Summary:
Airport Security Enhancement and Oversight Act

(Sec. 4) This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assess the level of risk posed to the domestic air transportation system by individuals with unescorted access to a secure area of an airport.

(Sec. 5) The TSA shall update DHS rules on access controls, considering specified matters.

The TSA may encourage the issuance by airport and aircraft operators in a timely manner of free one-time, 24-hour temporary credentials for workers who have reported their credentials missing, but not permanently lost, stolen, or destroyed, until replacement of credentials is necessary.

(Sec. 6) The TSA shall issue guidance to airport operators for placing an expiration date on each airport credential issued to a non-U.S. citizen, which shall not exceed the period of time he or she is lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

The TSA shall:

 also issue guidance for transportation security inspectors to review annually the procedures of airport operators and air carriers for applicants seeking unescorted access to any Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) of an airport; and make available to airport operators and air carriers information on identifying suspicious or fraudulent identification materials. This guidance shall require a comprehensive review of background checks and employment authorization documents issued by the DHS Citizenship and Immigration Services during the review of procedures.

(Sec. 7) The TSA shall:

 revise certain regulations to enhance the eligibility requirements and disqualifying criminal offenses for individuals seeking or having unescorted access to an airport's SIDA; and propose disqualification if the individual was convicted, or found not guilty by reason of insanity, of a disqualifying criminal offense within 15 years before the date of an individual's application, or if the individual was incarcerated for that crime and released within 5 years before that date. The TSA shall ensure existence or development of a waiver process for approving the issuance of credentials for unescorted access to a SIDA for an individual found to be otherwise ineligible for such credentials, but about whom circumstances permit the conclusion the individual poses no terrorism risk or any other risk to aviation security warranting denial of the credential.

Both the TSA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shall implement fully the FBI's Rap Back service for recurrent criminal history vetting of eligible TSA-regulated populations of individuals with unescorted access to an airport SIDA. (The FBI Rap Back Service notifies authorized agencies of criminal, and, in limited cases, civil activity of individuals that occurs after the initial processing and retention of criminal or civil transactions.)

 The TSA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence shall ensure that the TSA may receive automated, real-time access to additional Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment (TIDE) data and any other terrorism related category codes to improve the TSA credential vetting program.

DHS shall authorize direct access for each airport operator to the E-Verify program and the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) automated system to determine the eligibility of individuals seeking unescorted access to an airport SIDA.

(Sec. 8) The TSA shall develop performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of security for airport SIDAs.

(Sec. 9) The TSA shall also:

 develop a model and best practices for unescorted access security meeting specified criteria, expand the use of TSA officers and inspectors to conduct physical inspections of airport workers in each airport SIDA and at each SIDA access point, and review airports that have implemented additional airport worker screening or perimeter security. The TSA may conduct a pilot program to test and validate best practices for comprehensive airport worker screening or perimeter security.

(Sec. 10) The TSA shall:

 increase the use of red-team, covert testing of access controls to any secure airport areas; and review for continued relevancy and appropriate updating, consolidation, or revocation of every current security directive addressed to any regulated entity. (Sec. 11) The Government Accountability Office shall assess TSA progress in implementing the requirements of this bill and their effect on aviation security.

(Sec. 12) A member of the Aviation Stakeholder Advisory Committee may continue to serve beyond the expiration of his or her term until the TSA appoints a successor.

airport security enhancement oversight act sec bill directs transportation_security_administration tsa department_of_homeland_security dhs assess level risk posed domestic air transportation system individuals unescorted access secure area airport sec tsa shall update dhs rules access controls considering specified matters tsa encourage issuance airport aircraft operators timely manner free time hour temporary credentials workers reported credentials missing permanently lost stolen destroyed replacement credentials necessary sec tsa shall issue guidance airport operators placing expiration date airport credential issued citizen shall exceed period time lawfully authorized work united_states tsa shall issue guidance transportation security inspectors review annually procedures airport operators air carriers applicants seeking unescorted access airport available airport operators air carriers information identifying suspicious fraudulent identification materials guidance shall require comprehensive review background checks employment authorization documents issued review procedures sec tsa shall revise certain regulations enhance eligibility requirements disqualifying criminal offenses individuals seeking having unescorted access airport propose disqualification individual convicted found guilty reason disqualifying criminal offense years date individual application individual incarcerated crime released years date tsa shall ensure existence development waiver process approving issuance credentials unescorted access individual found ineligible credentials circumstances permit conclusion individual poses terrorism risk risk aviation security denial credential tsa federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi shall implement fully fbi service recurrent criminal history vetting eligible tsa regulated populations individuals unescorted access airport fbi service notifies authorized agencies criminal limited cases civil activity individuals occurs initial processing retention criminal civil transactions tsa office_of_the_director national_intelligence shall ensure tsa receive automated real time access additional terrorist identities environment tide data terrorism related category codes improve tsa credential vetting program dhs shall authorize direct access airport operator verify program save automated system determine eligibility individuals seeking unescorted access airport sec tsa shall develop performance metrics measure effectiveness security airport sec tsa shall develop model best practices unescorted access security meeting specified criteria expand use tsa officers inspectors conduct physical inspections airport workers airport access point review airports implemented additional airport worker screening perimeter security tsa conduct pilot program test validate best practices comprehensive airport worker screening perimeter security sec tsa shall increase use red team covert testing access controls secure airport areas review continued appropriate updating consolidation revocation current security directive addressed regulated entity sec government_accountability_office shall assess tsa progress implementing requirements bill effect aviation security sec member continue serve expiration term tsa appoints successor


Summary:
This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), at least 90 days before applying a categorical exclusion to a new navigation procedure at an Operational Evolution Partnership (OEP) airport (a commercial U.S. airport with significant activity), to: (1) notify and consult with the operator of the airport, and (2) consider consultations or other engagement with the community in which the airport is located to inform the public of the procedure.

The FAA shall review a decision that it made on or after February 14, 2012, and before this Act's enactment to grant a categorical exclusion with respect to a procedure to be implemented at an OEP airport that was a material change from procedures previously in effect to determine if implementation of the procedure had a significant effect on the human environment in the community in which the airport is located, if the operator of that airport requests such a review and demonstrates that there is good cause to believe that the implementation had such effect. If, in conducting such a review, the FAA determines that implementing the procedure had such a significant effect, it shall: (1) consult with the operator of the airport to identify measures to mitigate the effect, and (2) consider the use of alternative flight paths.

bill amends faa_modernization reform act require federal_aviation_administration faa days applying categorical exclusion new navigation procedure oep airport commercial airport significant activity notify consult operator airport consider consultations engagement community airport located inform public procedure faa shall review decision february act enactment grant categorical exclusion respect procedure implemented oep airport material change procedures previously effect determine implementation procedure significant effect human environment community airport located operator airport requests review demonstrates good cause believe implementation effect conducting review faa determines implementing procedure significant effect shall consult operator airport identify measures mitigate effect consider use alternative flight paths


Summary: This bill permits the Department of Transportation to authorize the use of a passenger facility charge to finance an eligible airport-related project if: (1) the eligible agency seeking to impose the new charge controls an airport where a $2 passenger facility charge became effective on January 1, 2013; and (2) such airport and the airport at which the project will be carried out were under the control of the same eligible agency on October 1, 2015. Not more than $120 million in passenger facility charges so collected may be used to carry out such a project.

bill permits department_of_transportation authorize use passenger facility charge finance eligible airport related project eligible agency seeking impose new charge controls airport passenger facility charge effective january airport airport project carried control eligible agency october million passenger facility charges collected carry project


Summary:
Small Aircraft Tax Modification Act of 2015 [sic]

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand eligibility for the exemption from the excise tax on the transportation of persons and property by air by: (1) increasing the limit on the maximum certified takeoff weight of eligible aircraft not operated on an established line from 6,000 pounds or less to 12,500 pounds or less; and (2) providing that an aircraft shall not be considered as operated on an established line if it is performing an on-demand operation, as defined by regulation.

