based upon an alternative proposal by the labor organization is reasonably likely to be confirmed within a reasonable time; or (2) the proposed filing of a plan by a proponent other than the debtor, which incorporates the terms of a settlement with a labor organization, if such plan is reasonably likely to be confirmed within a reasonable time.

Modifies requirements for confirmation of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan to prohibit approval of: (1) payments or other distributions for the benefit of insiders, senior executive officers, and certain highly compensated employees or consultants providing services to the debtor, except as part of those generally applicable to the debtor's employees if the court determines that such payments are not excessive or disproportionate compared to distributions to the debtor's nonmanagement workforce; and (2) insider compensation unless approved by the court as reasonable according to specified criteria.

Restricts: (1) certain executive compensation enhancements as part of the allowance of administrative expenses; (2) trustee assumption of certain deferred compensation arrangements for the benefit of insiders, senior executive officers, or certain highly compensated employees of the debtor; and (3) trustee assumption of retiree benefits for insiders, senior executive officers, or certain highly compensated employees of the debtor if the debtor has obtained relief to impose reductions in retiree benefits, or health benefits of active employees of the debtor, or has reduced or eliminated health benefits for active or retired employees within 180 days before the date of the commencement of the case.

Requires the court, where a debtor has obtained relief by which it reduces the cost of its obligations under a collective bargaining agreement or a retiree plan, fund, or program of retiree benefits, to determine before granting relief the percentage diminution in the value of the obligations when compared to the debtor's obligations under the collective bargaining agreement, or with respect to retiree benefits.

Authorizes the trustee in bankruptcy to avoid a transfer made in anticipation of bankruptcy to or for the benefit of an insider, including certain consultants who were formerly insiders and who are retained to provide services to an entity that becomes a debtor.

Grants a labor organization creditor status for purposes of filing a proof of claim.

Declares that the filing of a petition for relief does not operate as an automatic stay of the commencement or continuation of a dispute resolution proceeding established by a collective bargaining agreement that was or could have been commenced against the debtor before the filing of a petition, including payment or enforcement of an award or settlement under such proceeding.

protecting_employees retirees business bankruptcies act amends federal bankruptcy law governing expenses claims increase allowed unsecured claims fourth order priority wages salaries commissions factor multiplied number employees covered respect employee benefit plan contributions fifth order priority includes scope claim bankruptcy certain equity securities held defined contribution plan benefit certain individuals employer plan sponsor commenced case bankruptcy committed fraud plan breached duty participant proximately caused loss value allows administrative expense estate severance pay owed certain employees debtor layoff termination pay shall deemed earned damages result violation law debtor includes prerequisites confirmation business reorganization bankruptcy plan chapter provision recovery damages payable rejection collective bargaining agreement financial returns negotiated debtor authorized representative continued payment retiree benefits maintained established debtor petition filing date modifications confirmation plan recovery claims arising modification retiree benefits certain financial returns negotiated debtor authorized representative revises requirements governing rejection collective bargaining agreements payment insurance benefits retired employees including benefit modifications proposed trustee trustee administrative power dispose property requires court approving sale business assets consider extent bidder offered maintain existing jobs preserve terms conditions employment assume match pension retiree health benefit obligations determining offer constitutes highest best offer property requires bankruptcy court allow certain claims asserted active retired participant labor organization representing participant shortfall pension benefits accrued result termination plan limitations payment certain statutory benefits states employees received wages benefits services rendered date commencement case bankruptcy unpaid obligations shall deemed necessary costs expenses preserving disposing property securing allowed secured claim shall recovered trustee waived certain provisions agreement holder allowed secured claim allows reduction debtor time frame filing chapter bankruptcy plan event filing motion seeking rejection collective bargaining agreement plan based alternative proposal labor organization reasonably likely confirmed reasonable time proposed filing plan proponent debtor incorporates terms settlement labor organization plan reasonably likely confirmed reasonable time modifies requirements confirmation chapter bankruptcy plan prohibit approval payments distributions benefit insiders senior executive officers certain highly compensated employees consultants providing services debtor generally applicable debtor employees court determines payments excessive disproportionate compared distributions debtor workforce insider compensation approved court reasonable according specified criteria restricts certain executive compensation enhancements allowance administrative expenses trustee assumption certain deferred compensation arrangements benefit insiders senior executive officers certain highly compensated employees debtor trustee assumption retiree benefits insiders senior executive officers certain highly compensated employees debtor debtor obtained relief impose reductions retiree benefits health benefits active employees debtor reduced eliminated health benefits active retired employees days date commencement case requires court debtor obtained relief reduces cost obligations collective bargaining agreement retiree plan fund program retiree benefits determine granting relief percentage diminution value obligations compared debtor obligations collective bargaining agreement respect retiree benefits authorizes trustee bankruptcy avoid transfer anticipation bankruptcy benefit insider including certain consultants insiders retained provide services entity debtor grants labor organization creditor status purposes filing proof claim declares filing petition relief operate automatic stay commencement continuation dispute resolution proceeding established collective bargaining agreement commenced debtor filing petition including payment enforcement award settlement proceeding


Summary:
Preventing Termination of Utility Services in Bankruptcy Act of 2015

Amends federal bankruptcy law, with respect to the prohibition against disruption of utility services to a debtor, to declare that an individual debtor may not be required to furnish assurance of payment if he or she pays, within 20 days after the date of the order for relief, those debts owed to a utility for service during that period, and afterward also pays when due debts owed for service during the pendency of the case in bankruptcy.

preventing termination utility services bankruptcy act amends federal bankruptcy law respect prohibition disruption utility services debtor declare individual debtor required furnish assurance payment pays days date order relief debts owed utility service period pays debts owed service pendency case bankruptcy


Summary:
Stop Corporate Inversions Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise rules for the taxation of inverted corporations (i.e., U.S. corporations that acquire foreign companies to reincorporate in a foreign jurisdiction with income tax rates lower than the United States) to provide that a foreign corporation that acquires the properties of a U.S. corporation or partnership after May 8, 2014, shall be treated as an inverted corporation and thus subject to U.S. taxation if, after such acquisition: (1) it holds more than 50% of the stock of the new entity (expanded affiliated group), or (2) the management or control of the new entity occurs primarily within the United States and the new entity has significant domestic business activities.

stop corporate act amends internal revenue code revise rules taxation inverted corporations corporations acquire foreign companies reincorporate foreign jurisdiction income tax rates lower united_states provide foreign corporation acquires properties corporation partnership shall treated inverted corporation subject taxation acquisition holds stock new entity expanded affiliated group management control new entity occurs primarily united_states new entity significant domestic business activities


Summary:
Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act of 2015

Amends the McCarran-Ferguson Act to declare that nothing in that Act modifies, impairs, or supersedes the operation of antitrust laws with respect to the business of health insurance, including the business of dental insurance.

