Summary:
Foster Care Tax Credit Act

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a partially refundable tax credit for each qualifying foster child who resides in the home of an eligible taxpayer for at least one calendar month during the taxable year. Defines "qualifying foster child" as a child in foster care who has not attained age 17, who is a citizen, national, or resident of the United States, and with respect to whom the child tax credit is not allowable. Requires the name and taxpayer identification number of a foster child to be included on the taxpayer's tax return.

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to identify provisions in the Internal Revenue Code that can benefit foster families and increase outreach efforts to inform state and Indian tribal foster care agencies and foster families about such provisions.

amends internal revenue code allow partially refundable tax credit qualifying foster child resides home eligible taxpayer calendar month taxable year defines qualifying foster child child foster care attained age citizen national resident united_states respect child tax credit allowable requires taxpayer identification number foster child included taxpayer tax return directs department_of_health_and_human_services identify provisions internal_revenue_code benefit foster families increase outreach efforts inform state indian tribal foster care agencies foster families provisions


Summary:
Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make the tax credit for adoption expenses refundable.

refundability act amends internal revenue code tax credit adoption expenses refundable


Summary:
Foster Youth Independence Act of 2015

This bill amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to allow the chief executive officer of a state to certify that the state will provide assistance and services under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program to youths who have aged out of foster care and have not attained age 23 if:

 the state has elected to extend the eligibility for foster care up to age 21, or the responsible state agency uses state or other funds not provided under the Program to provide assistance and services comparable to those such youths would receive if the state had made such an election.

foster youth independence act bill amends foster care adoption assistance title social security act allow chief executive officer state certify state provide assistance services john chafee foster care independence program youths aged foster care attained age state elected extend eligibility foster care age responsible state agency uses state funds provided program provide assistance services comparable youths receive state election


Summary:
Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to:

 state that the term "intimate partner" includes a dating partner and any other person subject to a protection order under state domestic or family violence law; and expand the term "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" to include the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, by a current or former intimate partner. The bill makes it a crime to knowingly sell or dispose of a firearm to a person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of stalking. It also makes it a crime for such convicted stalker to receive or possess a firearm.

bill amends federal criminal code state term intimate partner includes dating partner person subject protection order state domestic family violence law expand term misdemeanor crime domestic violence include use attempted use physical force threatened use deadly weapon current intimate partner bill makes crime knowingly sell dispose firearm person convicted misdemeanor crime stalking makes crime convicted receive possess firearm


Summary: This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from taking any action to finalize, implement, enforce, or otherwise give effect to the proposed rule entitled "Flexibility, Efficiency, and Modernization in Child Support Enforcement Programs" or any proposal set forth in the proposed rule.

bill prohibits department_of_health_and_human_services taking action finalize implement enforce effect proposed rule entitled flexibility efficiency modernization child support enforcement programs proposal set forth proposed rule


Summary:
Pet and Women Safety Act of 2015

 Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit threats or acts of violence against a person's pet under the offenses of stalking and interstate violation of a protection order. Defines "pet" to mean a domesticated animal that is kept for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes.

Requires the "full amount of the victim's losses" for purposes of restitution in domestic violence and stalking offenses to include any costs incurred for veterinary services relating to physical care for the victim's pet.

Directs the Department of Agriculture to award grants to eligible entities to carry out programs to provide specified housing assistance, support services, and training of relevant stakeholders to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their pets.

Expresses the sense of Congress that states should encourage the inclusion of protections against violent or threatening acts against the pet of the person in domestic violence protection orders.

amends federal criminal code prohibit threats acts violence person pet offenses stalking interstate violation protection order defines pet mean domesticated animal kept pleasure commercial purposes requires victim losses purposes restitution domestic violence stalking offenses include costs incurred veterinary services relating physical care victim pet directs department_of_agriculture award grants eligible entities carry programs provide specified housing assistance support services training relevant stakeholders victims domestic violence dating violence sexual assault stalking pets expresses sense congress states encourage inclusion protections violent threatening acts pet person domestic violence protection orders


Summary:
Court-Appointed Guardian Accountability and Senior Protection Act

 Amends title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services and Elder Justice) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to the highest courts of states to conduct demonstration programs that: (1) assess adult guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, including the appointment and the monitoring of the performance of court-appointed guardians and conservators; and (2) implement changes deemed necessary as a result of the assessments, such as requiring background checks for all potential guardians and conservators, and establishing systems that enable electronic filing and review of the annual accountings and other required conservatorship and guardianship filings.

Requires the highest court of a state awarded such a grant to collaborate with the state's own Unit on Aging and its Adult Protective Services agency in conducting the demonstration program.

amends title block grants states social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services award grants highest courts states conduct demonstration programs assess adult guardianship conservatorship proceedings including appointment monitoring performance court appointed guardians implement changes deemed necessary result assessments requiring background checks potential guardians establishing systems enable electronic filing review annual required conservatorship guardianship filings requires highest court state awarded grant collaborate state unit aging agency conducting demonstration program


Summary:
Protecting Adoption and Promoting Responsible Fatherhood Act of 2015

 Amends part B (Child and Family Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and maintain an automated National Responsible Father Registry.

Requires the Registry to: (1) contain specified kinds of information sufficient to identify a possible father, and (2) provide a mechanism for men to register such identifying information directly with the Registry.

Limits access to Registry information to eligible parties, including: (1) public and licensed private adoption or child placement agencies, (2) licensed attorneys representing a party in a planned or pending adoption or in the termination of rights of one or more possible fathers, (3) state agencies or entities responsible for the placement of children, and (4) state courts.

Directs the Secretary to establish a nationwide campaign designed to inform possible fathers, unwed mothers, possible adoptive parents, and eligible parties of the National Registry, the advantages of possible fathers registering either in the National Registry or State Responsible Father Registries, or both, the rights and responsibilities of such parties with regard to a proceeding, and the role of such Registries in a proceeding.

Directs the Secretary to use all reasonable efforts to encourage states to enter into agreements to establish automated State Responsible Father Registries and centers that make registration forms easily accessible to possible fathers.

Authorizes the Secretary to make a grant to a state to establish a State Registry or modify an existing one to meet the requirements of this Act.

protecting_adoption_and_promoting_responsible_fatherhood_act amends child family services title social security act direct secretary health_and_human_services establish maintain automated national responsible father registry requires registry contain specified kinds information sufficient identify possible father provide mechanism men register identifying information directly registry limits access registry information eligible parties including public licensed private adoption child placement agencies licensed attorneys representing party planned pending adoption termination rights possible fathers state agencies entities responsible placement children state courts directs secretary establish nationwide campaign designed inform possible fathers unwed mothers possible adoptive parents eligible parties national_registry advantages possible fathers registering national_registry_or_state_responsible_father_registries rights responsibilities parties regard proceeding role registries proceeding directs secretary use reasonable efforts encourage states enter agreements establish automated state responsible father registries centers registration forms easily accessible possible fathers authorizes secretary grant state establish state registry modify existing meet requirements act


Summary:
Education Stability for Foster Youth Act

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require a state plan for academic content and achievement standards to describe how the state will ensure the educational stability of children in foster care. Specifically, a state plan must include assurances that: (1) a foster child will remain or be enrolled in the child’s school of origin absent a determination that such enrollment is not in the child’s best interest; (2) if such a determination is made, the child will be immediately enrolled in a new school, which must immediately contact the child’s previous school to obtain relevant records; and (3) the state will designate a point of contact for child welfare agencies, who shall also oversee implementation of the state’s responsibilities under the bill.

Relatedly, a local educational agency (LEA) plan must provide assurances that the LEA will develop and implement procedures governing the provision and funding of transportation services necessary to maintain a foster child’s enrollment in the child’s school of origin.

This bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to alter the definition of “homeless children and youths” to no longer include children who are awaiting foster care placement.

education stability foster youth act bill amends elementary secondary education act require state plan academic content achievement standards describe state ensure educational stability children foster care specifically state plan include assurances foster child remain enrolled child school origin absent determination enrollment child best interest determination child immediately enrolled new school immediately contact child previous school obtain relevant records state designate point contact child welfare agencies shall oversee implementation state responsibilities bill local educational agency lea plan provide assurances lea develop implement procedures governing provision funding transportation services necessary maintain foster child enrollment child school origin bill amends mckinney-vento homeless assistance act alter definition homeless children youths longer include children awaiting foster care placement


Summary:
Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage Family Caregivers Act of 2015 or the RAISE Family Caregivers Act

(Sec. 3) This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop, maintain, and periodically update a National Family Caregiving Strategy.

(Sec. 4) HHS shall convene a Family Caregiving Advisory Council to advise it on recognizing and supporting family caregivers.

(Sec. 5) This Act shall terminate on December 31, 2025.

recognize assist engage family caregivers act raise family caregivers act sec bill directs department_of_health_and_human_services hhs develop maintain periodically update national family caregiving strategy sec hhs shall convene advise recognizing supporting family caregivers sec act shall terminate december


Summary:
Family Stability and Kinship Care Act of 2015

This bill amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) (renamed by this Act Federal Payments for Foster Care and Permanency) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to give states the option of providing certain time-limited family services, including parenting and family skills training and counseling, to a child meeting certain criteria or the child's parents or kin caregivers.

SSAct title IV part B is also amended to:

 eliminate the time-limit for family reunification services, increase the mandatory funding authorization for the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, and extend funding for Family Connection Grants for one year.

family stability bill amends foster care adoption assistance renamed title social security act ssact states option providing certain time limited family services including parenting family skills training counseling child meeting certain criteria child parents kin caregivers ssact title amended eliminate time limit family reunification services increase mandatory funding authorization extend funding family connection grants year


Summary:
Child Support Assistance Act of 2015

Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act, with respect to the permissible purposes of consumer reports, to authorize a consumer reporting agency to furnish a consumer report in response to a request by the head of a state or local child support enforcement agency (or an authorized state or local government official), if the requester certifies that the report is needed for enforcing a child support order, award, agreement, or judgment.

Repeals the requirement for 10 days' prior notice to a consumer whose report is requested.

child support assistance act amends fair credit reporting act respect permissible purposes consumer reports authorize consumer reporting agency furnish consumer report response request head state local child support enforcement agency authorized state local government official requester certifies report needed enforcing child support order award agreement judgment repeals requirement days prior notice consumer report requested


Summary:
Timely Mental Health for Foster Youth Act

This bill amends part B (Child and Family Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act with respect to state plans for the ongoing oversight and coordination of health care services for children in a foster care placement.

An initial mental health screening of any child in foster care must be completed within 30 days after the child enters into foster care. In the case of any child for whom a mental health issue is identified in such initial screening, a comprehensive assessment of the child's mental health must be completed within 60 days after the child's entry into foster care.

bill amends child family services title social security act respect state plans ongoing oversight coordination health care services children foster care placement initial mental health screening child foster care completed days child enters foster care case child mental health issue identified initial screening comprehensive assessment child mental health completed days child entry foster care


Summary:
Security and Financial Empowerment Act of 2015

This bill amends the Violence Against Women Act to require the National Resource Center on Workplace Response provide information and assistance through domestic violence or sexual assault coalitions and survivor service organizations. These organizations and coalitions shall provide resource materials and assistance to employees, employers, and labor organizations to aid in efforts to develop adequate workplace responses to domestic and sexual violence.

In addition, the bill requires employers to provide employees 30 days of leave per year, including 56 hours of earned paid leave, which can be used as a result of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking of an employee or an employee's family member. States may provide nonrecurring short-term emergency benefits to employees using such leave.

Survivors' Employment Sustainability Act

The Survivors' Employment Sustainability Act prohibits employers, public benefit agencies, and insurers from discriminating against survivors of:

 domestic violence, dating or sexual violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Under the Internal Revenue Code, employers must give unemployment compensation to survivors who are separated from work due to conditions related to the individuals being survivors. The bill amends title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of the Social Security Act to require state agency personnel that administer TANF programs to be adequately trained to assist survivors seeking assistance.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must study the barriers survivors encounter to maintain economic security. HHS may arrange financial literacy support for survivors.

The Department of Labor must establish a public outreach campaign.

security financial empowerment act bill amends violence_against_women_act require national_resource_center workplace response provide information assistance domestic violence sexual assault coalitions survivor service organizations organizations coalitions shall provide resource materials assistance employees employers labor organizations aid efforts develop adequate workplace responses domestic sexual violence addition bill requires employers provide employees days leave year including hours earned paid leave result domestic violence dating violence sexual assault stalking employee employee family member states provide nonrecurring short term emergency benefits employees leave survivors employment sustainability act prohibits employers public benefit agencies insurers discriminating survivors domestic violence dating sexual violence sexual assault stalking internal revenue code employers unemployment compensation survivors separated work conditions related individuals survivors bill amends title temporary assistance needy families tanf social security act require state agency personnel administer tanf programs adequately trained assist survivors seeking assistance department_of_health_and_human_services hhs study barriers survivors encounter maintain economic security hhs arrange financial literacy support survivors department_of_labor establish public outreach campaign


Summary:
Senior$afe Act of 2015

This bill provides that: (1) a supervisor, compliance officer, or legal advisor for a covered financial institution who has received training regarding the identification and reporting of the suspected exploitation of a senior citizen (at least 65 years old) shall not be liable for disclosing such exploitation to a covered agency if such individual made the disclosure in good faith and with reasonable care; and (2) a covered financial institution shall not be liable for such a disclosure by such an individual if such individual was employed by the institution at the time of the disclosure and the institution had provided such training.

A "covered financial institution" means a bank, a credit union, an investment adviser, or a broker-dealer. A "covered agency" means each of the federal financial institutions regulatory agencies or a state financial regulatory agency, law enforcement agency, or adult protective services agency.

A covered financial institution may provide such training to each of its supervisors, compliance officers, or legal advisors who: (1) may come into contact with a senior citizen as a regular part of such employee's duties; or (2) may review or approve the financial documents, records, or transactions of a senior citizen in connection with providing him or her financial services.

act bill provides supervisor compliance officer legal advisor covered financial institution received training identification reporting suspected exploitation senior citizen years old shall liable disclosing exploitation covered agency individual disclosure good faith reasonable care covered financial institution shall liable disclosure individual individual employed institution time disclosure institution provided training covered financial institution means bank credit union investment adviser broker dealer covered agency means federal financial institutions regulatory agencies state financial regulatory agency law enforcement agency adult protective services agency covered financial institution provide training supervisors compliance officers legal advisors come contact senior citizen regular employee duties review approve financial documents records transactions senior citizen connection providing financial services


Summary:
Child Tax Credit Improvement Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the child tax credit, to: (1) increase the amount of such credit for children who have not attained age 6 by the close of the taxable year, (2) modify the limitation on such credit based upon taxpayer adjusted gross income and the age of the qualifying child, (3) increase the refundable portion of such credit for children under age 6, and (4) allow an inflation adjustment to the $1,000 credit amount beginning after 2015.

bill amends internal_revenue_code respect child tax credit increase credit children attained age close taxable year modify limitation credit based taxpayer adjusted gross income age qualifying child increase refundable portion credit children age allow inflation adjustment credit beginning


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

Pro bono Work to Empower and Represent Act of 2015 or the POWER Act

(Sec. 3) This bill requires the U.S. Attorney for a judicial district to lead at least one public event that promotes pro bono legal services as a critical way to: (1) empower survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and (2) engage citizens in assisting those survivors.

A special but similar rule applies to districts containing Indian tribes and tribal organizations.