sic bill amends internal_revenue_code expand eligibility exemption excise tax transportation persons property air increasing limit maximum certified takeoff weight eligible aircraft operated established line pounds pounds providing aircraft shall considered operated established line performing demand operation defined regulation


Summary:
Small Aircraft Tax Modification Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand eligibility for the exemption from the excise tax on the transportation of persons and property by air by: (1) increasing the limit on the maximum certified takeoff weight of eligible aircraft not operated on an established line from 6,000 pounds or less to 12,500 pounds or less; and (2) providing that an aircraft shall not be considered as operated on an established line if it is performing an on-demand operation, as defined by regulation.

bill amends internal_revenue_code expand eligibility exemption excise tax transportation persons property air increasing limit maximum certified takeoff weight eligible aircraft operated established line pounds pounds providing aircraft shall considered operated established line performing demand operation defined regulation


Summary:
Airplane Kids In Transit Safety Act of 2016 or the Airplane KITS Act of 2016

This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to require aircraft medical kits to include medications and equipment to meet the emergency medical needs of children, such as an epinephrine auto-injector.

airplane kids transit safety act airplane kits act bill directs federal_aviation_administration issue notice proposed rulemaking require aircraft medical kits include medications equipment meet emergency medical needs children epinephrine auto


Summary:
Real Transparency in Airfares Act of 2016

 This bill sets at $55,000, or $2,500 for an individual or small business, the maximum civil penalty assessed on a person for an unfair or deceptive practice relating to unfair methods of competition in air transportation, the sale of air transportation, or specified regulations relating to price advertising and opt-out requirements.

real transparency act bill sets individual small business maximum civil penalty assessed person unfair deceptive practice relating unfair methods competition air transportation sale air transportation specified regulations relating price advertising opt requirements


Summary:
Treating Small Airports with Fairness Act of 2016

This bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to conduct, and provide all necessary staff and equipment for, security screening at any airport that lost commercial air service on or after January 1, 2013, if the airport operator submits: (1) a request for the TSA to conduct such screening, and (2) written confirmation of a commitment from a commercial air carrier that it desires to resume service at the airport within one year.

The TSA shall ensure that the process of implementing security screening at such an airport is complete by the later of: (1) 90 days after the operator of the airport submits a request, or (2) the date on which the carrier intends to resume service.

treating small airports fairness act bill requires transportation_security_administration tsa conduct provide necessary staff equipment security screening airport lost commercial air service january airport operator submits request tsa conduct screening written confirmation commitment commercial air carrier desires resume service airport year tsa shall ensure process implementing security screening airport complete later days operator airport submits request date carrier intends resume service


Summary:
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Mission Protection Act of 2016

This bill bars the Department of Transportation from disapproving an airport development project grant application just because the airport enters into or renews a lease for the use, at a nominal rate, of airport property by a regular or reserve component of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard, without regard to whether that component operates aircraft at the airport.

remotely piloted aircraft mission protection act bill bars department_of_transportation disapproving airport development project grant application airport enters renews lease use nominal rate airport property regular reserve component armed_forces including national_guard regard component operates aircraft airport


Summary:
Airspace Management Advisory Committee Act of 2016

This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish an advisory committee to review and comment on any proposed change in FAA regulations, policies, or guidance relating to airspace that affects airport operations, airport capacity, the environment, or communities in the vicinity of airports before any such proposal is made available for public comment and before it is implemented.

The advisory committee shall review FAA:

 practices and procedures for developing such proposals, assessing the consultation, or lack of it, among affected FAA elements and between the FAA and affected entities; and management of database systems used to evaluate data relating to obstructions to air navigation or navigational facilities.

act bill amends faa_modernization reform act direct federal_aviation_administration faa establish advisory committee review comment proposed change faa regulations policies guidance relating airspace affects airport operations airport capacity environment communities vicinity airports proposal available public comment implemented advisory committee shall review faa practices procedures developing proposals assessing consultation lack affected faa elements faa affected entities management database systems evaluate data relating obstructions air navigation navigational facilities


Summary:
Higher Education Unmanned Aircraft Systems Modernization Act

This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to authorize an institution of higher education to operate an unmanned aircraft system within the United States without the specific approval of, and without registering the system with, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if:

 the institution has adopted a policy to ensure safe operation of such systems, which shall include the designation of a point of contact at the institution for review and approval of such operation and the requirement that such operation be conducted under the supervision of an operator in command; the point of contact has confirmed that the proposed operation is for educational or research purposes, is in accordance with applicable policies of the institution regarding safety, training or supervision requirements, privacy, and prior notice and permission, and will occur under the supervision of an operator in command; the system is operated not higher than 400 feet above ground level and in a manner that will not create a hazard to persons or property, is marked with the identification and contact information of the owner, does not survey, create a nuisance on, or overfly private property without the permission of the property owner, gives right of way to, and avoids flying in the proximity of, full-scale aircraft, and is operated at a site that is of sufficient distance from populated areas to protect the safety of persons and property; and the institution notifies and obtains permission, at least annually, from air traffic control or the airport manager (for small facilities) when the system will be operated within five statute miles of an airport around which the airspace is designated as class B or class C airspace, within two statute miles of any other airport or heliport, or within airspace designated as restricted or prohibited. If an unmanned aircraft system operated by an institution of higher education is involved in any incident resulting in personal injury or property damage (other than to the system, to property of the institution, or to individuals directly involved in the system's operation), the point of contact shall report the incident to the FAA within 10 days.

bill amends faa_modernization reform act authorize institution higher education operate unmanned aircraft system united_states specific approval registering system federal_aviation_administration faa institution adopted policy ensure safe operation systems shall include designation point contact institution review approval operation requirement operation conducted supervision operator command point contact confirmed proposed operation educational research purposes accordance applicable policies institution safety training supervision requirements privacy prior notice permission occur supervision operator command system operated higher feet ground level manner create hazard persons property marked identification contact information owner survey create nuisance private property permission property owner gives right way avoids flying proximity scale aircraft operated site sufficient distance populated areas protect safety persons property institution notifies obtains permission annually air traffic control airport manager small facilities system operated statute miles airport airspace designated class class airspace statute miles airport airspace designated restricted prohibited unmanned aircraft system operated institution higher education involved incident resulting personal injury property damage system property institution individuals directly involved system operation point contact shall report incident faa days


Summary:
Stop Trafficking on Planes (STOP) Act of 2016

This bill requires each air carrier providing passenger air transportation to train flight attendants and pilots who are employees or contractors of the carrier to combat human trafficking in the course of carrying out their duties. Such training shall cover: (1) common indicators of human trafficking, and (2) best practices for reporting suspected human trafficking to law enforcement officers.

An air carrier may provide such training using modules and materials developed by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the training modules and associated materials of the Blue Lightning Initiative of the DHS U.S. Customs and Border Protection and subsequent modules and materials developed and recommended by such Departments with respect to combating human trafficking.

The Federal Aviation Administration shall report recommendations for improving the identification and reporting of human trafficking by air carrier personnel while protecting the civil liberties of passengers.

The bill grants immunity to an air carrier for reporting any suspicious transaction relevant to a possible violation of law or regulation relating to human trafficking.

stop trafficking stop act bill requires air carrier providing passenger air transportation train flight attendants pilots employees contractors carrier combat human trafficking course carrying duties training shall cover common indicators human trafficking best practices reporting suspected human trafficking law enforcement officers air carrier provide training modules materials developed department_of_transportation department_of_homeland_security dhs including training modules associated materials subsequent modules materials developed recommended departments respect combating human trafficking federal_aviation_administration shall report recommendations improving identification reporting human trafficking air carrier personnel protecting civil liberties passengers bill grants immunity air carrier reporting suspicious transaction relevant possible violation law regulation relating human trafficking


Summary:
Forbid Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous Fees Act of 2016 or the FAIR Fees Act

This bill directs the Department of Transportation to prescribe regulations: (1) prohibiting an air carrier from imposing any specified fees relating to a flight in interstate air transportation that are unreasonable or disproportional to the costs it incurs, and (2) establishing standards for assessing whether such fees are reasonable and proportional to those costs.

fair fees act bill directs department_of_transportation prescribe regulations prohibiting air carrier imposing specified fees relating flight interstate air transportation unreasonable costs incurs establishing standards assessing fees reasonable proportional costs


Summary:
Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2016

This bill reauthorizes through FY2017 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations and specified FAA programs.