Applies prohibitions against using unfair methods of competition to the business of health insurance without regard to whether the business is for profit.

amends mccarran ferguson act declare act modifies supersedes operation antitrust laws respect business health insurance including business dental insurance applies prohibitions unfair methods competition business health insurance regard business profit


Summary:
Permanent S Corporation Built-in Gain Recognition Period Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce from 10 years to 5 years the period during which the built-in gains of an S corporation are subject to tax and to make such reduction permanent.

permanent corporation built gain recognition period act sec amends internal revenue code reduce years years period built gains corporation subject tax reduction permanent


Summary:
Permanent S Corporation Charitable Contribution Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax rule that reduces the basis of the stock of an S corporation shareholder by the adjusted basis (rather than fair market value) of any charitable contribution made by the S corporation.

sec bill amends internal_revenue_code permanent tax rule reduces basis stock corporation shareholder adjusted basis fair market value charitable contribution corporation


Summary:
Investor Choice Act of 2015

Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to revise the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission to prohibit, or impose conditions or limitations on the use of, agreements that require customers or clients of any broker, dealer, or municipal securities dealer to arbitrate any future dispute between them arising under the federal securities laws, related rules and regulations, or the rules of a self-regulatory organization if it finds that prohibition, imposition of conditions, or limitations are in the public interest and for the protection of investors.

Declares unlawful for a broker, dealer, funding portal, or municipal securities dealer (entities) to enter into, modify, or extend an agreement with customers or clients governing a future dispute between the parties that would mandate arbitration.

Declares likewise unlawful acts by such entities that would restrict, limit, or condition the ability of a customer or client to: (1) select or designate a forum for dispute resolution, or (2) pursue a claim relating to a dispute in an individual or representative capacity or on a class action or consolidated basis.

investor choice act amends securities exchange act investment advisers act revise authority securities_and_exchange_commission prohibit impose conditions limitations use agreements require customers clients broker dealer municipal securities dealer arbitrate future dispute arising federal securities laws related rules regulations rules self regulatory organization finds prohibition imposition conditions limitations public interest protection investors declares unlawful broker dealer funding portal municipal securities dealer entities enter modify extend agreement customers clients governing future dispute parties mandate arbitration declares likewise unlawful acts entities restrict limit condition ability customer client select designate forum dispute resolution pursue claim relating dispute individual representative capacity class action consolidated basis


Summary:
Income Equity Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny employers a tax deduction for payments of excessive compensation to any full-time employee (i.e., compensation for services exceeding the greater of 25 times the median compensation paid to full-time employees during such taxable year or $500,000); and (2) require such employers to file a report with the Secretary of the Treasury on excessive compensation (as defined by this Act) paid to their employees. Defines "compensation" to include wages, salary, deferred compensation, retirement contributions, options, bonuses, property, and any other form of compensation that the Secretary determines is appropriate.

income equity act amends internal revenue code deny employers tax deduction payments excessive compensation time employee compensation services exceeding greater times median compensation paid time employees taxable year require employers file report secretary treasury excessive compensation defined act paid employees defines compensation include wages salary deferred compensation retirement contributions options bonuses property form compensation secretary determines appropriate


Summary:
Federal Employees Sustainable Investment Act

 Establishes the Corporate Responsibility Stock Index Fund as an investment option under the Thrift Savings Fund. Directs the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to select a minimum of one index for such Fund comprised of stocks that have been analyzed and selected using basic criteria, including corporate governance, environmental practices, workplace relations and benefits, product safety and impact, international operations and human rights, involvement with repressive regimes, and community relations.

act establishes corporate responsibility stock index fund investment option thrift_savings_fund directs federal_retirement_thrift_investment_board select minimum index fund comprised stocks analyzed selected basic criteria including corporate governance environmental practices workplace relations benefits product safety impact international operations human rights involvement repressive regimes community relations


Summary:
Health Insurance Industry Fair Competition Act

Amends the McCarran-Ferguson Act to declare that nothing in that Act modifies, impairs, or supersedes the operation of antitrust laws with respect to the business of health insurance.

Applies prohibitions against using unfair methods of competition to the business of health insurance without regard to whether the business is for profit.

amends mccarran ferguson act declare act modifies supersedes operation antitrust laws respect business health insurance applies prohibitions unfair methods competition business health insurance regard business profit


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

Standard Merger and Acquisition Reviews Through Equal Rules Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Clayton Act with respect to notice to a state by the Department of Justice (DOJ) about federal actions brought for violations of antitrust laws. Currently DOJ must:

 notify a state attorney general about an antitrust action regarding which DOJ has reason to believe that the state attorney general would also be entitled to bring an action based substantially on the same alleged violation of the antitrust laws; and upon request make available to the state attorney general, to the extent permitted by law, any investigative files or other materials which are or may be relevant or material to the actual or potential cause of action. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shall exercise the same authority and procedures as DOJ under the Clayton Act if the FTC has brought an action under Section 7 of the same Act with respect to the prohibition against acquisition by one corporation of the stock of another (merger) that may substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly.

Also in cases brought by the FTC that result in final judgments against a defendant, those judgments shall be prima facie evidence of antitrust violations under substantially similar facts in actions brought by other parties.

The statute of limitations shall be tolled during a proceeding brought by the FTC under Section 7, and for one year thereafter, for any private and state rights of action based on the conduct in question during the proceeding.

The FTC shall enforce compliance with section 7 in the same manner as DOJ in acting to prevent or restrain antitrust violations. The FTC shall enforce a consent order, however, in the same manner it does already. (Sec. 3) The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) is amended to exclude proposed mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, or similar transactions from ordinary FTC proceedings, except in cases where the FTC approves an agreement with the parties to the transaction that contains a consent order.