Each U.S. Attorney shall: (1) have discretion on the design, organization, and implementation of such public events; and (2) seek to maximize an event's local impact and the access of such survivors to high-quality pro bono legal services.

(Sec. 5) The Department of Justice shall use existing funds to carry out this Act.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure pro bono work empower power act sec bill requires attorney judicial district lead public event promotes pro bono legal services critical way empower survivors domestic violence dating violence sexual assault stalking engage citizens assisting survivors special similar rule applies districts containing indian tribes tribal organizations attorney shall discretion design organization implementation public events seek maximize event local impact access survivors high quality pro bono legal services sec department_of_justice shall use existing funds carry act


Summary:
Family Unification, Preservation, and Modernization Act of 2015

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to the Family Unification Program (FUP) under which eligible youth aged 18-24 who left foster care at age 16 or older and who lack adequate housing may receive Housing Choice Vouchers (for section 8 tenant-based or project-based assistance) for a period of time. These Vouchers shall be available also for any such youth who will leave foster care within 90 days and who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The period of assistance for such youth shall be extended from 18 to 36 months, and may be extended beyond 36 months to accord with the length of the youth's contract of participation in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. The FSS program helps Voucher program participants and public housing tenants obtain employment that will enable participating families to achieve economic independence.

The bill prescribes requirements for applications for FUP allocations.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shall provide guidance to public child welfare agencies and public housing agencies (PHAs) to improve system coordination and implementation of assistance.

HUD may develop a program for incentive payments to PHAs that improve connections between FUP assistance recipients with FSS programs.

Part B (Child and Family Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act is amended to authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants for FY2017-FY2025 to eligible applicants to cover up to 75% of the costs of supportive services, including case management services, for at least 12 months to recipients of FUP housing assistance.

modernization act bill amends united_states housing act respect eligible youth aged left foster care age older lack adequate housing receive section tenant based project based assistance period time vouchers shall available youth leave foster care days homeless risk homeless period assistance youth shall extended months extended months accord length youth contract participation family self sufficiency program program helps voucher program participants public housing tenants obtain employment enable participating families achieve economic independence bill prescribes requirements applications allocations department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud shall provide guidance public child welfare agencies public housing agencies phas improve system coordination implementation assistance hud develop program incentive payments phas improve connections assistance recipients programs child family services title social security act amended authorize department_of_health_and_human_services grants fy2017 fy2025 eligible applicants cover costs supportive services including case management services months recipients housing assistance


Summary:
Foster EITC Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the earned income tax credit by: (1) making permanent the increase in the rate of such credit for taxpayers with three or more children, (2) increasing the credit for taxpayers with no qualifying children, (3) reducing the qualifying age for such credit for certain childless individuals (from age 25 to age 21) and for youth formerly in foster care (from age 25 to age 18), (4) imposing new reporting requirements for youth in foster care who have attained age 16, and (5) revising eligibility rules relating to married individuals living apart and qualifying children claimed by another family member.

foster eitc act bill amends internal_revenue_code modify earned income tax credit making permanent increase rate credit taxpayers children increasing credit taxpayers qualifying children reducing qualifying age credit certain individuals age age youth foster care age age imposing new reporting requirements youth foster care attained age revising eligibility rules relating married individuals living apart qualifying children claimed family member


Summary:
Protecting Families Affected by Substance Abuse Act

This bill amends part B (Child and Family Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act to reauthorize for FY2017-FY2021 grants to assist children affected by methamphetamine, opioid, or other substance abuse under the promoting safe and stable families program.

protecting families affected bill amends child family services title social security act reauthorize fy2017-fy2021 grants assist children affected methamphetamine opioid substance abuse promoting safe stable families program


Summary:
Modernizing the Interstate Placement of Children in Foster Care Act

This bill amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require the procedures a state must have in effect for the orderly and timely interstate placement of children to include a centralized electronic case processing system.

Grants are authorized for development of a centralized electronic system to expedite the interstate placement of children in foster care, guardianship, or adoptive homes.

Discretionary funding shall be continued through FY2017 to promote safe and stable families.

The Department of Health and Human Services shall reserve $5 million of the amount made available for such grants for FY2017, which reserved amount shall remain available through FY2021.

modernizing bill amends foster care adoption assistance title social security act require procedures state effect orderly timely interstate placement children include centralized electronic case processing system grants authorized development centralized electronic system expedite interstate placement children foster care guardianship adoptive homes discretionary funding shall continued fy2017 promote safe stable families department_of_health_and_human_services shall reserve million available grants fy2017 reserved shall remain available fy2021


Summary:
Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2016

This bill expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress must address the unfair exclusion of professional and hardworking home care providers who are not eligible to receive Social Security or Medicare because they provided paid care to a family member with a disability under programs operated at the state and local level for general health and welfare protection.

This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act with respect to determining entitlement to and the amount of any monthly benefit, including any lump-sum death payment, payable under OASDI on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of any individual.

Such an individual shall be deemed to have been paid a wage (according to a specified formula) during each month during which the individual was engaged for at least 80 hours in providing care to a dependent relative without monetary compensation for up to five years of such service.

This bill shall not apply in the case of any monthly benefit or lump-sum death payment if a larger benefit or payment would be payable without its application.

social_security_caregiver_credit_act bill expresses sense senate congress address unfair exclusion professional home care providers eligible receive social_security medicare provided paid care family member disability programs operated state local level general health welfare protection bill amends title old age survivors disability insurance oasdi social security act respect determining entitlement monthly benefit including lump sum death payment payable oasdi basis wages self employment income individual individual shall deemed paid wage according specified formula month individual engaged hours providing care dependent relative monetary compensation years service bill shall apply case monthly benefit lump sum death payment larger benefit payment payable application


Summary:
Family First Prevention Services Act of 2016

This bill amends Part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSAct) regarding: (1) mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services and in-home parenting skill-based programs, (2) foster care maintenance payments for children with parents in a licensed residential family-based treatment facility for substance abuse, and (3) payments for evidence-based kinship navigator programs.

Part B (Child and Welfare Services) of SSAct title IV is amended regarding: (1) time limits for family reunification services for children in foster care or returning home, (2) grants for the development of an electronic interstate case-processing system to expedite the interstate placement of children in foster care or guardianship or for adoption, and (3) targeted grants to increase the well-being of children affected by substance abuse.

The Department of Health and Human Services shall identify reputable model standards for the licensing of foster family homes.

SSAct title IV part B is amended regarding tracking and preventing child maltreatment.

SSAct title IV part E is amended regarding: (1) kinship guardianship assistance and prevention services, (2) foster care maintenance payments program and limited federal financial participation, and (3) assessment and judicial documentation of the need for placement of a child in a qualified residential treatment program.

SSAct title IV part B is amended regarding procedures and protocols a state has established to ensure that children in foster care placements are not inappropriately diagnosed with mental illness, other emotional or behavioral disorders, medically fragile conditions, or developmental disabilities, and as a result placed in settings that are not foster family homes.

SSAct title IV part E is amended regarding children in foster care who have been placed in a child care institution or other setting that is not a foster family home.

SSAct title IV part B to reauthorize through FY2021: (1) the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program, (2) promotion of safe and stable families programs, (3) funding reservations for monthly caseworker visits and regional partnership grants, and (4) funding for state courts.

SSAct title IV part E is amended to: (1) revise the John H. Chaffee Foster Care Independence Program and related programs, and (2) reauthorize the adoption and legal guardianship incentive programs through FY2021.

SSAct title IV part B is amended to delay the adoption assistance phase-in.