The bill revises requirements for the airport improvement program and pilot program for passenger facility charges at nonhub airports.

The Government Accountability Office shall review privacy issues and concerns associated with the operation of unmanned aircraft (drones) in the national airspace system.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology and the FAA shall initiate a process to develop risk-based, consensus industry airworthiness standards for the safe integration of drones into the system.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) shall issue guidance for the operation of public drones.

The FAA shall carry out a pilot program for airspace hazard mitigation at airports and other critical infrastructure.

DOT shall issue a final rule authorizing the carriage of property by small drones for compensation or hire.

The FAA shall establish a Collegiate Training Initiative program for drones.

The bill requires the FAA to have a Senior Advisor for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration.

DOT shall establish a Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee.

 The FAA shall issue a final rule reorganizing the certification, and streamlining the approval of safety advancements, of small airplanes.

The FAA shall establish:

 the FAA Task Force on Flight Standards Reform, and a Regulatory Consistency Communications Board. The FAA shall review and revise its safety workforce training strategy.

DOT shall take appropriate actions to promote U.S. aerospace standards, products, and services abroad.

The FAA shall:

 take specified actions to improve airline passenger safety, update automated weather observing systems, and appoint a Designated Agency Safety and Health Officer. Pilot's Bill of Rights 2

The bill directs the FAA to issue or revise medical certification regulations to ensure that an individual may operate as a pilot of certain small aircraft if the flight and the individual meet certain criteria.

The FAA may not take enforcement action against a pilot for not holding a valid third-class medical certificate unless the FAA has published final medical certification regulations in the Federal Register.

The bill amends the Pilot's Bill of Rights to authorize an individual adversely affected by an FAA decision to deny, suspend or revoke an airman certificate to file an appeal in the U.S. district court for a de novo hearing.

The bill establishes passenger air service improvements and consumer protections.

 The bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to extend through FY2017 DOT's Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection.

DOT may issue regulations to prohibit certain cell phone voice communications during the flight of an aircraft.

The bill reauthorizes through FY2017 the essential air service program and the small community air service development program.

The FAA shall conduct a return on investment assessment on each Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) program.

The bill prescribes requirements regarding:

 treatment of essential FAA employees during a furlough, and maximum age limits for hiring of air traffic controllers. The bill applies federal civil service requirements to leave used by disabled armed forces veterans in the FAA personnel management system.

The bill revises requirements for overflights of National Parks.

The FAA shall continue operation of the Advanced Materials Center of Excellence.

bill reauthorizes faa operations specified faa programs bill revises requirements airport improvement program pilot program passenger facility charges nonhub airports government_accountability_office shall review privacy issues concerns associated operation unmanned aircraft drones national airspace system national_institute_of_standards_and_technology faa shall initiate process develop risk based consensus industry airworthiness standards safe integration drones system department_of_transportation dot shall issue guidance operation public drones faa shall carry pilot program airspace hazard mitigation airports critical infrastructure dot shall issue final rule authorizing carriage property small drones compensation hire faa shall establish collegiate training initiative program drones bill requires faa dot shall establish safety oversight certification advisory committee faa shall issue final rule reorganizing certification streamlining approval safety advancements small airplanes faa shall establish faa_task_force flight standards reform regulatory consistency communications board faa shall review revise safety workforce training strategy dot shall appropriate actions promote aerospace standards products services abroad faa shall specified actions improve airline passenger safety update automated weather observing systems appoint designated agency safety health officer pilot bill rights bill directs faa issue revise medical certification regulations ensure individual operate pilot certain small aircraft flight individual meet certain criteria faa enforcement action pilot holding valid class medical certificate faa published final medical certification regulations federal_register bill amends pilot bill rights authorize individual adversely affected faa decision deny suspend revoke airman certificate file appeal district court novo hearing bill establishes passenger air service improvements consumer protections bill amends faa_modernization reform act extend fy2017 dot dot issue regulations prohibit certain cell phone voice communications flight aircraft bill reauthorizes fy2017 essential air service program small community air service development program faa shall conduct return investment assessment generation_air_transportation_system nextgen program bill prescribes requirements treatment essential faa employees furlough maximum age limits hiring air traffic controllers bill applies federal civil service requirements leave disabled armed forces veterans faa personnel management system bill revises requirements overflights faa shall continue operation


Summary:
Micro Drone Safety and Innovation Act of 2016

This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to make a special rule for any micro unmanned aircraft system whose aircraft component, including payload, weighs at most 4.4 pounds (micro drone).

A micro drone and its operator shall qualify for exemptions from certain airman certification, airworthiness, and operational regulations if the system is operated:

 at an altitude under 400 feet above ground level, at an airspeed under 40 knots, within the operator's visual line of sight, between sunrise and sunset, and at least five statute miles from the geographic center of an airport that either has an operational air traffic control tower or is denoted on a current aeronautical chart published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A micro drone may also be operated within five statute miles of such an airport if, beforehand, the operator notifies the airport operator and receives approval from the air traffic control tower, if the airport has one.

Under the exemptions of this bill, any person may operate a micro drone without being required to:

 pass any aeronautical knowledge test, meet any age or experience requirement, or obtain an airman certificate or medical certificate. In an alternative to the requirements of this bill, a micro drone may be operated pursuant to any form of FAA-prescribed authorization, operational rules, or exemptions pertaining to unmanned aircraft systems; but both the aircraft and its operator shall remain exempt from any requirement for an airman certificate or medical certificate.

innovation act bill amends faa_modernization reform act special rule micro unmanned aircraft system aircraft component including pounds micro drone micro drone operator shall qualify exemptions certain airman certification airworthiness operational regulations system operated altitude feet ground level operator visual line sight sunrise sunset statute miles geographic center airport operational air traffic control tower current aeronautical published federal_aviation_administration faa micro drone operated statute miles airport operator notifies airport operator receives approval air traffic control tower airport exemptions bill person operate micro drone required pass aeronautical knowledge test meet age experience requirement obtain airman certificate medical certificate alternative requirements bill micro drone operated pursuant form faa prescribed authorization operational rules exemptions pertaining unmanned aircraft systems aircraft operator shall remain exempt requirement airman certificate medical certificate


Summary:
UAVs for Energy Infrastructure Act

This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to direct the Department of Transportation to establish a process by which a covered person may operate an unmanned aircraft system to conduct the following activities beyond the visual line of sight of the individual operating the system without any restriction on the time of the operation:

 activities for which compliance with current law can be accomplished by the use of manned aircraft, including activities to ensure compliance with federal or state regulatory, permit, or other requirements (including surveys for permits for construction or maintenance of pipelines) and activities relating to ensuring compliance with federal requirements for the transportation of natural gas, other gas, or hazardous substances by pipeline; activities to inspect, repair, or respond to critical infrastructure, including to respond to a pipeline incident, natural or man-made disaster, severe weather event, or other incident beyond the control of such person that may cause material damage to such infrastructure; and other activities if the covered person notifies the local Flight Standards District Office before the operation of the unmanned aircraft system. A "covered person" is a person who owns or operates a pipeline or other critical infrastructure, is an agent of such person, or is the sponsor of a pipeline project.

energy infrastructure act bill amends faa_modernization reform act direct department_of_transportation establish process covered person operate unmanned aircraft system conduct following activities visual line sight individual operating system restriction time operation activities compliance current law accomplished use manned aircraft including activities ensure compliance federal state regulatory permit requirements including surveys permits construction maintenance pipelines activities relating ensuring compliance federal requirements transportation natural gas gas hazardous substances pipeline activities inspect repair respond critical infrastructure including respond pipeline incident natural man disaster severe weather event incident control person cause material damage infrastructure activities covered person notifies local flight standards district office operation unmanned aircraft system covered person person owns operates pipeline critical infrastructure agent person sponsor pipeline project


Summary:
FAA Community Accountability Act of 2016

This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in considering flight paths or procedures as part of the implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, to limit negative impacts on the human environment near airports. The FAA may give preference to overlays of existing flight paths or procedures to ensure compatibility with land use.