U.S. district courts shall have jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus commanding compliance with the FTCA or any FTC order, if the FTC applies to such courts with respect to any activity related to consummation of a merger, acquisition, joint venture, or similar transaction that may result in an unfair method of competition.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house reported version repeated standard merger acquisition reviews equal rules act sec bill amends clayton act respect notice state department_of_justice doj federal actions brought violations antitrust laws currently doj notify state attorney general antitrust action doj reason believe state attorney general entitled bring action based substantially alleged violation antitrust laws request available state attorney general extent permitted law investigative files materials relevant material actual potential cause action federal_trade_commission ftc shall exercise authority procedures doj clayton act ftc brought action section act respect prohibition acquisition corporation stock merger substantially lessen competition tend create monopoly cases brought ftc result final judgments defendant judgments shall prima facie evidence antitrust violations substantially similar facts actions brought parties statute limitations shall tolled proceeding brought ftc section year private state rights action based conduct question proceeding ftc shall enforce compliance section manner doj acting prevent restrain antitrust violations ftc shall enforce consent order manner sec federal_trade_commission act ftca amended exclude proposed mergers acquisitions joint ventures similar transactions ordinary ftc proceedings cases ftc approves agreement parties transaction contains consent order district courts shall jurisdiction issue writs commanding compliance ftca ftc order ftc applies courts respect activity related consummation merger acquisition joint venture similar transaction result unfair method competition


Summary: This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the period in which a corporation may carryover excess contributions for purposes of the tax deduction for charitable contributions from 5 to 20 succeeding taxable years.

bill amends internal_revenue_code extend period corporation carryover excess contributions purposes tax deduction charitable contributions succeeding taxable years


Summary:
Main Street Fairness Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to prevent qualified business income attributed to individuals from being taxed at a higher rate than corporate income.

(Under current law, business income attributed to individuals is taxed using individual income tax rates rather than the corporate tax rate.)

Qualified business income is all items of income, deduction, loss, or credit properly attributable to the taxpayer from the active conduct of a trade or business, including:

 a partnership in which the taxpayer holds a capital or profits interest; an S corporation in which the taxpayer is a shareholder; a sole proprietorship or an entity otherwise disregarded as separate from its sole owner, in which the taxpayer is the sole owner; and a trust or estate in which the taxpayer is a beneficiary. Qualified business income does not include any item taken into account in determining net capital gain or the financial services income of partnerships.

fairness act bill amends internal_revenue_code prevent qualified business income attributed individuals taxed higher rate corporate income current law business income attributed individuals taxed individual income tax rates corporate tax rate qualified business income items income deduction loss credit properly attributable taxpayer active conduct trade business including partnership taxpayer holds capital profits interest corporation taxpayer shareholder sole proprietorship entity disregarded separate sole owner taxpayer sole owner trust estate taxpayer beneficiary qualified business income include item taken account determining net capital gain financial services income partnerships


Summary:
Corporate EXpatriates and Inverters Tax Fairness Act or the Corporate EXIT Fairness Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth rules governing corporate inversions (i.e., the practice of relocating a domestic corporation's legal domicile to a lower-tax nation while retaining its business activities in the higher-tax country of origin) and corporate expatriations. Specifically, the bill requires payment of tax on the deferred overseas profits of U.S. multinational corporations or partnerships before they reincorporate or organize in a foreign country. Additionally, any stock of a controlled foreign corporation in connection with a corporate expatriation would be treated as sold for its fair market value as of the date of expatriation and be subject to U.S. taxation.

The bill expands the definitions of "corporate inversion" and "corporate expatriation" and revises rules relating to the taxation of inverted corporations. A foreign corporation that acquires the assets of a U.S. corporation or partnership after April 29, 2016, shall be treated as an inverted corporation and thus subject to U.S. taxation if, after such acquisition: (1) the expanded affiliated group which includes the foreign corporation does not have substantial business activities in the foreign country in which the corporation is created or organized, when compared to the total business activities of such expanded affiliated group; and (2) more than 50% of the foreign corporation is held by former shareholders or partners of the domestic corporation or partnership, or the management or control of the expanded affiliated group occurs primarily within the United States, and such expanded affiliated group has significant domestic business activities.

corporate expatriates tax fairness act bill amends internal_revenue_code set forth rules governing corporate practice relocating domestic corporation legal domicile lower tax nation retaining business activities higher tax country origin corporate specifically bill requires payment tax deferred overseas profits multinational corporations partnerships reincorporate organize foreign country additionally stock controlled foreign corporation connection corporate expatriation treated sold fair market value date expatriation subject taxation bill expands definitions corporate corporate expatriation revises rules relating taxation inverted corporations foreign corporation acquires assets corporation partnership april shall treated inverted corporation subject taxation acquisition expanded affiliated group includes foreign corporation substantial business activities foreign country corporation created organized compared total business activities expanded affiliated group foreign corporation held shareholders partners domestic corporation partnership management control expanded affiliated group occurs primarily united_states expanded affiliated group significant domestic business activities


Summary:
Protecting the U.S. Corporate Tax Base Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the rules for taxing the earnings and determining the stock ownership of certain controlled foreign corporations (CFCs).

The bill provides that, in the case of certain CFCs, subpart F income (income of a CFC earned outside the United States that is not tax deferred) includes a U.S. shareholder's pro rata share of any increase in the CFC's investment of earnings in certain foreign property.

The bill also revises the rules for determining stock ownership to prohibit a CFC from transferring stock to a foreign affiliate to reduce the portion of stock owned by U.S. shareholders below the level required to be considered a CFC.

protecting corporate tax base act bill amends internal_revenue_code revise rules taxing earnings determining stock ownership certain controlled foreign corporations bill provides case certain subpart income income cfc earned outside united_states tax deferred includes shareholder pro rata share increase cfc investment earnings certain foreign property bill revises rules determining stock ownership prohibit cfc transferring stock foreign affiliate reduce portion stock owned shareholders level required considered cfc


Summary:
Preserving Investment in Needy Neighborhoods Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude from gross income contributions to the capital of a partnership, and (2) set forth rules for determining the basis of property and money contributed to the capital of a partnership.

preserving investment bill amends internal_revenue_code exclude gross income contributions capital partnership set forth rules determining basis property money contributed capital partnership


Summary:
S Corporation Modernization Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax treatment of S corporations, to:

 allow a nonresident alien to be a qualifying beneficiary of an electing small business trust (ESBT), which is a type of trust that is permitted to hold shares in an S corporation; allow S corporations to increase passive investment income from 25% to 60% without incurring additional taxes; eliminate a provision terminating the S corporation status of corporations with excessive passive income for three consecutive years; allow any S corporation bank to have individual retirement account shareholders; allow ESBTs to claim expanded tax deductions for charitable contributions; and allow an adjustment to the basis of an S corporation's assets upon the death of a shareholder, in the form of a 15-year amortization deduction.