The Government Accountability Office shall study the extent to which states comply with certain SSAct requirements relating to the effects of phasing out the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program income eligibility requirements for adoption assistance payments.

bill amends foster care adoption assistance title social security act ssact mental health substance abuse prevention treatment services home parenting skill based programs foster care maintenance payments children parents licensed residential family based treatment facility substance abuse payments evidence based kinship navigator programs child welfare services ssact title amended time limits family reunification services children foster care returning home grants development electronic interstate case processing system expedite interstate placement children foster care guardianship adoption targeted grants increase children affected substance abuse department_of_health_and_human_services shall identify reputable model standards licensing foster family homes ssact title amended tracking preventing child maltreatment ssact title amended kinship guardianship assistance prevention services foster care maintenance payments program limited federal financial participation assessment judicial documentation need placement child qualified residential treatment program ssact title amended procedures protocols state established ensure children foster care placements inappropriately diagnosed mental illness emotional behavioral disorders medically fragile conditions developmental disabilities result placed settings foster family homes ssact title amended children foster care placed child care institution setting foster family home ssact title reauthorize fy2021 stephanie tubbs jones child welfare services program promotion safe stable families programs funding reservations monthly caseworker visits regional partnership grants funding state courts ssact title amended revise related programs reauthorize adoption legal guardianship incentive programs fy2021 ssact title amended delay adoption assistance phase government_accountability_office shall study extent states comply certain ssact requirements relating effects phasing program income eligibility requirements adoption assistance payments


Summary:
Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act of 2016

 This bill amends the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination against or regarding survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault in:

 the sale or rental of housing and related activities, residential real estate-related transactions, and the provision of real estate brokerage services. This bill declares that nothing in the Act shall prohibit federal, state, or local government or other assistance or a preference program designed to assist or benefit domestic violence or sexual assault survivors in seeking, securing, or maintaining dwellings, shelters or any other form of housing.

The Civil Rights Act of 1968 is amended to prohibit intimidation in fair housing tranactions regarding survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault.

sexual assault survivors act bill amends fair housing act prohibit discrimination survivors domestic violence sexual assault sale rental housing related activities residential real estate related transactions provision real estate brokerage services bill declares act shall prohibit federal state local government assistance preference program designed assist benefit domestic violence sexual assault survivors seeking securing maintaining dwellings shelters form housing civil rights act amended prohibit intimidation fair housing survivors domestic violence sexual assault


Summary:
Vulnerable Children and Families Act of 2016

 This bill redesignates the Office of Children's Issues of the Department of State as the Office of Vulnerable Children and Family Security (VCFS).

The President shall appoint an Ambassador-at-Large to promote: (1) oversight of the VCFS; (2) the implementation in foreign countries of child welfare laws and policies in keeping with the goals of the United States Government Action Plan on Children in Adversity; and (3) addressing the gap in U.S. diplomacy, policy, and operations regarding permanent family care for children living without families.

The Ambassador-at-Large shall: (1) advise the State Department and the President about vulnerable children and family security in foreign countries; (2) represent the United States regarding international child welfare, family preservation and reunification, and provision of permanent, safe parental care; (3) develop related policies and programs; and (4) submit an annual report on implementation of such action plan.

 The bill provides the VCFS with lead responsibility for: (1) representing the U.S. government regarding intercountry adoptions, and (2) determining whether a country has met its obligations under the Hague Convention of Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Inter-Country Adoption and is eligible to participate in intercountry adoptions in accordance with U.S. law.

 The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended to: (1) include in the annual country reports on human rights practices information on the conditions of children living in orphanages and group homes, and (2) repeal certain provisions providing assistance for orphans and other vulnerable children.

 The U.S. Agency for International Development's Center of Excellence on Children in Adversity shall work with the Ambassador-at-Large to ensure that U.S. assistance and development programs are focused on:

 child development through the integration of health, nutrition, and family support; facilitating government efforts to protect children from violence, exploitation, and neglect; building integrated child welfare and protection systems; and integrating this plan with U.S. government agencies.

vulnerable children families act bill redesignates issues department_of_state president shall appoint ambassador large promote oversight implementation foreign countries child welfare laws policies keeping goals plan children adversity addressing gap diplomacy policy operations permanent family care children living families ambassador large shall advise state_department president vulnerable children family security foreign countries represent united_states international child welfare family preservation reunification provision permanent safe parental care develop related policies programs submit annual report implementation action plan bill provides lead responsibility representing government intercountry adoptions determining country met obligations eligible participate intercountry adoptions accordance law foreign assistance act amended include annual country reports human rights practices information conditions children living group homes repeal certain provisions providing assistance orphans vulnerable children adversity shall work ambassador large ensure assistance development programs focused child development integration health nutrition family support facilitating government efforts protect children violence exploitation neglect building integrated child welfare protection systems integrating plan government agencies


Summary:
Improved Employment Outcomes for Foster Youth Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include the hiring of qualified foster care transition youth.

(The WOTC permits employers who hire individuals who are members of a targeted group [e.g., qualified veterans, ex-felons, SSI recipients] to claim a tax credit equal to a portion of the wages paid to those individuals.)

A "qualified foster care transition youth" is any individual who is certified by the designated local agency as: (1) not having attained age 27 as of the hiring date, and (2) as having been in foster care after attaining the younger of age 16 or the age specified in provisions of the Social Security Act related to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program.

bill amends internal_revenue_code expand include hiring qualified foster care transition youth permits employers hire individuals members targeted group qualified veterans felons ssi recipients claim tax credit equal portion wages paid individuals qualified foster care transition youth individual certified designated local agency having attained age hiring date having foster care attaining younger age age specified provisions social security act related


Summary:
Violence Against Women Veterans Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a program to assist veterans who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault in accessing benefits from the VA, including by coordinating access to medical treatment centers, housing assistance, and other benefits. The VA shall carry out the program in partnership with specified health care or other service providers that serve domestic violence or sexual assault victims.

The VA may: (1) conduct training for community-based domestic violence or sexual assault service providers on identifying veterans who have been victims, coordinating with local VA service providers, and connecting veterans with appropriate VA housing, mental health, medical, and other financial assistance or benefits; and (2) provide assistance to service providers to ensure veterans access to domestic violence and sexual assault emergency services.

The VA may establish local coordinators to provide outreach under such program and ensure that each coordinator is knowledgeable about:

 the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault, including safety concerns, legal protections, and the need for confidential services; veteran eligibility for VA services and benefits relevant to recovery from domestic violence and sexual assault; and local community resources addressing domestic violence and sexual assault. Each coordinator shall assist domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers in providing services to veterans.

The VA shall: (1) establish a national task force to develop a comprehensive national program to address domestic violence and sexual assault among veterans, and (2) conduct a national baseline study to examine the scope of the problem of domestic violence and sexual assault among veterans and spouses of veterans.

violence women veterans act bill requires department_of_veterans_affairs carry program assist veterans experienced experiencing domestic violence sexual assault accessing benefits including coordinating access medical treatment centers housing assistance benefits shall carry program partnership specified health care service providers serve domestic violence sexual assault victims conduct training community based domestic violence sexual assault service providers identifying veterans victims coordinating local service providers connecting veterans appropriate housing mental health medical financial assistance benefits provide assistance service providers ensure veterans access domestic violence sexual assault emergency services establish local coordinators provide outreach program ensure coordinator knowledgeable dynamics domestic violence sexual assault including safety concerns legal protections need confidential services veteran eligibility services benefits relevant recovery domestic violence sexual assault local community resources addressing domestic violence sexual assault coordinator shall assist domestic violence shelters rape crisis centers providing services veterans shall establish national task force develop comprehensive national program address domestic violence sexual assault veterans conduct national baseline study examine scope problem domestic violence sexual assault veterans spouses veterans


Summary: Restroom Gender Parity in Federal Buildings Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of General Services to include in a prospectus submitted to Congress for approval of a proposed public facility a statement that the number of toilets in women's restrooms in such facility will exceed the number of toilets (including urinals) in men's restrooms by a ratio of two to one or a statement as to why such a ratio is not needed.