The FAA shall appoint an FAA Community Ombudsman for each of its regions to:

 act as a liaison with communities regarding problems related to the impact of commercial aviation on the human environment; monitor the impact of System implementation on communities near affected airports; make recommendations to address community concerns and improve the use of community comments in FAA decisionmaking; and report periodically on the impact of commercial aviation on the human environment and on FAA responsiveness to community concerns. The FAA, in implementing the System, may not treat the establishment or revision of a flight path or procedure as covered by a categorical exclusion if an Ombudsman or airport operator submits notification that: (1) extraordinary circumstances exist, or (2) the establishment or revision will have a significant adverse impact on the human environment near such airport. The FAA, before treating such establishment or revision as covered by a categorical exclusion, shall provide notice and an opportunity for comment to persons affected.

The bill requires the FAA to: (1) reconsider a flight path or procedure established or revised after February 14, 2012, as part of the implementation of the System if an Ombudsman or airport operator submits written notification that the establishment or revision is resulting in a significant adverse impact on the human environment near the airport, (2) provide notice of such reconsideration and an opportunity for public comment, (3) assess the impacts on the human environment, and (4) report on comments received, assessment results, and changes to be made.

accountability act bill requires federal_aviation_administration faa considering flight paths procedures implementation generation_air_transportation_system limit negative impacts human environment near airports faa preference existing flight paths procedures ensure compatibility land use faa shall appoint regions act liaison communities problems related impact commercial aviation human environment monitor impact system implementation communities near affected airports recommendations address community concerns improve use community comments faa decisionmaking report periodically impact commercial aviation human environment faa responsiveness community concerns faa implementing system treat establishment revision flight path procedure covered categorical exclusion ombudsman airport operator submits notification extraordinary circumstances exist establishment revision significant adverse impact human environment near airport faa treating establishment revision covered categorical exclusion shall provide notice opportunity comment persons affected bill requires faa reconsider flight path procedure established revised february implementation system ombudsman airport operator submits written notification establishment revision resulting significant adverse impact human environment near airport provide notice reconsideration opportunity public comment assess impacts human environment report comments received assessment results changes


Summary:
Cybersecurity Standards for Aircraft to Improve Resilience Act of 2016 or the Cyber AIR Act

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to require domestic or foreign air carriers and manufacturers of aircraft or electronic control, communications, maintenance, or ground support systems for aircraft to disclose to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) any attempted or successful cyberattack against any system on board an aircraft or against any maintenance or ground support system for aircraft.

The FAA shall use the information obtained through such disclosures to: (1) improve the regulations (to be prescribed by DOT) to incorporate requirements relating to cybersecurity into the requirements for obtaining an air carrier operating certificate or a production certificate; and (2) notify air carriers, aircraft manufacturers, and other federal agencies of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in systems on board an aircraft or maintenance or ground support systems for aircraft.

In prescribing such regulations, DOT must require: (1) all entry points to the electronic systems of each aircraft operating in U.S. airspace and maintenance or ground support systems for such aircraft to be equipped with reasonable measures to protect against cyberattacks; and (2) the periodic evaluation of, and updates to, such measures for security vulnerabilities using best security practices.

The FAA must report to Congress annually on attempted and successful cyberattacks against any system on board an aircraft and against maintenance or ground support systems for aircraft.

The Commercial Aviation Communications Safety and Security Leadership Group shall: (1) be responsible for evaluating the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of certain broadband wireless communications equipment designed for consumer use on board aircraft; and (2) require the implementation by air carriers, manufacturers, and communications service providers of technical and operational security measures it deems necessary to prevent cyberattacks that exploit such equipment.

cyber air act bill directs department_of_transportation dot require domestic foreign air carriers manufacturers aircraft electronic control communications maintenance ground support systems aircraft disclose federal_aviation_administration faa attempted successful system board aircraft maintenance ground support system aircraft faa shall use information obtained disclosures improve regulations prescribed dot incorporate requirements relating cybersecurity requirements obtaining air carrier operating certificate production certificate notify air carriers aircraft manufacturers federal agencies cybersecurity vulnerabilities systems board aircraft maintenance ground support systems aircraft prescribing regulations dot require entry points electronic systems aircraft operating airspace maintenance ground support systems aircraft equipped reasonable measures protect periodic evaluation updates measures security vulnerabilities best security practices faa report congress annually attempted successful system board aircraft maintenance ground support systems aircraft security leadership group shall responsible evaluating cybersecurity vulnerabilities certain broadband wireless communications equipment designed consumer use board aircraft require implementation air carriers manufacturers communications service providers technical operational security measures deems necessary prevent equipment


Summary:
This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prohibit any air carrier that transports passengers by aircraft as a common carrier for compensation from reducing the size, width, padding, or pitch of seats; the amount of leg room per seat; or the width of aisles on such aircraft.

The FAA must prescribe regulations: (1) establishing minimum standards for space for the safety, health, and comfort of aircraft passengers; and (2) requiring each air carrier to prominently display on its website the amount of space available for each passenger on aircraft it operates.

bill requires federal_aviation_administration faa prohibit air carrier transports passengers aircraft common carrier compensation reducing size width seats leg room seat width aircraft faa prescribe regulations establishing minimum standards space safety health comfort aircraft passengers requiring air carrier prominently display website space available passenger aircraft operates


Summary:
Free Market Flights Act of 2016

This bill terminates on October 1, 2016, Department of Transportation authority to carry out the essential air service program.

The bill requires deposit in the Treasury for deficit reduction of any overflight fees collected by the Federal Aviation Administration for air traffic control and related services that would otherwise be made available for the program.

free market flights act bill terminates october department_of_transportation authority carry essential air service program bill requires deposit treasury deficit reduction overflight fees collected federal_aviation_administration air traffic control related services available program


Summary:
Safe, Convenient, Reliable, Efficient, Effective, Next-Generation, Functional, and Secure TSA Act of 2016 or the SCREEN FAST Act

This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the Department of Homeland Security to establish a pilot program at three category X airports to reconfigure and install security systems that increase efficiency and reduce vulnerabilities in airport terminals, particularly those that have large open areas where screening occurs.

The TSA shall also establish a pilot program at those airports to develop and test prototypes of screening security systems and security checkpoint configurations to expedite the movement of passengers by deploying an array of technologies including passive and active systems, new types of security baggage and passenger screening systems, and new systems to address passenger and baggage anomalies.

safe convenient reliable efficient effective functional secure tsa act screen fast act bill directs transportation_security_administration tsa department_of_homeland_security establish pilot program category airports reconfigure install security systems increase efficiency reduce vulnerabilities airport terminals particularly large open areas screening occurs tsa shall establish pilot program airports develop test prototypes screening security systems security checkpoint configurations expedite movement passengers deploying array technologies including passive active systems new types security baggage passenger screening systems new systems address passenger baggage


Summary:
Volunteer Pilot Protection Act of 2016

This bill amends the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 to provide liability protection to volunteers of a volunteer pilot nonprofit organization that arranges flights for public benefit in the case of harm caused by an act or omission of a volunteer on behalf of the organization. Volunteers shall not be liable if they: (1) were operating an aircraft in furtherance of the purpose of, and acting within the scope of their volunteer responsibilities on behalf of, the nonprofit organization; (2) were properly licensed and insured for the operation of the aircraft; (3) were in compliance with all requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration for recent flight experience; and (4) did not cause the harm through willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed by the volunteer.

bill amends volunteer protection act provide liability protection volunteers volunteer pilot nonprofit organization arranges flights public benefit case harm caused act omission volunteer behalf organization volunteers shall liable operating aircraft furtherance purpose acting scope volunteer responsibilities behalf nonprofit organization properly licensed insured operation aircraft compliance requirements federal_aviation_administration recent flight experience cause harm willful criminal misconduct gross negligence reckless misconduct conscious flagrant indifference rights safety individual harmed volunteer


Summary:
Cuban Airport Security Act of 2016

This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to report to Congress on specified aspects of security measures at Cuban airports that: (1) are served by U.S. aircraft operators, or (2) serve as last point of departure locations for foreign air carriers. The Government Accountability Office shall submit to Congress an audit of the report.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall establish agreements with the Government of Cuba to allow:

 the Federal Air Marshal Service to conduct missions on regularly scheduled passenger air flights between the United States and Cuba, and TSA inspectors to access all areas of last point of departure airports in Cuba to assess security. No agreement dated on or after January 1, 2016, to expand air flights between the United States and Cuba may be permitted until: (1) the required report and audit have been submitted, (2) the required agreements have been established, and (3) specified hiring and training requirements have been met.