corporation modernization act bill amends internal_revenue_code respect tax treatment corporations allow nonresident alien qualifying beneficiary electing small business trust esbt type trust permitted hold shares corporation allow corporations increase passive investment income incurring additional taxes eliminate provision terminating corporation status corporations excessive passive income consecutive years allow corporation bank individual retirement account shareholders allow esbts claim expanded tax deductions charitable contributions allow adjustment basis corporation assets death shareholder form year amortization deduction


Summary:
CEO Accountability and Responsibility Act

 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the corporate income tax rate for publicly traded corporations that pay their chief executive officers or highest paid employees more than 100 times the median compensation of all their U.S. employees, and (2) decrease the rate for publicly traded corporations that pay their chief executive officers or highest paid employees less than 50 times the median compensation of all their U.S. employees.

ceo accountability responsibility act bill amends internal_revenue_code increase corporate income tax rate publicly traded corporations pay chief executive officers highest paid employees times median compensation employees decrease rate publicly traded corporations pay chief executive officers highest paid employees times median compensation employees


Summary:
PCAOB Enforcement Transparency Act of 2016

 This bill amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to make Public Company Accounting Oversight Board disciplinary proceedings public unless the Board, on its own motion or after considering the motion of a party, orders otherwise.

pcaob enforcement transparency act bill amends sarbanes-oxley_act public_company_accounting_oversight_board disciplinary proceedings public board motion considering motion party orders


Summary:
Stop Corporate Inversions Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise rules for the taxation of inverted corporations (i.e., U.S. corporations that acquire foreign companies to reincorporate in a foreign jurisdiction with income tax rates lower than the United States) to provide that a foreign corporation that acquires the properties of a U.S. corporation or partnership after May 8, 2014, shall be treated as an inverted corporation and thus subject to U.S. taxation if, after such acquisition: (1) it holds more than 50% of the stock of the new entity (expanded affiliated group), or (2) the management or control of the new entity occurs primarily within the United States and the new entity has significant domestic business activities.

stop corporate act amends internal revenue code revise rules taxation inverted corporations corporations acquire foreign companies reincorporate foreign jurisdiction income tax rates lower united_states provide foreign corporation acquires properties corporation partnership shall treated inverted corporation subject taxation acquisition holds stock new entity expanded affiliated group management control new entity occurs primarily united_states new entity significant domestic business activities


Summary:
Government Settlement Transparency and Reform Act

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand provisions relating to the nondeductibility of fines and penalties to prohibit a tax deduction for any amount paid or incurred to any governmental entity relating to the violation of any law or the investigation or inquiry into a potential violation of law. Exempts from such prohibition: (1) restitution or amounts paid to come into compliance with any law that was violated or otherwise involved in the investigation or inquiry, (2) amounts paid pursuant to a court order in a suit in which the governmental entity was not a party, and (3) amounts paid or incurred as taxes due. Imposes new reporting requirements on governmental entities relating to amounts paid as fines or for restitution.

government settlement transparency reform act amends internal revenue code expand provisions relating fines penalties prohibit tax deduction paid incurred governmental entity relating violation law investigation inquiry potential violation law exempts prohibition restitution amounts paid come compliance law violated involved investigation inquiry amounts paid pursuant court order suit governmental entity party amounts paid incurred taxes imposes new reporting requirements governmental entities relating amounts paid fines restitution


Summary:
PCAOB Enforcement Transparency Act of 2015

 Amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to make Public Company Accounting Oversight Board disciplinary proceedings public unless the Board, on its own motion or after considering the motion of a party, orders otherwise.

pcaob enforcement transparency act amends sarbanes oxley act public_company_accounting_oversight_board disciplinary proceedings public board motion considering motion party orders


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on July 16, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Antitrust Criminal Penalty Enhancement and Reform Act of 2004 to prohibit an employer from discharging, demoting, suspending, harassing, or in any other manner discriminating against an employee, contractor, subcontractor, or agent of such employer (covered individual) who by a lawful act: (1) provided information to the employer or a federal regulatory or law enforcement agency, or any Member of Congress or congressional committee concerning a violation of antitrust law or of another criminal law committed in conjunction with a potential violation of antitrust law or in conjunction with an antitrust investigation by the Department of Justice; or (2) filed or caused to be filed, testified, participated, or otherwise assisted in a federal investigation or proceeding relating to such a violation. This protection does not extend, however, to any covered individual who planned and initiated such a violation or an obstruction to its investigation.

A violation with respect to the antitrust laws shall not be construed to include a civil violation of any law that is not also a criminal violation.

A covered individual who alleges discharge or other discrimination by an employer in violation of such prohibition is authorized to seek relief: (1) by filing a complaint with the Department of Labor; or (2) if Labor has not issued a final decision within 180 days of such filing, by bringing an action at law or equity in the appropriate U.S. district court. A covered individual who prevails in any such action is entitled to all relief necessary to make the individual whole, including reinstatement with the same status, back pay plus interest, and compensation for special damages sustained.

measure amended reported senate july summary version repeated criminal antitrust anti retaliation act sec bill amends reform act prohibit employer discharging suspending harassing manner discriminating employee contractor subcontractor agent employer covered individual lawful act provided information employer federal regulatory law enforcement agency member congress congressional committee concerning violation antitrust law criminal law committed conjunction potential violation antitrust law conjunction antitrust investigation department_of_justice filed caused filed testified participated assisted federal investigation proceeding relating violation protection extend covered individual planned initiated violation obstruction investigation violation respect antitrust laws shall construed include civil violation law criminal violation covered individual alleges discharge discrimination employer violation prohibition authorized seek relief filing complaint department_of_labor labor issued final decision days filing bringing action law equity appropriate district court covered individual prevails action entitled relief necessary individual including reinstatement status pay plus interest compensation special damages sustained


Summary:
Standard Merger and Acquisition Reviews Through Equal Rules Act of 2015

This bill amends the Clayton Act with respect to actions brought by the Attorney General for violations of antitrust laws. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is required, but only under the Clayton Act, to exercise the same authority and procedures of the Attorney General specified in the Act with respect to the prohibition against acquisition by one corporation of the stock of another (merger) that may substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly.

The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) is amended to exclude proposed mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, or similar transactions from FTC proceedings, except in cases where the FTC approves an agreement with the parties to the transaction that contains a consent order.