restroom gender parity federal buildings act requires administrator general_services include prospectus submitted congress approval proposed public facility statement number toilets women restrooms facility exceed number toilets including men restrooms ratio statement ratio needed


Summary: Hate Crime Statistics Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Hate Crime Statistics Act to require the Attorney General to acquire data about crimes that manifest evidence of prejudice based on gender.

amends hate crime statistics act require attorney general acquire data crimes manifest evidence prejudice based gender


Summary: Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2007 - Repeals current Department of Defense (DOD) policy concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation against any member of the Armed Forces or any person seeking to become a member. Authorizes the re-accession into the Armed Forces of otherwise qualified individuals previously separated for homosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexual conduct. Requires such Secretaries to ensure that regulations governing the personal conduct of members of the Armed Forces are written and enforced without regard to sexual orientation.

military readiness enhancement act repeals current department_of_defense dod policy concerning homosexuality armed_forces prohibits secretary defense secretary homeland_security respect coast_guard operating service navy discriminating basis sexual orientation member armed_forces person seeking member authorizes accession armed_forces qualified individuals previously separated homosexuality bisexuality homosexual conduct requires secretaries ensure regulations governing personal conduct members armed_forces written enforced regard sexual orientation


Summary: Paycheck Fairness Act - (Sec. 3) Amends the portion of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) known as the Equal Pay Act to revise remedies for, enforcement of, and exceptions to prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages. Revises the exception to the prohibition for a wage rate differential based on any other factor other than sex. Limits such factors to bona fide factors, such as education, training, or experience. States that the bona fide factor defense shall apply only if the employer demonstrates that such factor: (1) is not based upon or derived from a sex-based differential in compensation; (2) is job-related with respect to the position in question; and (3) is consistent with business necessity. Avers that such defense shall not apply where the employee demonstrates that: (1) an alternative employment practice exists that would serve the same business purpose without producing such differential; and (2) the employer has refused to adopt such alternative practice. Revises the prohibition against employer retaliation for employee complaints. Prohibits retaliation for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing the wages of the employee or another employee in response to a complaint or charge, or in furtherance of a sex discrimination investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, or an investigation conducted by the employer. Makes employers who violate sex discrimination prohibitions liable in a civil action for either compensatory or (except for the federal government) punitive damages. States that any action brought to enforce the prohibition against sex discrimination may be maintained as a class action in which individuals may be joined as party plaintiffs without their written consent. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages in a sex discrimination action. (Sec. 4) Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to train EEOC employees and affected individuals and entities on matters involving wage discrimination. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities for negotiation skills training programs for girls and women. Directs the Secretaries of Labor and Education to issue regulations or policy guidance to integrate such training into certain programs under their Departments. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and provide information to employers, labor organizations, and the general public regarding the means available to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. (Sec. 7) Establishes the Secretary of Labor's National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace for an employer has made substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. (Sec. 8) Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require the EEOC to collect from employers pay information data regarding the sex, race, and national origin of employees for use in the enforcement of federal laws prohibiting pay discrimination. (Sec. 9) Directs: (1) the Commissioner of Labor Statistics to continue to collect data on woman workers in the Current Employment Statistics survey; (2) the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to use specified types of methods in investigating compensation discrimination and in enforcing pay equity; and (3) the Secretary to make accurate information on compensation discrimination readily available to the public. (Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits the earmarking of such funds. (Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary and the Commissioner of the EEOC jointly to develop technical assistance material to assist small businesses to comply with the requirements of this Act.

paycheck fairness act sec amends portion fair labor standards act flsa known equal pay act revise remedies enforcement exceptions prohibitions sex discrimination payment wages revises exception prohibition wage rate differential based factor sex limits factors bona fide factors education training experience states bona fide factor defense shall apply employer demonstrates factor based derived sex based differential compensation job related respect position question consistent business necessity defense shall apply employee demonstrates alternative employment practice exists serve business purpose producing differential employer refused adopt alternative practice revises prohibition employer retaliation employee complaints prohibits retaliation inquiring discussing disclosing wages employee employee response complaint charge furtherance sex discrimination investigation proceeding hearing action investigation conducted employer makes employers violate sex discrimination prohibitions liable civil action compensatory federal government punitive damages states action brought enforce prohibition sex discrimination maintained class action individuals joined party plaintiffs written consent authorizes secretary labor secretary seek additional compensatory punitive damages sex discrimination action sec requires equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc office_of_federal_contract_compliance_programs train eeoc employees affected individuals entities matters involving wage discrimination sec authorizes secretary grants eligible entities negotiation skills training programs girls women directs secretaries labor education issue regulations policy guidance integrate training certain programs departments sec directs secretary conduct studies provide information employers labor organizations general public means available eliminate pay disparities men women sec establishes secretary labor national_award_for_pay_equity workplace employer substantial effort eliminate pay disparities men women sec amends civil rights act require eeoc collect employers pay information data sex race national origin employees use enforcement federal laws prohibiting pay discrimination sec directs commissioner labor_statistics continue collect data woman workers current_employment_statistics survey office_of_federal_contract_compliance_programs use specified types methods investigating compensation discrimination enforcing pay equity secretary accurate information compensation discrimination readily available public sec authorizes appropriations prohibits earmarking funds sec directs secretary commissioner eeoc jointly develop technical assistance material assist small businesses comply requirements act


Summary: Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity by covered entities (employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees). Prohibits preferential treatment or quotas. Allows only disparate treatment claims. Prohibits related retaliation. Makes this Act inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations; and (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the armed forces. States that this Act does not repeal or modify any federal, state, territorial, or local law creating a special right or preference concerning employment for a veteran. Provides for the construction of this Act with regard to: (1) enforcement by employers of rules and policies; (2) sexual harassment; (3) certain shared facilities such as showers or dressing facilities; (4) dress and grooming standards; and (5) certain matters relating to marriage. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from collecting statistics from covered entities on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or compelling the collection by covered entities of such statistics. Provides for enforcement, including giving the EEOC, the Librarian of Congress, the Attorney General, and U.S. courts the same enforcement powers as they have under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, and other specified laws. Allows actions and proceedings against state governments and, subject to limitation, the federal government.

Civil rights and liberties, minority issues

employment non discrimination act prohibits employment discrimination basis actual perceived sexual orientation gender identity covered entities employers employment agencies labor organizations joint labor management committees prohibits preferential treatment quotas allows disparate treatment claims prohibits related retaliation makes act inapplicable religious organizations relationship united_states members armed forces states act repeal modify federal state territorial local law creating special right preference concerning employment veteran provides construction act regard enforcement employers rules policies sexual harassment certain shared facilities showers dressing facilities dress grooming standards certain matters relating marriage prohibits equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc collecting statistics covered entities actual perceived sexual orientation gender identity compelling collection covered entities statistics provides enforcement including giving eeoc librarian congress attorney general courts enforcement powers specified provisions civil rights act government employee rights act specified laws allows actions proceedings state governments subject limitation federal government


Summary: Clarification of Federal Employment Protections Act - Repudiates, in order to dispel any public confusion, any assertion that federal employees are not protected from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Prohibits any federal employee who has authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve any personnel action, from discriminating for or against any federal employee or applicant for federal employment on the basis of sexual orientation. Affirms that, in the absence of such prohibition, discrimination against federal employees and applicants for federal employment on the basis of sexual orientation is already prohibited under current law.

order dispel public confusion assertion federal employees protected discrimination basis sexual orientation prohibits federal employee authority direct recommend approve personnel action discriminating federal employee applicant federal employment basis sexual orientation affirms absence prohibition discrimination federal employees applicants federal employment basis sexual orientation prohibited current law