DHS, rather than the Department of Transportation, shall: (1) assess the effectiveness of security standards at foreign airports, and (2) take other specified actions if an airport fails to maintain effective security measures.

cuban airport security act bill directs transportation_security_administration tsa report congress specified aspects security measures cuban airports served aircraft operators serve point departure locations foreign air carriers government_accountability_office shall submit congress audit report department_of_homeland_security dhs shall establish agreements government cuba allow federal_air_marshal_service conduct missions regularly scheduled passenger air flights united_states cuba tsa inspectors access areas point departure airports cuba assess security agreement dated january expand air flights united_states cuba permitted required report audit submitted required agreements established specified hiring training requirements met dhs department_of_transportation shall assess effectiveness security standards foreign airports specified actions airport fails maintain effective security measures


Summary:
Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to:

 notify air carriers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening personnel of TSA's 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption guidelines allowing baby formula, breast milk, and juice on aircraft; and include training on all special procedures under TSA's travel guidelines for TSA security screening personnel.

bill directs department_of_homeland_security notify air carriers transportation_security_administration tsa security screening personnel tsa liquids rule exemption guidelines allowing baby formula breast milk juice aircraft include training special procedures tsa travel guidelines tsa security screening personnel


Summary:
This bill requires air carriers to provide a 10-hour rest period to a flight attendant who is scheduled to a duty period of up to 14 hours. Current regulations generally mandate a nine-hour rest period but allow an eight-hour rest period under certain circumstances.

Air carriers must comply with specified fatigue risk management plan requirements, subject to civil penalties.

bill requires air carriers provide hour rest period flight attendant scheduled duty period hours current regulations generally mandate hour rest period allow hour rest period certain circumstances air carriers comply specified fatigue risk management plan requirements subject civil penalties


Summary:
NextGen Accountability Act

This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish annual Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) performance goals for each of the national airspace system performance metrics to meet identified performance metric baselines with respect to NextGen projects.

The bill amends the Vision 100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to revise contents of an annual Department of Transportation report to Congress regarding an integrated work plan for the NextGen. The plan shall include, among other things, a description of the progress made in meeting NextGen performance goals relative to the performance metrics.

The bill revises requirements for the award of bonuses to the FAA Chief NextGen Officer. The FAA, for purposes of the award of such bonuses, shall also consider any progress made toward meeting the NextGen performance goals.

The bill revises certain performance goals set forth in the annual performance agreement between the FAA and the NextGen Officer to include quantifiable NextGen airspace efficiency, productivity, capacity, and safety performance objectives.

bill amends faa_modernization reform act direct federal_aviation_administration faa establish annual generation_air_transportation_system nextgen performance goals national airspace system performance metrics meet identified performance metric baselines respect nextgen projects bill amends vision -century aviation reauthorization act revise contents annual department_of_transportation report congress integrated work plan nextgen plan shall include things description progress meeting nextgen performance goals relative performance metrics bill revises requirements award bonuses faa chief faa purposes award bonuses shall consider progress meeting nextgen performance goals bill revises certain performance goals set forth annual performance agreement faa nextgen officer include quantifiable nextgen airspace efficiency productivity capacity safety performance objectives


Summary:
Strengthening American Transportation Security Act of 2016

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the personnel system used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides insufficient workplace protections for its workforce and such personnel should be entitled to protections under the civil service system applicable to all federal employees.

The bill repeals personnel authorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Transportation governing the conditions of employment for TSA employees, thus making TSA employees subject to the personnel management system applicable to all other federal employees.

Within 60 days after the enactment of this bill or an earlier date set by DHS: (1) all TSA personnel management policies, directives, letters, and guidelines and any DHS human resources management system shall cease to be effective with respect to TSA employees; and (2) TSA employees shall become subject to labor provisions applicable to other federal transportation employees.

The bill sets forth transition rules that protect the pay rates and other rights of TSA employees. DHS shall consult with the labor organization certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority to carry out the conversion of TSA employees and positions to the civil service system.

The provisions of this bill do not affect the prohibitions against disloyalty and asserting the right to strike against the federal government.

bill expresses sense congress personnel system transportation_security_administration tsa provides insufficient workplace protections workforce personnel entitled protections civil service system applicable federal employees bill repeals personnel authorities department_of_homeland_security dhs department_of_transportation governing conditions employment tsa employees making tsa employees subject personnel management system applicable federal employees days enactment bill earlier date set dhs tsa personnel management policies directives letters guidelines dhs human resources management system shall cease effective respect tsa employees tsa employees shall subject labor provisions applicable federal transportation employees bill sets forth transition rules protect pay rates rights tsa employees dhs shall consult labor organization certified carry conversion tsa employees positions civil service system provisions bill affect prohibitions asserting right strike federal government


Summary: Amends the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1986 to repeal the prohibition against use of certain funds for any segment of the downtown Los Angeles to San Fernando Valley Metro Rail project unless the Southern California Rapid Transit District notifies the Urban Mass Transportation Administration that no part of the Metro Rail project will tunnel through any zone designated as a potential risk zone or high potential risk zone for methane gas. Amends federal transportation law to extend the special rule for the allocation of urbanized area formula grants through FY2009. Sets forth the maximum amounts to be allocated for such grants for FY2008 and FY2009.

amends repeal prohibition use certain funds segment los_angeles metro rail project southern california rapid transit district notifies project tunnel zone designated potential risk zone high potential risk zone methane gas amends federal transportation law extend special rule allocation urbanized area formula grants fy2009 sets forth maximum amounts allocated grants fy2008 fy2009


Summary: Transit System Flexibility Protection Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make public transportation formula grants for operating costs of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation in an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000 if the state or regional authority providing public transportation for the area operates less than 100 buses in fixed-route service in the area during peak service hours.

authorizes secretary transportation public transportation formula grants operating costs equipment facilities use public transportation urbanized area population state regional authority providing public transportation area operates buses fixed route service area peak service hours


Summary: Public Transportation and Rail Security Assistance Act of 2007 - Requires the public transportation security assessment (a risk assessment of a public transportation system conducted pursuant to specified provisions of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users) of each public transportation system to identify: (1) the critical assets of the public transportation system; (2) threats to those assets; (3) security weaknesses in the public transportation system; (4) redundant and backup systems required in the event of an incident; and (5) the extent to which public transportation employees have received training in security awareness and emergency response procedures. Requires a public transportation agency that receives an assessment to develop a prioritized plan of needed capital and operational security improvements. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to develop: (1) a national public transportation security needs assessment (national assessment) to determine the costs of needed capital and operational security improvements for each system; and (2) a security plan for U.S. railroads. Makes grants to eligible public transportation agencies for certain capital security improvements and operational security improvements. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide notification of all credible terrorist threats against public transportation assets in the United States. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and issue guidelines for a public transportation employee security training program. Requires a public transportation agency that receives a public transportation security assessment to develop, and submit for the Secretary of Transportation's approval, an employee training program in accordance with such guidelines. Makes grants to private operators of over-the-road buses for certain system-wide security improvements to their operations. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit to Congress a preliminary report that includes an assessment of the over-the-road bus security grant program. Allows a rail carrier, a rail shipper, or railroad contractor or railroad labor organization to report a security vulnerability, cargo information, security plan, or security training program to specified individuals.