Jurisdiction is granted to the U.S. district courts to issue writs of mandamus commanding compliance with the FTCA or any FTC order, if the FTC applies to such courts with respect to any activity related to consummation of a merger, acquisition, joint venture, or similar transaction that results in an unfair method of competition.

acquisition reviews equal rules act bill amends clayton act respect actions brought attorney general violations antitrust laws federal_trade_commission ftc required clayton act exercise authority procedures attorney general specified act respect prohibition acquisition corporation stock merger substantially lessen competition tend create monopoly federal_trade_commission act ftca amended exclude proposed mergers acquisitions joint ventures similar transactions ftc proceedings cases ftc approves agreement parties transaction contains consent order jurisdiction granted district courts issue writs commanding compliance ftca ftc order ftc applies courts respect activity related consummation merger acquisition joint venture similar transaction results unfair method competition


Summary:
Incorporation Transparency and Law Enforcement Assistance Act

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, in order to protect the United States from misuse affecting interstate or foreign commerce of corporations and limited liability companies with hidden owners, to require states receiving funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to: (1) use an incorporation system that requires applicants for forming corporations or limited liability companies (corporations), and corporations that have formed, to provide and update lists of their beneficial owners; (2) maintain beneficial ownership information for five years after the corporation terminates; and (3) provide such information pursuant to certain criminal, civil, or administrative requests.

It authorizes a state that maintains a formal licensing system for formation agents to permit applicants or corporations to provide such information to an agent residing in that state instead of to that state directly. It requires such an agent to certify verification of specified identifying information for applicants or corporation owners or officers who do not have a non-expired U.S.-issued passport, drivers license, or identification card.

It specifies exempt entities. It also prescribes penalties for providing false or fraudulent beneficial ownership information or for willfully failing to provide complete or updated information.

The bill requires the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy to revise the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require any contractor subject to the requirement to disclose beneficial ownership information under this bill to provide the information to the federal government as part of any bid for a contract with a value exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.

It directs the Department of the Treasury to promulgate a rule requiring persons engaged in the business of forming corporations to establish anti-money laundering programs.

The Government Accountability Office must study and report on: (1) the extent to which states enable persons to form partnerships, trusts, charitable organizations, or other legal entities under state law and require such persons to provide beneficial owner information; and (2) the effectiveness of incorporation practices implemented under this bill in aiding law enforcement.

incorporation transparency law enforcement assistance act bill amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act order protect united_states misuse affecting interstate foreign commerce corporations limited liability companies hidden owners require states receiving funding edward_byrne_memorial_justice assistance grant program use incorporation system requires applicants forming corporations limited liability companies corporations corporations formed provide update lists beneficial owners maintain beneficial ownership information years corporation terminates provide information pursuant certain criminal civil administrative requests authorizes state maintains formal licensing system formation agents permit applicants corporations provide information agent residing state instead state directly requires agent certify verification specified identifying information applicants corporation owners officers non expired passport drivers license identification card specifies exempt entities prescribes penalties providing false fraudulent beneficial ownership information willfully failing provide complete updated information bill requires administrator federal procurement policy revise federal_acquisition_regulation require contractor subject requirement disclose beneficial ownership information bill provide information federal government bid contract value exceeding simplified acquisition threshold directs department_of_the_treasury promulgate rule requiring persons engaged business forming corporations establish anti money laundering programs government_accountability_office study report extent states enable persons form partnerships trusts charitable organizations legal entities state law require persons provide beneficial owner information effectiveness incorporation practices implemented bill aiding law enforcement


Summary:
Pay What You Owe Before You Go Act

 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the recapture in subpart F income (i.e., income of a controlled foreign corporation earned outside the United States which is not tax deferred) of the accumulated deferred foreign income of such corporation (i.e., the undistributed earnings of the controlled foreign corporation over its undistributed U.S. earnings) for its last taxable year.

pay owe act bill amends internal_revenue_code require recapture subpart income income controlled foreign corporation earned outside united_states tax deferred accumulated deferred foreign income corporation undistributed earnings controlled foreign corporation undistributed earnings taxable year


Summary:
Safety Over Secrecy Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal judicial code to prohibit courts, except when balancing confidentiality interests against public awareness interests in response to a party's motion, from approving or ordering the enforcement of any provision of a settlement agreement in a civil suit if: (1) a pleading in the suit alleges facts relevant to protecting the public from a hazard to public safety or health; and (2) the provision prohibits a party from disclosing settlement terms (other than the amount of any money paid under the settlement) or from discussing the suit, evidence produced in the suit, or the hazard to public safety or health.

A "hazard to public safety or health" is defined as an activity, substance, or condition that has a potential to cause harm to the health or safety of the public.

Upon a motion by a party to the settlement agreement, a court may approve or order enforcement of such a provision if: (1) the public interest in disclosure of facts relevant to protecting the public is outweighed by a specific and substantial interest in maintaining the confidentiality of the information or records, and (2) the requested order is no broader than necessary to protect such confidentiality.

The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that the interest in protecting financial, medical, or other similar personal information relating to an identifiable individual outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Courts may redact language to accommodate personal privacy and public awareness.

The bill also prohibits courts from approving or ordering the enforcement of a settlement agreement provision in a civil suit that includes allegations concerning public safety and health hazards if the provision restricts a party from disclosing such information to a federal or state agency with law enforcement or regulatory authority over related activity. But facts disclosed to a federal or state agency must be protected as confidential under any other laws, regulations, or agreements.

safety secrecy act bill amends federal judicial code prohibit courts balancing confidentiality interests public awareness interests response party motion approving ordering enforcement provision settlement agreement civil suit pleading suit alleges facts relevant protecting public hazard public safety health provision prohibits party disclosing settlement terms money paid settlement discussing suit evidence produced suit hazard public safety health hazard public safety health defined activity substance condition potential cause harm health safety public motion party settlement agreement court approve order enforcement provision public interest disclosure facts relevant protecting public outweighed specific substantial interest maintaining confidentiality information records requested order broader necessary protect confidentiality bill establishes rebuttable presumption interest protecting financial medical similar personal information relating identifiable individual outweighs public interest disclosure courts redact language accommodate personal privacy public awareness bill prohibits courts approving ordering enforcement settlement agreement provision civil suit includes allegations concerning public safety health hazards provision restricts party disclosing information federal state agency law enforcement regulatory authority related activity facts disclosed federal state agency protected confidential laws regulations agreements