Summary: Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Makes it an unlawful employment practice for covered entities (employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees) to discriminate against an individual on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, including actions based on the actual or perceived sexual orientation of a person with whom the individual associates or has associated. Prohibits preferential treatment or quotas. Allows only disparate treatment claims. (Sec. 5) Makes it an unlawful employment practice to discriminate against an individual because the individual opposed any practice made an unlawful employment practice by this Act or made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Act. (Sec. 6) Makes this Act inapplicable to a corporation, association, educational institution, or society that is exempt from religious discrimination provisions under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.(Sec. 7) Makes this Act inapplicable to the relationship between the United States and members of the Armed Forces, including the Coast Guard. Declares that this Act does not repeal or modify any federal, state, territorial, or local law creating a special right or preference concerning employment for a veteran.(Sec. 8) Prohibits construing this Act to prohibit a covered entity from enforcing rules and policies that do not intentionally circumvent this Act's purposes if the rules or policies are designed for, and uniformly applied to, all individuals regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation. Prohibits construing this Act to limit a covered entity from taking adverse action against an individual because of a charge of sexual harassment against that individual, provided that sexual harassment rules and policies are designed for, and uniformly applied to, all individuals regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation.Prohibits construing this Act to require a covered entity to treat a couple who are not married in the same manner as the covered entity treats a married couple for purposes of employee benefits.Declares that, in this Act, the terms "married" and "marry" refer to a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.(Sec. 9) Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from collecting statistics from covered entities on actual or perceived sexual orientation or compelling the collection by covered entities of such statistics.(Sec. 10) Provides for enforcement, including giving the EEOC, the Librarian of Congress, the Attorney General, and U.S. courts the same enforcement powers as they have under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, and other specified laws.(Sec. 11) Allows actions and proceedings against state governments and, subject to limitation, the federal government.(Sec. 12) Allows, in some circumstances, the awarding to the prevailing party of a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs. Makes the EEOC and the United States liable for the costs to the same extent as a private person. (Sec. 13) Requires the posting of related notices by covered entities. (Sec. 14) Grants authority to issue regulations to the EEOC, the Librarian of Congress, the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance in accordance with provisions of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, and the President.(Sec. 15) Declares that this Act does not invalidate or limit the rights, remedies, or procedures available under any other federal law or regulation or any law or regulation of a state or political subdivision of a state.

employment non discrimination act sec makes unlawful employment practice covered entities employers employment agencies labor organizations joint labor management committees discriminate individual basis actual perceived sexual orientation including actions based actual perceived sexual orientation person individual associates associated prohibits preferential treatment quotas allows disparate treatment claims sec makes unlawful employment practice discriminate individual individual opposed practice unlawful employment practice act charge testified assisted participated manner investigation proceeding hearing act sec makes act inapplicable corporation association educational institution society exempt religious discrimination provisions civil rights act makes act inapplicable relationship united_states members armed_forces including coast_guard declares act repeal modify federal state territorial local law creating special right preference concerning employment prohibits construing act prohibit covered entity enforcing rules policies intentionally circumvent act purposes rules policies designed uniformly applied individuals regardless actual perceived sexual orientation prohibits construing act limit covered entity taking adverse action individual charge sexual harassment individual provided sexual harassment rules policies designed uniformly applied individuals regardless actual perceived sexual orientation prohibits construing act require covered entity treat couple married manner covered entity treats married couple purposes employee benefits declares act terms married marry refer legal union man woman husband prohibits equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc collecting statistics covered entities actual perceived sexual orientation compelling collection covered entities provides enforcement including giving eeoc librarian congress attorney general courts enforcement powers specified provisions civil rights act government employee rights act specified allows actions proceedings state governments subject limitation federal allows circumstances awarding prevailing party reasonable attorney fee costs makes eeoc united_states liable costs extent private person sec requires posting related notices covered entities sec grants authority issue regulations eeoc librarian congress board_of_directors office_of_compliance accordance provisions congressional_accountability_act declares act invalidate limit rights remedies procedures available federal law regulation law regulation state political subdivision state


Summary: Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived gender identity by covered entities (employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees). Prohibits preferential treatment or quotas. Allows only disparate treatment claims.Prohibits related retaliation. Makes this Act inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations; and (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the Armed Forces. Declares that this Act does not repeal or modify any federal, state, territorial, or local law creating a special right or preference concerning employment for a veteran.Provides for the construction of this Act with regard to: (1) enforcement by employers of rules and policies; (2) sexual harassment; (3) certain shared facilities such as showers or dressing facilities; (4) the construction of new or additional facilities; and (5) dress and grooming standards.Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from collecting statistics from covered entities on actual or perceived gender identity or compelling the collection by covered entities of such statistics.Provides for enforcement, including giving the EEOC, the Librarian of Congress, the Attorney General, and U.S. courts the same enforcement powers as they have under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, and other specified laws.Allows actions and proceedings against state governments and, subject to limitation, the federal government.

prohibits employment discrimination basis actual perceived gender identity covered entities employers employment agencies labor organizations joint labor management committees prohibits preferential treatment quotas allows disparate treatment claims prohibits related retaliation makes act inapplicable religious organizations relationship united_states members armed_forces declares act repeal modify federal state territorial local law creating special right preference concerning employment veteran provides construction act regard enforcement employers rules policies sexual harassment certain shared facilities showers dressing facilities construction new additional facilities dress grooming standards prohibits equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc collecting statistics covered entities actual perceived gender identity compelling collection covered entities statistics provides enforcement including giving eeoc librarian congress attorney general courts enforcement powers specified provisions civil rights act government employee rights act specified laws allows actions proceedings state governments subject limitation federal government


Summary: Equal Rights for Health Care Act Title 42 - Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability status against any person in the United States under any health care service or research program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

prohibits discrimination basis sex race color national origin sexual orientation disability status person united_states health care service research program activity receiving federal financial assistance


Summary: State Regulation of Marriage Is Appropriate Act - Amends the Defense of Marriage Act to repeal the statutory definition of "marriage" as meaning only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and of "spouse" as referring only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.

state regulation marriage defense_of_marriage_act repeal statutory definition marriage meaning legal union man woman husband wife spouse referring person opposite sex husband wife


Summary: Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Act of 2008 - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a policy for federal science agencies to carry out a program of workshops that educate specified federally funded researchers about methods that minimize the effects of gender bias in evaluation, including of federal research grants, for hiring, tenure, and promotion, and for selection for any other honor based on academic merit. Requires the support of at least one workshop every two years among the federal science agencies in the major science and engineering disciplines. Authorizes federal science agencies to carry out such program by making grants to eligible organizations as described in this Act. Requires the Director to transmit a report evaluating such program's impact in reducing gender bias towards women engaged in research funded by the federal government. Requires the Director to develop a policy to extend research grant support and provide interim technical support for federally funded researchers who are caregivers. Requires transmission of a copy of such policy to specified congressional committees. Requires federal science agencies to collect specified standardized annual data for all applications for research and development grants to institutions of higher education and to submit the data collected to the National Science Foundation (NSF). Makes the NSF responsible for storing and publishing all such grant data. Requires annual publication of a list of the institutions of higher education science and engineering departments represented by individuals who attend the workshops described above.

fulfilling requires director office_of_science_and_technology_policy develop policy federal science agencies carry program workshops educate specified federally funded researchers methods minimize effects gender bias evaluation including federal research grants hiring tenure promotion selection honor based academic merit requires support workshop years federal science agencies major science engineering disciplines authorizes federal science agencies carry program making grants eligible organizations described act requires director transmit report evaluating program impact reducing gender bias women engaged research funded federal government requires director develop policy extend research grant support provide interim technical support federally funded researchers caregivers requires transmission copy policy specified congressional committees requires federal science agencies collect specified standardized annual data applications research development grants institutions higher education submit data collected national_science_foundation nsf makes nsf responsible storing publishing grant data requires annual publication list institutions higher education science engineering departments represented individuals attend workshops described