rail security assistance act requires public transportation security assessment risk assessment public transportation system conducted pursuant specified provisions safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users public transportation system identify critical assets public transportation system threats assets security weaknesses public transportation system redundant backup systems required event incident extent public transportation employees received training security awareness emergency response procedures requires public transportation agency receives assessment develop prioritized plan needed capital operational security improvements requires secretary transportation develop national public transportation security needs assessment national assessment determine costs needed capital operational security improvements system security plan railroads makes grants eligible public transportation agencies certain capital security improvements operational security improvements requires secretary homeland_security provide notification credible terrorist threats public transportation assets united_states directs secretary transportation develop issue guidelines public transportation employee security training program requires public transportation agency receives public transportation security assessment develop submit secretary transportation approval employee training program accordance guidelines makes grants private operators road buses certain system wide security improvements operations requires secretary transportation submit congress preliminary report includes assessment road bus security grant program allows rail carrier rail shipper railroad contractor railroad labor organization report security vulnerability cargo information security plan security training program specified individuals


Summary: Reduce Individuals' Dependence on Energy Act of 2007 or the RIDE Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a deduction from gross income for transportation expenses on federal, state, or local government mass transit facilities.

reduce individuals dependence energy act ride act amends internal revenue code allow individual taxpayers deduction gross income transportation expenses federal state local government mass transit facilities


Summary: Free Way Act of 2008 - Prohibits a state from collecting a toll from an operator of a high occupany vehicle (HOV) that was permitted to use a HOV lane in the state at no cost before December 31, 2007. (Currently, a state is allowed to collect a toll from any operator of a HOV vehicle that uses an HOV lane in the state.)

free way act prohibits state collecting toll operator high vehicle hov permitted use hov lane state cost december currently state allowed collect toll operator hov vehicle uses hov lane state


Summary: Creating Opportunities to Motivate Mass-transit Utilization to Encourage Ridership Act of 2008 or the Commuter Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a refundable tax credit for 50% of the cost of transit passes provided on a tax-free basis to employees.

creating opportunities commuter act amends internal revenue code allow employers refundable tax credit cost transit passes provided tax free basis employees


Summary: Transportation and Housing Choices for Gas Price Relief Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) carry out a competitive grant program that supports community efforts to invest in transportation alternatives and travel demand management strategies; and (2) award grants to eligible entities, giving priority to activity proposals for reducing single occupancy vehicle trips. Provides certain formula grant funding for specified improvement activities to increase use of public transportation. Requires the Secretary to award grants for a national consumer awareness program on the environmental, energy, and economic benefits of transportation alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle, including carpooling, vanpooling, transit, and bicycles. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a telework tax credit of up to $400 per year; (2) include a qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement as a qualified transportation fringe benefit, excludable from gross income; (3) equalize and increase to $200, with a modified cost-of-living adjustment, the tax exclusion for both transportation and parking fringe benefits; (4) make self-employed individuals eligible for transit pass fringe benefits; (5) include employer-established parking cash-out programs as qualified transportation fringe benefits; and (6) allow a vanpool (general business) tax credit. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to: (1) incorporate transportation costs associated with location of housing into affordability standards for allocating low-income housing tax credits related to rental assistance vouchers or other affordable housing programs; and (2) develop a model transportation cost field for Multiple Listing Services to measure transportation costs associated with the location of a home. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) Charter Act and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) Act to include the use of location-efficient mortgages among their purposes. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to require the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to establish graduated annual goals for the purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac of location-efficient mortgages for single-family, owner-occupied homes. Requires the Secretary of HUD to make grants to states to construct or acquire affordable housing that is location-efficient. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to include high schools in the safe routes to school program.

directs secretary transportation carry competitive grant program supports community efforts invest transportation alternatives travel demand management strategies award grants eligible entities giving priority activity proposals reducing single occupancy vehicle trips provides certain formula grant funding specified improvement activities increase use public transportation requires secretary award grants national consumer awareness program environmental energy economic benefits transportation alternatives single occupancy vehicle including transit bicycles amends internal revenue code allow telework tax credit year include qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement qualified transportation fringe benefit excludable gross income equalize increase modified cost living adjustment tax exclusion transportation parking fringe benefits self employed individuals eligible transit pass fringe benefits include employer established parking cash programs qualified transportation fringe benefits allow vanpool general business tax credit requires secretary housing_and_urban_development hud incorporate transportation costs associated location housing affordability standards allocating low income housing tax credits related rental assistance vouchers affordable housing programs develop model transportation cost field measure transportation costs associated location home amends federal_national_mortgage_association fannie_mae federal_home_loan_mortgage_corporation freddie_mac act include use location efficient mortgages purposes amends housing_and_community_development_act require director federal_housing_finance_agency establish graduated annual goals purchase fannie_mae freddie_mac location efficient mortgages single family owner occupied homes requires secretary hud grants states construct acquire affordable housing location efficient amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea include high schools safe routes school program


Summary: Gas Price Relief for Schools Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to a state or local government unit responsible for providing school bus transportation to a public school system to assist it in offsetting increases in school bus transportation operating costs due to higher fuel prices.

gas price relief schools act authorizes secretary transportation grants state local government unit responsible providing school bus transportation public school system assist offsetting increases school bus transportation operating costs higher fuel prices


Summary: Amends the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1986 to repeal the prohibition against use of certain funds for any segment of the downtown Los Angeles to San Fernando Valley Metro Rail project unless the Southern California Rapid Transit District notifies the Urban Mass Transportation Administration that no part of the Metro Rail project will tunnel through any zone designated as a potential risk zone or high potential risk zone for methane gas.

amends repeal prohibition use certain funds segment los_angeles metro rail project southern california rapid transit district notifies project tunnel zone designated potential risk zone high potential risk zone methane gas


Summary: Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act of 2007 - Establishes in the executive branch the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation to carry out this Act under the authorities of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. Requires the Foundation to award grants, increasingly for study in nontraditional study abroad destinations, to: (1) U.S. students; (2) nongovernmental institutions that provide and promote study abroad opportunities for U.S. students, in consortium with institutions of higher education (IHEs); and (3) IHEs, individually or in consortium.

senator foundation act establishes executive branch senator carry act authorities requires foundation award grants study nontraditional study abroad destinations students nongovernmental institutions provide promote study abroad opportunities students consortium institutions higher education ihes ihes individually consortium


Summary: Complete Streets Act of 2008 - Amends the surface transportation program to require state and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to: (1) adopt a policy statement that ensures that all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users as well as children, older individuals, and individuals with disabilities, are able to travel safely and conveniently on streets and highways within the public right-of-way; and (2) apply such policy to Transportation Improvement Program projects as well as to all aspects of the transportation project development process. Requires states and MPOs to certify that each road project has been reviewed for compliance with the policy statement and enhances the safety, convenience, and accessibility for all users of the transportation system to the extent reasonably possible. Requires the U.S. Access Board to issue final standards for accessibility of new construction and alterations of pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to require the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to conduct complete streets research to assist states and MPOs in developing and implementing plans, projects, procedures, policies, and training that comply with the policy statement.

complete streets act amends surface transportation program require state metropolitan planning organizations mpos adopt policy statement ensures users transportation system including pedestrians transit users children older individuals individuals disabilities able travel safely streets highways public right way apply policy projects aspects transportation project development process requires states mpos certify road project reviewed compliance policy statement enhances safety convenience accessibility users transportation system extent reasonably possible requires issue final standards accessibility new construction alterations pedestrian facilities public right way directs secretary transportation require conduct complete streets research assist states mpos developing implementing plans projects procedures policies training comply policy statement