Summary: Seniors Offering Quality Child Care Act of 2007 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (CCDBGA) to: (1) increase the portion of funds states must use for activities to improve the quality of child care services; (2) include among such activities examining methods to increase recruitment, retention, and compensation of child care workers age 55 and older; and (3) exempt allowances, earnings, and payments to such older individuals under CCDBGA from consideration as income in determining eligibility for and amount of income transfer and in-kind aid under any federal or federally assisted program based on need. Amends the Social Security Act to exempt compensation for child caregiving services of employees of eligible child care providers from consideration under the Social Security earnings test.

seniors offering quality child care act amends child care development block grant act increase portion funds states use activities improve quality child care services include activities examining methods increase recruitment retention compensation child care workers age older exempt allowances earnings payments older individuals consideration income determining eligibility income transfer kind aid federal federally assisted program based need amends social security act exempt compensation child caregiving services employees eligible child care providers consideration social_security earnings test


Summary: Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Insurance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make five-year grants to a state or local government to pay for the federal share of the cost of carrying out projects that assist families by providing wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter or other family caregiving needs. Family and Medical Leave Fairness Act of 2005 [sic]- Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to extend coverage to employees at worksites where the employer employs at least 25 (currently, 50) employees at the worksite and within 75 miles of that worksite. Amends FMLA and federal civil service law to entitle to leave those employees who must address the effects of domestic violence. Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2005 [sic]- Permits the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to contract with one or more employing agencies to conduct a grant project that provides paid leave for eligible individuals who are responding to caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter or other family caregiving needs. Requires the leave to last for at least six weeks during a 12-month period. Time for Schools Act of 2005 [sic] - Amends FMLA to allow employees covered by such Act to take up to 24 hours, during any 12-month period, of school involvement leave to participate in: (1) an academic activity of their child's school, such as a parent-teacher conference or an interview for a school; or (2) literacy training under a family literacy program. Amends federal civil service law to provide the same school involvement leave allowance for federal employees.

family medical leave expansion act family income respond significant transitions insurance act directs secretary labor year grants state local government pay federal share cost carrying projects assist families providing wage replacement eligible individuals responding caregiving needs resulting birth adoption son daughter family caregiving needs family medical leave fairness act leave act fmla extend coverage employees worksites employer employs currently employees worksite miles worksite amends fmla federal civil service law entitle leave employees address effects domestic violence federal employees paid parental leave act contract employing agencies conduct grant project provides paid leave eligible individuals responding caregiving needs resulting birth adoption son daughter family caregiving needs requires leave weeks month period time schools act sic amends fmla allow employees covered act hours month period school involvement leave participate academic activity child school parent teacher conference interview school literacy training family literacy program amends federal civil service law provide school involvement leave allowance federal employees


Summary: Emergency Gulf Coast Child Care Construction and Rebuilding Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the use of community development block grants to construct and renovate child care facilities located in any major disaster area resulting from Hurricane Katrina or Rita of 2005. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure: (1) mortgages for new or substantially rehabilitated child care and development facilities; (2) loans to such facilities for fire safety equipment; and (2) mortgages executed in connection with the purchase or refinancing of existing child care facilities. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on the availability of secondary markets for such mortgages. Authorizes HUD grants to eligible nonprofit organizations for technical and financial assistance to assist eligible child care providers in acquiring or improving facilities or equipment.

emergency gulf coast child care construction rebuilding act amends housing_and_community_development_act authorize use community development block grants construct renovate child care facilities located major disaster area resulting hurricane katrina rita amends national housing act authorize secretary housing_and_urban_development hud insure mortgages new substantially rehabilitated child care development facilities loans facilities fire safety equipment mortgages executed connection purchase refinancing existing child care facilities directs secretary treasury study report congress availability secondary markets mortgages authorizes hud grants eligible nonprofit organizations technical financial assistance assist eligible child care providers acquiring improving facilities equipment


Summary: Anthony DeJuan Boatwright Act - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to require a state to include, as part of its regulatory process for issuance and renewal of licenses to providers of child care services, a recommendation to each provider that it carry current liability insurance covering the operation of its child care business.Requires state plans for the use of child care and development block grant funds to certify that there are in effect state or local health and safety requirements that each child care provider: (1) post publicly and conspicuously in the service area of its premises a notice specifying whether it carries current liability insurance covering the operation of its child care business; and (2) give written notice to parents about whether it carries such insurance, obtain the signature of at least one parent per child acknowledging receipt of such notice, and maintain records of such signed notice while a child receives services.

act amends child care development block grant act require state include regulatory process issuance renewal licenses providers child care services recommendation provider carry current liability insurance covering operation child care business requires state plans use child care development block grant funds certify effect state local health safety requirements child care provider post publicly conspicuously service area premises notice specifying carries current liability insurance covering operation child care business written notice parents carries insurance obtain signature parent child acknowledging receipt notice maintain records signed notice child receives services


Summary: Family Care Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rate of the tax credit for expenses for household and dependent care services; and (2) allow an inflation adjustment after 2007 to the adjusted gross income limitation applicable to such credit. Makes such increased tax credit permanent.

family care act amends internal revenue code increase rate tax credit expenses household dependent care services allow inflation adjustment adjusted gross income limitation applicable credit makes increased tax credit permanent


Summary: Child Care Construction and Renovation Act of 2007 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize the use of community development block grants to construct and renovate child care facilities.Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure mortgages for: (1) new or rehabilitated child care and development facilities, including for fire safety equipment loans; and (2) acquiring or refinancing debt of existing child care facilities.Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study the availability of secondary markets for mortgages on child care facilities.Authorizes HUD grants to eligible nonprofit organizations for technical and financial assistance to assist eligible child care providers in acquiring or improving facilities or equipment.Applies the provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act to actions taken under this Act.

child care construction amends housing_and_community_development_act authorize use community development block grants construct renovate child care facilities amends national housing act authorize secretary housing_and_urban_development hud insure mortgages new rehabilitated child care development facilities including fire safety equipment loans acquiring refinancing debt existing child care facilities directs secretary treasury study availability secondary markets mortgages child care facilities authorizes hud grants eligible nonprofit organizations technical financial assistance assist eligible child care providers acquiring improving facilities equipment applies provisions davis bacon act actions taken act


Summary: Tax Relief for Working Caregivers Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from $15,000 to $75,000 the taxpayer adjusted gross income amount at which the tax credit for household and dependent care expenses is phased down; and (2) allow such credit for a physically or mentally incapacitated parent (or an ancestor of such parent) of the taxpayer who is a dependent of such taxpayer.

tax relief working caregivers act amends internal revenue code increase taxpayer adjusted gross income tax credit household dependent care expenses phased allow credit physically mentally incapacitated parent parent taxpayer dependent taxpayer