Summary: Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Act of 2008 - Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a policy for federal science agencies to carry out a program of workshops that educate specified federally funded researchers about methods that minimize the effects of gender bias in the evaluation of federal research grants and in the related academic advancement of the recipients of these grants. Requires the support of at least one workshop every two years among the federal science agencies in the major science and engineering disciplines.Authorizes federal science agencies to carry out such program by making grants to eligible organizations as described in this Act. Requires the Director to transmit a report evaluating such program's impact in reducing gender bias towards women engaged in research funded by the federal government. Requires the Director to develop a policy to extend research grant support and provide interim technical support for federally funded researchers who are caregivers. Requires transmission of a copy of such policy to specified congressional committees. Requires federal science agencies to collect specified standardized annual data for all applications for research and development grants to institutions of higher education and to submit the data collected to the National Science Foundation (NSF). Makes the NSF responsible for storing and publishing all such grant data. Requires annual publication of a list of the institutions of higher education science and engineering departments represented by individuals who attend the workshops described above.

fulfilling requires director office_of_science_and_technology_policy develop policy federal science agencies carry program workshops educate specified federally funded researchers methods minimize effects gender bias evaluation federal research grants related academic advancement recipients grants requires support workshop years federal science agencies major science engineering disciplines authorizes federal science agencies carry program making grants eligible organizations described act requires director transmit report evaluating program impact reducing gender bias women engaged research funded federal government requires director develop policy extend research grant support provide interim technical support federally funded researchers caregivers requires transmission copy policy specified congressional committees requires federal science agencies collect specified standardized annual data applications research development grants institutions higher education submit data collected national_science_foundation nsf makes nsf responsible storing publishing grant data requires annual publication list institutions higher education science engineering departments represented individuals attend workshops described


Summary: Declares an employer liable to a party injured in a crime of violence motivated by gender if: (1) the employer's business is in or affects interstate or foreign commerce; and (2) the employer's negligent conduct results in the perpetration of a gender-motivated crime of violence against an individual upon premises under the employer's control.States that nothing in this Act: (1) entitles a person to a cause of action for random acts of violence unrelated to gender or for acts that cannot be demonstrated to be motivated by gender; or (2) requires a prior criminal complaint, prosecution, or conviction.Gives the federal and state courts concurrent jurisdiction over actions brought pursuant to this Act.Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to create and provide to employers materials regarding personnel policies and safety standards to assist them in avoiding liability under this Act.

declares employer liable party injured crime violence motivated gender employer business affects interstate foreign commerce employer negligent conduct results gender motivated crime violence individual premises employer control states act entitles person cause action random acts violence unrelated gender acts demonstrated motivated gender requires prior criminal complaint prosecution conviction gives federal state courts concurrent jurisdiction actions brought pursuant act directs equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc create provide employers materials personnel policies safety standards assist avoiding liability act


Summary: Iraq Redeployment Act of 2007 - Prohibits the use of any federal funds to continue the deployment in Iraq of members of the U.S. Armed Forces after 180 days after the enactment of this Act, notwithstanding the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. Provides exceptions with respect to the use of funds to: (1) conduct targeted counterterrorism operations; (2) provide security for U.S. infrastructure and civilian personnel; (3) conduct Iraqi security services training; (4) protect U.S. Armed Forces carrying out any of the above functions; or (5) carry out any political, economic, or general reconstruction activities in Iraq. Requires a report, from the Secretaries of Defense and State to Congress, on a strategy for the redeployment of members of the Armed Forces from Iraq after such deadline.

iraq redeployment act prohibits use federal funds continue deployment iraq members days enactment act notwithstanding authorization use military force iraq resolution provides exceptions respect use funds conduct targeted counterterrorism operations provide security infrastructure civilian personnel conduct iraqi security services training protect carrying functions carry political economic general reconstruction activities iraq requires report congress strategy redeployment members armed_forces iraq deadline


Summary: National Women's History Museum Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of General Services to enter into an occupancy agreement with the National Women's History Museum, Inc. (Museum Sponsor) to allow the Museum Sponsor to locate a National Women's History Museum, at the Pavilion Annex (the building and specified surrounding land in Washington, D.C.), which shall extend for a period of not more than 99 years.

requires administrator general_services enter occupancy agreement museum sponsor allow locate annex building specified surrounding land washington shall extend period years


Summary: Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) conduct a long-term epidemiological study on the health of women veterans who served on active duty in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (2) assess barriers encountered by women veterans to the provision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of comprehensive health care; (3) assess all health care services and programs provided by the VA for women veterans; (4) study the health consequences on women veterans of active-duty service in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom; (5) provide training and certification for mental health professionals who provide counseling and care to women veterans suffering from sexual trauma; (6) develop a program of training and certification for VA health care professionals on the effective treatment of women veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); (7) carry out a pilot program of child care for certain women veterans receiving health care from VA facilities; (8) carry out a pilot program of reintegration and readjustment services in group retreat settings for women veterans recently separated from service after a prolonged deployment; and (9) ensure that there is at least one full-time women veterans program manager at each VA medical center. Authorizes the Secretary to furnish care to a newborn child of a woman veteran receiving VA maternity care for up to 30 days after the birth of the child. Requires women veterans recently separated from service to be included on the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans and the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.

requires secretary veterans_affairs conduct long term epidemiological study health women veterans served active duty operations iraqi freedom enduring_freedom assess barriers encountered women veterans provision department_of_veterans_affairs comprehensive health care assess health care services programs provided women veterans study health consequences women veterans active duty service operations iraqi freedom enduring_freedom provide training certification mental health professionals provide counseling care women veterans suffering sexual trauma develop program training certification health care professionals effective treatment women veterans suffering post traumatic stress disorder ptsd carry pilot program child care certain women veterans receiving health care facilities carry pilot program reintegration readjustment services group retreat settings women veterans recently separated service prolonged deployment ensure time women veterans program manager medical center authorizes secretary furnish care newborn child woman veteran receiving maternity care days birth child requires women veterans recently separated service included advisory_committee_on_women_veterans advisory_committee_on_minority_veterans


Summary: Prohibits the use of funds made available by any Act by the Department of Defense (DOD) for propaganda purposes within the United States not otherwise specifically authorized by law. Directs the DOD Inspector General and the U.S. Comptroller General to each conduct a study of, and report to Congress on, the extent to which the DOD has violated the prohibition on propaganda established in specified laws. Defines "propaganda" as any form of communication in support of national objectives designed to influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes, or behavior of the people of the United States in order to benefit the sponsor, either directly or indirectly.

prohibits use funds available act department_of_defense dod propaganda purposes united_states specifically authorized law directs dod inspector general conduct study report congress extent dod violated prohibition propaganda established specified laws defines propaganda form communication support national objectives designed influence opinions attitudes behavior people united_states order benefit sponsor directly indirectly