Summary: Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), with respect to the alternatives analysis program, to change the FY2006-FY2007 project for the South Carolina Department of Transportation Light Rail study to the South Carolina Department of Transportation Corridor study. Revises the item descriptions for certain bus and bus-related facilities projects for FY2006-FY2009. Makes amounts obligated for such projects in FY2006 available for obligation through FY2009.

amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea respect alternatives analysis program change fy2006 fy2007 project study transportation corridor study revises item descriptions certain bus bus related facilities projects fy2006 fy2009 makes amounts obligated projects fy2006 available obligation fy2009


Summary: Designates the Liberty Memorial at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the National World War I Memorial.

designates liberty memorial national world war museum kansas_city missouri national world war memorial


Summary: Patent Reform Act of 2008 - Amends federal patent law to define terms, including "inventor," "joint inventor," and "effective filing date of a claimed invention." Modifies the conditions under which a patent may be obtained, including basing patent granting in part on filing dates (often referred to as a "first-to-file" system). Repeals provisions relating to inventions made abroad and provisions allowing statutory invention registration. Requires that a subsequent patent application which names an inventor or joint inventor in a previous application apply as though filed on the date of the previous application. Repeals provisions providing for interfering patent civil actions. Allows an applicant to request a derivation proceeding. Allows a third party assignee or a person with a proprietary interest to file a patent application. Allows tripling of royalty damages. Sets forth criteria for calculating reasonable royalties. Replaces provisions relating to optional inter partes reexamination procedures with post-grant review procedure provisions. Replaces the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and specifies its responsibilities. Revises civil action venue requirements. Allows the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to set its fees. Prohibits, subject to exception, holding a patent invalid or unenforceable based on misconduct before the USPTO, but allows a court to order a reissue application. Allows a civil penalty for intentional, materially deceptive conduct. Shields a financial institution that infringes by using a check collection system from the infringement remedies of civil actions, injunctions, damages, and attorney's fees. Applies the amendment made by this paragraph to any civil action for infringement pending or filed on or after enactment of this Act. Establishes the United States Patent and Trademark Office Public Enterprise Fund, transfers to it the amounts in the Patent and Trademark Office Appropriation Account, and makes Fund amounts available without fiscal year limitation for all ordinary and reasonable expenses.

patent reform act amends federal patent law define terms including joint effective filing date claimed invention modifies conditions patent obtained including basing patent granting filing dates referred file system repeals provisions relating inventions abroad provisions allowing statutory invention registration requires subsequent patent application names joint previous application apply filed date previous application repeals provisions providing interfering patent civil actions allows applicant request proceeding allows party assignee person proprietary interest file patent application allows royalty damages sets forth criteria calculating reasonable royalties replaces provisions relating optional inter procedures post grant review procedure provisions replaces patent trial appeal board specifies responsibilities revises civil action venue requirements allows united_states patent trademark_office uspto set fees prohibits subject exception holding patent invalid unenforceable based misconduct uspto allows court order reissue application allows civil penalty intentional materially deceptive conduct shields financial institution infringes check collection system infringement remedies civil actions injunctions damages attorney fees applies amendment paragraph civil action infringement pending filed enactment act establishes united_states patent transfers amounts makes fund amounts available fiscal year limitation ordinary reasonable expenses


Summary: Flexibility Incentive Grant Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a flexibility incentive grant pilot program to encourage states to establish new sources of revenue for public transportation projects and services and to reward states for creating more flexibility in the use of their existing transportation funds. Requires the Secretary to make a grant for FY2010-FY2013 to: (1) each state whose increase in expenditures for public transportation projects and services over the preceding fiscal year was 10% or more and aggregate expenditures for such projects and services was $1 billion or less; (2) each large state whose increase in expenditures for such projects and services over the preceding fiscal year was 1% or more and aggregate expenditures for such projects and services was more than $1 billion; (3) each state that established in the first preceding fiscal year a dedicated source of revenue (i.e., state motor fuels tax, sales tax, or other specified sources of revenue) for carrying out public transportation projects and services that was not in effect in the second preceding fiscal year and which will result in a 10% increase of state funds expended for such projects and services within two years after such implementation; and (4) each state that in the preceding fiscal year amended state law or the state constitution to allow restricted highway funds to also be used for public transportation projects and services. Sets forth certain grant eligibility requirements. Directs the Secretary to conduct, and report to Congress on, a study to evaluate the pilot program.

flexibility incentive grant act directs secretary transportation establish flexibility incentive grant pilot program encourage states establish new sources revenue public transportation projects services reward states creating flexibility use existing transportation funds requires secretary grant fy2010 fy2013 state increase expenditures public transportation projects services preceding fiscal year aggregate expenditures projects services billion large state increase expenditures projects services preceding fiscal year aggregate expenditures projects services billion state established preceding fiscal year dedicated source revenue state motor fuels tax sales tax specified sources revenue carrying public transportation projects services effect second preceding fiscal year result increase state funds expended projects services years implementation state preceding fiscal year amended state law state constitution allow restricted highway funds public transportation projects services sets forth certain grant eligibility requirements directs secretary conduct report congress study evaluate pilot program


Summary: Transportation Job Corps Act of 2009 - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to establish: (1) a National Joint Workforce Development Council; and (2) regional workforce development councils and governing boards in each of its 10 regions. Replaces the current discretionary grant and contract programs addressing human resource needs as they apply to public transportation activities. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator, to establish programs for the award of grants to: (1) nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to introduce disconnected youth (ages 16 through 24 who are out of school and unemployed) to careers in the transit industry by providing them with basic skills education and pre-apprenticeship skills; (2) partnerships of transit agencies and unions representing non-managerial employees (partnerships), as well as providers of management and technical programs for managerial employees, to develop education programs to improve job skills of transit employees and to provide education and training to assist individuals to enter the transit profession; and (3) the same or similar partnerships to develop special projects to increase education opportunities for disadvantaged transit industry individuals, including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented in transit management, by providing student scholarships, pre-entry preparation, and retention activities.

requires administrator federal_transit_administration fta establish national joint workforce development council regional workforce development councils governing boards regions replaces current discretionary grant contract programs addressing human resource needs apply public transportation activities directs secretary transportation acting administrator establish programs award grants nonprofit organizations educational institutions introduce disconnected youth ages school unemployed careers transit industry providing basic skills education pre apprenticeship skills partnerships transit agencies unions representing non managerial employees partnerships providers management technical programs managerial employees develop education programs improve job skills transit employees provide education training assist individuals enter transit profession similar partnerships develop special projects increase education opportunities disadvantaged transit industry individuals including racial ethnic minorities underrepresented transit management providing student scholarships pre entry preparation retention activities


Summary: Public Transportation Safety Program Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a federal public transportation safety program to improve the safety of, and reduce the number of accidents involving, rail fixed guideway public transportation systems and public transportation bus systems that receive federal assistance. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to establish a federal certification program for employees and contractors who carry out state public transportation safety program activities in compliance with this Act. Delineates requirements for state preemption of federal law with respect to public transportation safety. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain public transportation safety program activities, including inspection and testing of public transportation systems and accident prevention and investigation. Allows a state to establish a state public transportation safety program that complies with federal regulations and policies issued by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants or enter into agreements to carry out such state programs, including to: (1) train employees to administer the program; and (2) enforce federal and state public transportation safety laws and regulations. Grants the Secretary enforcement authority for violations of public transportation safety, including alcohol and controlled substances testing. Authorizes the Secretary immediately, without regard to ordinary administrative procedure, to order restrictions and prohibitions to abate an emergency situation.