Summary: Right Start Child Care and Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rates and maximum allowable amount of the tax credit for employer-provided child care; (2) increase the dollar limit on the child care tax credit; and (3) allow a $2,000 tax credit for child care providers who hold a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child care, or a related degree and who provide at least 1,200 hours of child care services in a taxable year.

right start child care education act amends internal revenue code increase rates maximum allowable tax credit employer provided child care increase dollar limit child care tax credit allow tax credit child care providers hold bachelor degree early childhood education child care related degree provide hours child care services taxable year


Summary: Family and Workplace Balancing Act of 2007, or Balancing Act of 2007 - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make five-year grants to a state or local government to pay for the federal share of projects that assist families by providing wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to family caregiving needs, especially those related to the birth or adoption of a child. Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) and federal civil service law to allow employees covered by FMLA and civil servants to take specified additional leave for: (1) parental involvement in their children's or grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities; and (2) routine family medical care needs. Amends FMLA to revise criteria for covered employees. Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to authorize additional funds for expanding child care activities for young children under age three. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Secretary of Education, to make grants to enable states, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to establish or expand quality programs of early childhood home visitation. Establishes: (1) the Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program; and (2) the Child Care Provider Scholarship Program. Healthy Early Education Workforce Grant Program Act - Authorizes the HHS Secretary to allot funds to eligible states, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to pay the federal share of providing access to affordable health benefits coverage for: (1) eligible child care providers; and (2) at state option, the spouses, domestic partners, and dependents of such providers. Child Care Construction and Renovation Incentive Grants Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide for use of community development block grants to establish child care facilities. Amends the National Housing Act to provide for related mortgage insurance. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make technical and financial assistance grants for acquiring or improving such facilities or related equipment. Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish a business child care incentive grant program. Universal Prekindergarten Act - Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to state agencies to develop full-day, full-year universal prekindergarten programs for all children three, four, and five years old. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a universal free school breakfast program without regard to family incomes. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program of healthy school nutrition environment incentive grants. Afterschool Education Enhancement Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require state educational agencies to give priority to 21st century community learning centers program grant applications submitted jointly by eligible entities consisting of at least: (1) one local educational agency receiving funds under ESEA provisions for disadvantaged students; and (2) at least one community-based organization or other public or private entity. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for treatment of employees working at less than full-time under participation, vesting, and accrual rules governing pension plans and under group health plans, including certain individuals whose services are leased or contracted for. United States Business Telework Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to conduct a pilot program in up to five states to raise awareness about telework among employers and to encourage them to offer telework options to employees.

family workplace balancing act balancing act family income respond significant transitions act directs secretary labor year grants state local government pay federal share projects assist families providing wage replacement eligible individuals responding family caregiving needs especially related birth adoption child family medical leave enhancement act amends family medical leave act fmla federal civil service law allow employees covered fmla civil servants specified additional leave parental involvement children grandchildren educational extracurricular activities routine family medical care needs amends fmla revise criteria covered employees amends child_care_and_development_block grant act authorize additional funds expanding child care activities young children age directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs collaboration secretary education grants enable states indian tribes tribal organizations establish expand quality programs early childhood home visitation establishes child care provider development retention grant program child care provider scholarship program healthy early education workforce grant program act authorizes hhs secretary allot funds eligible states indian tribes tribal organizations pay federal share providing access affordable health benefits coverage eligible child care providers state option spouses domestic partners dependents providers child care construction renovation incentive grants act amends housing_and_community_development_act provide use community development block grants establish child care facilities amends national housing act provide related mortgage insurance authorizes secretary housing_and_urban_development technical financial assistance grants acquiring improving facilities related equipment directs secretary hhs establish business child care incentive grant program universal prekindergarten act directs hhs secretary grants state agencies develop day year universal prekindergarten programs children years old amends child nutrition act direct secretary agriculture carry universal free school breakfast program regard family incomes amends national school lunch act direct secretary agriculture establish program healthy school nutrition environment incentive grants esea require state educational agencies priority 21st century community learning centers program grant applications submitted jointly eligible entities consisting local educational agency receiving funds esea provisions disadvantaged students community based organization public private entity amends employee retirement income security act erisa provide treatment employees working time participation vesting accrual rules governing pension plans group health plans including certain individuals services leased contracted telework act directs secretary labor conduct pilot program states raise awareness telework employers encourage offer telework options employees


Summary: Child Care Public-Private Partnership Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a business-incentive grant program to provide child care through public-private partnerships. Provides program grants to cover up to one-third of the costs for: (1) businesses or consortia to start up, or provide additional, employee child care services; and (2) nonprofit business organizations to provide technical information and assistance to enable businesses to provide such services. Requires such services to: (1) be provided equitably and affordably to low- and moderate-income employees; and (2) comply with state and local licensing requirements. Gives priority in grant selection to businesses with fewer than 100 full-time employees.

child care public private partnership act directs secretary health_and_human_services establish business incentive grant program provide child care public private partnerships provides program grants cover costs businesses consortia start provide additional employee child care services nonprofit business organizations provide technical information assistance enable businesses provide services requires services provided equitably low- moderate income employees comply state local licensing requirements gives priority grant selection businesses fewer time employees


Summary: Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 with respect to hours-of-service requirement airline flight crews must meet to be eligible for leave under such Act. Declares that a flight attendant or flight crewmember will be considered to meet such requirement if he or she has worked or been paid for: (1) 60% of the applicable monthly guarantee, or the equivalent annualized over the preceding 12-month period; and (2) a minimum of 504 hours during such period. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to provide, by regulation, a method for calculating such leave for airline flight crews.

respect hours service requirement airline flight crews meet eligible leave act declares flight attendant flight crewmember considered meet requirement worked paid applicable monthly guarantee equivalent annualized preceding month period minimum hours period authorizes secretary labor provide regulation method calculating leave airline flight crews


Summary: Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to provide for employee leave to care for a same-sex spouse as determined under applicable state law, domestic partner, parent-in-law, adult child, sibling, or grandparent (as well as for a spouse, child, or parent), if such person has a serious health condition. Amends federal civil service law to apply the same leave allowance to federal employees.

family medical leave inclusion act amends family medical leave act provide employee leave care sex spouse determined applicable state law domestic partner parent law adult child sibling grandparent spouse child parent person health condition amends federal civil service law apply leave allowance federal employees