Summary: Paycheck Fairness Act - (Sec. 3) Amends the portion of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) known as the Equal Pay Act to revise remedies for, enforcement of, and exceptions to prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages. Revises the exception to the prohibition for a wage rate differential based on any other factor other than sex. Limits such factors to bona fide factors, such as education, training, or experience. States that the bona fide factor defense shall apply only if the employer demonstrates that such factor: (1) is not based upon or derived from a sex-based differential in compensation; (2) is job-related with respect to the position in question; and (3) is consistent with business necessity. Avers that such defense shall not apply where the employee demonstrates that: (1) an alternative employment practice exists that would serve the same business purpose without producing such differential; and (2) the employer has refused to adopt such alternative practice. Revises the prohibition against employer retaliation for employee complaints. Prohibits retaliation for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing the wages of the employee or another employee in response to a complaint or charge, or in furtherance of a sex discrimination investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, or an investigation conducted by the employer. Makes employers who violate sex discrimination prohibitions liable in a civil action for either compensatory or (except for the federal government) punitive damages. States that any action brought to enforce the prohibition against sex discrimination may be maintained as a class action in which individuals may be joined as party plaintiffs without their written consent. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages in a sex discrimination action. (Sec. 4) Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to train EEOC employees and affected individuals and entities on matters involving wage discrimination. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities for negotiation skills training programs for girls and women. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Education to issue regulations or policy guidance to integrate such training into certain programs under their Departments. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and provide information to employers, labor organizations, and the general public regarding the means available to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. (Sec. 7) Establishes the Secretary of Labor's National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace for an employer who has made substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. (Sec. 8) Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to require the EEOC to collect from employers pay information data regarding the sex, race, and national origin of employees for use in the enforcement of federal laws prohibiting pay discrimination. (Sec. 9) Directs: (1) the Commissioner of Labor Statistics to continue to collect data on woman workers in the Current Employment Statistics survey; (2) the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to use specified types of methods in investigating compensation discrimination and in enforcing pay equity; and (3) the Secretary to make accurate information on compensation discrimination readily available to the public. (Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act. (Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary and the Commissioner of the EEOC jointly to develop technical assistance material to assist small businesses to comply with the requirements of this Act. Exempts a small business from the provisions of this Act to the same extent that such business is exempt from the requirements of the FLSA under specified provisions of that Act.

paycheck fairness act sec amends portion fair labor standards act flsa known equal pay act revise remedies enforcement exceptions prohibitions sex discrimination payment wages revises exception prohibition wage rate differential based factor sex limits factors bona fide factors education training experience states bona fide factor defense shall apply employer demonstrates factor based derived sex based differential compensation job related respect position question consistent business necessity defense shall apply employee demonstrates alternative employment practice exists serve business purpose producing differential employer refused adopt alternative practice revises prohibition employer retaliation employee complaints prohibits retaliation inquiring discussing disclosing wages employee employee response complaint charge furtherance sex discrimination investigation proceeding hearing action investigation conducted employer makes employers violate sex discrimination prohibitions liable civil action compensatory federal government punitive damages states action brought enforce prohibition sex discrimination maintained class action individuals joined party plaintiffs written consent authorizes secretary labor secretary seek additional compensatory punitive damages sex discrimination action sec requires equal_employment_opportunity_commission eeoc office_of_federal_contract_compliance_programs train eeoc employees affected individuals entities matters involving wage discrimination sec authorizes secretary grants eligible entities negotiation skills training programs girls women directs secretary secretary education issue regulations policy guidance integrate training certain programs departments sec directs secretary conduct studies provide information employers labor organizations general public means available eliminate pay disparities men women sec establishes secretary labor national_award_for_pay_equity workplace employer substantial effort eliminate pay disparities men women sec amends civil rights act require eeoc collect employers pay information data sex race national origin employees use enforcement federal laws prohibiting pay discrimination sec directs commissioner labor_statistics continue collect data woman workers current_employment_statistics survey office_of_federal_contract_compliance_programs use specified types methods investigating compensation discrimination enforcing pay equity secretary accurate information compensation discrimination readily available public sec authorizes appropriations carry act sec directs secretary commissioner eeoc jointly develop technical assistance material assist small businesses comply requirements act exempts small business provisions act extent business exempt requirements flsa specified provisions act


Summary: Alice Paul Women's Suffrage Congressional Gold Medal Act - Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the presentation of a congressional gold medal in commemoration of Alice Paul, to recognize her role in the women's suffrage movement and in advancing equal rights for women. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of such medal. Requires proceeds from the sale of such medals to be deposited into the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

congressional gold medal act requires speaker house_of_representatives president pro tempore senate arrangements presentation congressional gold medal commemoration recognize role women movement advancing equal rights women authorizes secretary treasury strike sell duplicates bronze medal requires proceeds sale medals deposited


Summary: Hate Crime Statistics Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Hate Crime Statistics Act to require the Attorney General to acquire data about crimes that manifest evidence of prejudice based on gender.

amends hate crime statistics act require attorney general acquire data crimes manifest evidence prejudice based gender


Summary: Honoring Female Congressional Pioneers Act of 2009 - Directs the Postal Service to provide for the issuance and sale of a semipostal in order to afford the public a convenient means to contribute towards the acquisition (for public display) of works of art honoring Jeanette Rankin, Mary Teresa Norton, Patsy Takemoto Mink, Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm, Edith Nourse Rogers, and other female pioneers in U.S. government service and American life.

honoring female congressional pioneers act directs postal_service provide issuance sale semipostal order afford public convenient means contribute acquisition public display works art honoring female pioneers government service american life


Summary: Tracking Registered And Convicted Known (TRACK) Sex Offenders Act - Amends title IV (Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child-Welfare Services) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disclose to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) information in the National Directory of New Hires to assist in the enforcement of a federal or state law requiring the registration of sex offenders. Authorizes the FBI to disclose such information to state or local law enforcement agencies for purposes of enforcing sex offender registration laws.

tracking registered convicted known track sex offenders act amends title grants states aid services needy families children child-welfare_services social security act require secretary health_and_human_services disclose federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi information national_directory_of_new_hires assist enforcement federal state law requiring registration sex offenders authorizes fbi disclose information state local law enforcement agencies purposes enforcing sex offender registration laws


Summary: Presidential Commission on Women Act of 2009 - Establishes the Presidential Commission on Women to: (1) review the status of women nationwide; (2) review the role of the federal government in aid to, and the promotion of, women; (3) review data collection procedures with regard to women federal initiatives and procurement; and (4) hold a conference to assist in those reviews.

establishes review status women nationwide review role federal government aid promotion women review data collection procedures regard women federal initiatives procurement hold conference assist reviews


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

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


Summary: Afghan Women Empowerment Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the protection of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and their full participation in the reestablishment of democracy are essential to Afghanistan's reconstruction, and to achieve such reconstruction the U.S. government must commit resources to advance the rights of women throughout Afghanistan. Amends the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 to revise the provisions respecting assistance to women and girls in Afghanistan. Extends funding authority. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) condition the provision of such assistance on the recipient adhering to international standards for women's rights and human rights; and (2) ensure that Afghan women-led nongovernmental organizations with demonstrated experience in delivering services to Afghan women and children receive grants without ethnic, religious, or any other discrimination.

afghan women empowerment act expresses sense congress protection rights women girls afghanistan participation democracy essential afghanistan reconstruction achieve reconstruction government commit resources advance rights women afghanistan amends revise provisions respecting assistance women girls afghanistan extends funding authority expresses sense congress president condition provision assistance recipient adhering international standards women rights human rights ensure afghan women led nongovernmental organizations demonstrated experience delivering services afghan women children receive grants ethnic religious discrimination


Summary: Woman's Health Insurance Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit health insurance issuers offering individual health insurance coverage from: (1) considering the gender of an enrollee when determining premium; (2) imposing any preexisting condition exclusion relating to pregnancy; or (3) otherwise discriminating against women on the basis of a current or past pregnancy, past or future method of delivery, and past pregnancy outcome. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) develop a minimum benefit standard for the provision of comprehensive maternity coverage under an individual health plan, which shall require coverage for the full scope of maternity services from preconception through postpartum; and (2) require health insurance issuers to provide data to the Secretary to monitor compliance. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the appropriate congressional committees on health insurance coverage offered on the individual insurance market and on problems remaining for women after the enactment of this Act.

amends public_health_service_act prohibit health insurance issuers offering individual health insurance coverage considering gender enrollee determining premium imposing preexisting condition exclusion relating pregnancy discriminating women basis current past pregnancy past future method delivery past pregnancy outcome requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs develop minimum benefit standard provision comprehensive maternity coverage individual health plan shall require coverage scope maternity services postpartum require health insurance issuers provide data secretary monitor compliance directs comptroller general report appropriate congressional committees health insurance coverage offered individual insurance market problems remaining women enactment act