act directs secretary transportation establish federal public transportation safety program improve safety reduce number accidents involving rail fixed guideway public transportation systems public transportation bus systems receive federal assistance requires secretary promulgate regulations establish federal certification program employees contractors carry state public transportation safety program activities compliance act delineates requirements state preemption federal law respect public transportation safety authorizes secretary carry certain public transportation safety program activities including inspection testing public transportation systems accident prevention investigation allows state establish state public transportation safety program complies federal regulations policies issued secretary authorizes secretary award grants enter agreements carry state programs including train employees administer program enforce federal state public transportation safety laws regulations grants secretary enforcement authority violations public transportation safety including alcohol controlled substances testing authorizes secretary immediately regard ordinary administrative procedure order restrictions prohibitions abate emergency situation


Summary: Transportation and Housing Affordability Transparency Act - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop publicly a transportation affordability index that measures the transportation costs associated with the location of a home, both on a neighborhood and regional basis. Requires HUD to make the index publicly available through the Internet, as well as to Multiple Listing Services for real estate, regional and metropolitan planning organizations, local housing and planning agencies, and states, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and transportation management agencies. Requires HUD to: (1) incorporate transportation costs associated with the location of housing into affordability measures and standards for HUD housing programs; (2) provide related information and resources to states to encourage them to incorporate transportation costs into their housing and land use plans; (3) work with regional and local government entities to integrate housing, transportation, and other costs associated with location into long-range transportation, land use, housing and community development, or investment plans; and (4) work with federal agencies to incorporate the transportation affordability index.

secretary housing_and_urban_development hud develop publicly transportation affordability index measures transportation costs associated location home neighborhood regional basis requires hud index publicly available internet real estate regional metropolitan planning organizations local housing planning agencies states local governments nonprofit organizations transportation management agencies requires hud incorporate transportation costs associated location housing affordability measures standards hud housing programs provide related information resources states encourage incorporate transportation costs housing land use plans work regional local government entities integrate housing transportation costs associated location long range transportation land use housing community development investment plans work federal agencies incorporate transportation affordability index


Summary: Commuter Bill of Rights Act of 2010 - Establishes the Commuter Transit Rights Commission. Requires the Commission to make recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation in the form of a Commuter Bill of Rights which includes: (1) a list of situations in which a provider of public transportation will implement its contingency plan during an emergency; (2) recommendations for minimum standards that a plan must meet, including the provision of food, water, restrooms, ventilation, and medical services, as well as the distribution of certain critical information to commuters on a disabled or delayed train or other transit vehicle; and (3) recommendations for federal regulations on commuter safety during emergencies. Authorizes the Secretary to provide competitive grants to providers of public transportation to develop and implement contingency plans that fulfill the Bill of Rights. Requires the Secretary to review the Bill of Rights and issue regulations to require providers of public transportation to comply with the Bill's recommended standards. Requires the Secretary to use the Bill of Rights to develop related federal policies. Authorizes the Secretary to assess penalties or sanctions against providers of public transportation who fail to submit, obtain approval of, or adhere to its contingency plan. Requires the Secretary to establish a consumer hotline telephone number for public transportation complaints.

commuter bill rights act establishes commuter transit rights commission requires commission recommendations secretary transportation form commuter bill rights includes list situations provider public transportation implement contingency plan emergency recommendations minimum standards plan meet including provision food water restrooms ventilation medical services distribution certain critical information commuters disabled delayed train transit vehicle recommendations federal regulations commuter safety emergencies authorizes secretary provide competitive grants providers public transportation develop implement contingency plans fulfill bill rights requires secretary review bill rights issue regulations require providers public transportation comply bill recommended standards requires secretary use bill rights develop related federal policies authorizes secretary assess penalties sanctions providers public transportation fail submit obtain approval adhere contingency plan requires secretary establish consumer hotline telephone number public transportation complaints


Summary: Bus Uniform Standards and Enhanced Safety Act of 2009 or the BUSES Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to require: (1) monitoring of the safety performance of motorcoach service providers and other commercial motor carriers of passengers; and (2) progressive interventions to correct unsafe practices, and if they are not corrected, an enforcement action. Authorizes the Secretary to organize special enforcement strike forces to target commercial motor vehicle operators when appropriate. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe regulations to establish minimum training requirements for motorcoach drivers; (2) review testing requirements for a commercial driver's license passenger endorsement; (3) develop requirements for the testing of medical examiners who examine commercial motor vehicle operators for physical fitness and seek to be listed in the national registry; (4) review annually the implementation of the commercial driver's license requirements of at least 10 states to assess the validity of physical examination reports and medical certificates submitted by certified medical examiners; and (5) establish the national registry of medical examiners. Sets forth additional Medical Review Board functions. Requires the Secretary to review and report to Congress on federal commercial motor vehicle safety inspection standards. Revises federal motor carrier registration requirements. Directs the Secretary to prescribe federal motor vehicle safety standards for occupant protection systems for new and existing motorcoaches. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a qualified motorcoach safety credit to a taxpayer for the costs of new and existing motorcoaches to comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standards. Requires the Secretary to provide grants (not to exceed $20,000 per vehicle) to motorcoach operators to assist with the cost of retrofitting motorcoaches in order to comply with such federal standards. Amends the Small Business Act to grant the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) the authority to make SBA loans and loan guarantees to motorcoach operators to retrofit their buses and motorcoaches for occupant protection.

bus uniform standards enhanced safety act buses act directs secretary transportation issue regulations require monitoring safety performance service providers commercial motor carriers passengers progressive interventions correct unsafe practices corrected enforcement action authorizes secretary organize special enforcement strike forces target commercial motor vehicle operators appropriate directs secretary prescribe regulations establish minimum training requirements drivers review testing requirements commercial driver license passenger endorsement develop requirements testing medical examiners examine commercial motor vehicle operators physical fitness seek listed national registry review annually implementation commercial driver license requirements states assess validity physical examination reports medical certificates submitted certified medical examiners establish national registry medical examiners sets forth additional functions requires secretary review report congress federal commercial motor vehicle safety inspection standards revises federal motor carrier registration requirements directs secretary prescribe federal motor vehicle safety standards occupant protection systems new existing amends internal revenue code provide qualified safety credit taxpayer costs new existing comply federal motor vehicle safety standards requires secretary provide grants exceed vehicle operators assist cost retrofitting order comply federal standards amends small_business_act grant administrator small_business_administration sba authority sba loans loan guarantees operators retrofit buses occupant protection


Summary: Rural Transit Improvement and Flexibility Act of 2009 - Revises the apportionment of nonurbanized formula grants for amounts remaining after apportionment for grants to Indian tribes for public transportation on Indian reservations for FY2006-FY2009. Increases from 20% to 25% the amount of remaining funds to be apportioned to a state based on its land area. Decreases correspondingly from 80% to 75% the amount of remaining funds to be apportioned to a state based on population in nonurbanized areas. Limits to 25% of its apportionment for a formula grant for a capital project for the special needs of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities the amount a state may use for operating costs of equipment and facilities. Limits a grant for operating assistance from exceeding 50% of the net operating project costs. Increases such limit to 62.5% of the government share of project costs in the case of a state containing nontaxable Indian lands, individual and tribal, and public domain lands (both reserved and unreserved), national forests, and national parks and monuments. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot program for the award of grants to states to establish transit centers to improve transit service (buses and other transit vehicles) in urbanized areas with a population of less than 200,000 and in nonurbanized areas.

rural transit improvement flexibility act revises apportionment nonurbanized formula grants amounts remaining apportionment grants indian tribes public transportation indian reservations increases remaining funds apportioned state based land area decreases remaining funds apportioned state based population nonurbanized areas limits apportionment formula grant capital project special needs elderly individuals individuals disabilities state use operating costs equipment facilities limits grant operating assistance exceeding net operating project costs increases limit government share project costs case state containing indian lands individual tribal public domain lands reserved unreserved national forests national parks monuments requires secretary transportation establish pilot program award grants states establish transit centers improve transit service buses transit vehicles urbanized areas population nonurbanized areas


Summary: Northern Virginia Metrorail Extension Act of 2011 - Authorizes alternatives analysis and preliminary engineering for specified Metrorail new fixed guideway capital projects in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

extension act authorizes alternatives analysis preliminary engineering specified new fixed guideway capital projects virginia washington maryland