Summary: Living Organ Donor Job Security Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to entitle employees covered by FMLA to leave to provide a living organ donation, including for time spent for: (1) tests to determine medical suitability of the employee for donation; (2) physical, psychological, and social evaluations of the donor; (3) pretransplant outpatient services; (4) postoperative inpatient and outpatient transplantation services; (5) travel in connection with such tests, evaluations, and services; and (6) recuperation.

living organ donor job security act amends family medical leave act fmla entitle employees covered fmla leave provide living organ donation including time spent tests determine medical suitability employee donation physical psychological social evaluations donor outpatient services inpatient outpatient transplantation services travel connection tests evaluations services recuperation


Summary: Military Family and Medical Leave Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to entitle an eligible employee to up to 26 workweeks of leave during a 12-month period to care for a covered service member who is the employee's spouse, son, daughter, or parent. Defines covered service member as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, or is otherwise in medical hold or medical holdover status, for a serious injury or illness. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the availability of such leave during any other 12-month period. Provides for the substitution of accrued paid vacation, personal, or family leave for any part of the 26-week period. Limits a husband and wife both working for the same employer to such 26 weeks altogether during a single 12-month period.

military family medical leave act amends family medical leave act entitle eligible employee workweeks leave month period care covered service member employee spouse son daughter parent defines covered service member member including member national_guard_or_a_reserve undergoing medical treatment recuperation therapy medical hold medical holdover status injury illness declares act shall construed limit availability leave month period provides substitution accrued paid vacation personal family leave week period limits husband wife working employer weeks altogether single month period


Summary: Quality Child Care for America Act - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for child care workforce development initiatives. Provides for funds to state and local governments and Indian tribes to carry out one or more specified child care workforce development initiatives. Requires a state plan to specify the activities that it will provide through any particular workforce development initiative.

quality child care america act amends child care development block grant act authorize appropriations child care workforce development initiatives provides funds state local governments indian tribes carry specified child care workforce development initiatives requires state plan specify activities provide particular workforce development initiative


Summary: Family Leave Insurance Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a Family and Medical Insurance Program, mandatory for certain covered employers. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) contract for a state to provide specified leave benefits in that state through the Program, including expansion of a pre-existing state program; or (2) at a governor's request enter an interagency agreement with the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to establish and provide Program benefits directly through a state Family and Medical Insurance Program. Entitles eligible employees to Program benefits that include specified percentages of their daily earnings for 12 workweeks of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 during any 12-month period. Authorizes any employer, with the Secretary's approval, to establish a voluntary plan meeting specified criteria. Specifies prohibited acts by an employer, and penalties for violations. Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a Civil Service Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program with the same Program benefits for certain federal agency employees. Establishes the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund in the Treasury. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a family and medical leave premium on every individual and every employer to finance a Family and Medical Leave Trust Fund in the Treasury for Program benefits. Exempts from such premium: (1) employers or self-employers with voluntary plans approved by the Secretary as equivalent or better than the Program; and (2) small employers who have elected not to participate in it.

directs secretary labor establish mandatory certain covered employers authorizes secretary contract state provide specified leave benefits state program including expansion pre existing state program governor request enter interagency agreement commissioner social_security_administration establish provide program benefits directly state entitles eligible employees program benefits include specified percentages daily earnings workweeks leave family medical leave act month period authorizes employer secretary approval establish voluntary plan meeting specified criteria specifies prohibited acts employer penalties violations requires director establish program benefits certain federal agency employees establishes family medical leave insurance fund treasury amends internal revenue code impose family medical leave premium individual employer finance treasury program benefits exempts premium employers self employers voluntary plans approved secretary equivalent better program small employers elected participate


Summary: Caregiver Financial Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow caregivers of family members with long-term care needs a refundable tax credit of $3,000 for up to two such family members each year through 2010; (2) allow in 2009 and 2010 the tax credit for dependent care expenses for parents (or ancestors of such parents) who do not reside with the taxpayer; and (3) allow in 2009 and 2010 an increased exclusion from gross income for employer-provided dependent care assistance.

caregiver financial relief act amends internal revenue code allow caregivers family members long term care needs refundable tax credit family members year allow tax credit dependent care expenses parents ancestors parents reside taxpayer allow increased exclusion gross income employer provided dependent care assistance


Summary: Starting Early Starting Right Act - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to establish, within the Administration for Children and Families, an Office of Child Care to serve as the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on issues regarding state-funded child care programs. Requires the state plan under the Act to certify that the state has in effect: (1) licensing requirements applicable to child care providers within the state that include one annual announced and one annual unannounced visit to each site at which the provider provides child care services; and (2) licensing or registration requirements pertaining to training. Requires the state plan to: (1) demonstrate the manner in which the state will meet the specific child care needs of low-income and working families and how the state is implementing practices and procedures to help ensure that children receive continuous care from the same provider; (2) provide information demonstrating that the state is ensuring that payment rates for the provision of child care services for which assistance is provided are equal to or exceed the 75th percentile of the current market rate for all types of child care; and (3) describe efforts to address the need for child care for special populations. Increases from 4% to 15% the maximum amount of child care and development block grant funds that a state may use for specified activities designed to improve the quality of child care. Provides for minimum funding set-asides for: (1) extension of full-day care; and (2) high-quality care for infants and toddlers. Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide for increased appropriations for child care assistance grants under the TANF program for FY2009-FY2014.

starting early starting right act amends child care development block grant act establish serve principal advisor assistant secretary issues state funded child care programs requires state plan act certify state effect licensing requirements applicable child care providers state include annual announced annual unannounced visit site provider provides child care services licensing registration requirements pertaining training requires state plan demonstrate manner state meet specific child care needs low income working families state implementing practices procedures help ensure children receive continuous care provider provide information demonstrating state ensuring payment rates provision child care services assistance provided equal exceed 75th percentile current market rate types child care describe efforts address need child care special populations increases maximum child care development block grant funds state use specified activities designed improve quality child care provides minimum funding set asides extension day care high quality care infants toddlers amends temporary assistance needy families tanf title social security act provide increased appropriations child care assistance grants tanf program fy2009 fy2014


Summary: Improving Dependent Care Tax Assistance Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase to $7,500 the employee tax exclusion for employer-provided dependent care assistance.

amends internal revenue code increase employee tax exclusion employer provided dependent care assistance


Summary: Elder Care Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the tax credit for dependent care expenses for parents (or ancestors of such parents) of the taxpayer who are physically or mentally incapable of self-care, regardless of whether such a parent has the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of the taxable year.

elder care tax credit act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit dependent care expenses parents ancestors parents taxpayer physically mentally incapable self care regardless parent principal place abode taxpayer half taxable year