Summary: Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act - Makes any institution of higher education (IHE) postsecondary program designed to prepare students for a recognized occupation or profession requiring licensing or other entry pre-conditions ineligible to participate in a federal financial assistance program, unless it meets specified student consumer protection requirements. Requires each program to: (1) fully prepare students to satisfy those entry pre-conditions in the state in which the program is operated and in any state the program claims a successful program graduate will be prepared to work in the particular occupation or profession involved; (2) provide timely placement of students in required pre-licensure positions, such as internships or apprenticeships; and (3) meet specialized state accreditation requirements, or notify students if the program has not yet been fully accredited. Requires an IHE to notify out-of-state applicants as to whether or not its program satisfies the requirements of the applicant's state.

protecting students worthless degrees act makes institution higher education ihe postsecondary program designed prepare students recognized occupation profession requiring licensing entry pre conditions ineligible participate federal financial assistance program meets specified student consumer protection requirements requires program fully prepare students satisfy entry pre conditions state program operated state program claims successful program graduate prepared work particular occupation profession involved provide timely placement students required pre licensure positions internships apprenticeships meet specialized state accreditation requirements notify students program fully accredited requires ihe notify state applicants program satisfies requirements applicant state


Summary: Commercial Seafood Consumer Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to strengthen federal activities for ensuring that commercially distributed seafood meets federal food quality and safety requirements. Directs the Secretary and other appropriate federal agencies to enter into agreements to strengthen interagency cooperation on seafood safety, labeling, and fraud, including regarding examining and testing seafood imports, inspections of foreign facilities, establishing a distribution chain tracking system, data sharing, and public outreach. Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report deceptive seafood marketing and fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Directs the Secretary to increase the number of laboratories certified to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards in the United States and in countries that export seafood to the United States to analyze food and ensure that the laboratories comply with applicable federal laws. Authorizes the Secretary to increase the number and capacity of laboratories operated by NOAA involved in testing and other activities under this Act as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act and as provided for in appropriations Acts. Sets forth provision authorizing: (1) the refusal of admission of imported seafood or seafood products originating from a country or exporter if such seafood does not meet federal requirements, and (2) increased inspection of shipments of seafood from countries that do not meet federal requirements and that lack adequate certified laboratories. Authorizes the Secretary to send inspectors to an originating country or exporter to assess seafood practices and processes and to provide technical assistance related to U.S. requirements. Requires the development and publication of an annual list of standardized names to identify seafood at the distribution, marketing, and consumer retail stages.

commercial seafood consumer protection act directs secretary commerce secretary strengthen federal activities ensuring commercially distributed seafood meets federal food quality safety requirements directs secretary appropriate federal agencies enter agreements strengthen interagency cooperation seafood safety labeling fraud including examining testing seafood imports inspections foreign facilities establishing distribution chain tracking system data sharing public outreach requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa report deceptive seafood marketing fraud federal_trade_commission ftc directs secretary increase number laboratories certified food_and_drug_administration fda standards united_states countries export seafood united_states analyze food ensure laboratories comply applicable federal laws authorizes secretary increase number capacity laboratories operated noaa involved testing activities act necessary carry provisions act provided appropriations acts sets forth provision authorizing refusal admission imported seafood seafood products originating country exporter seafood meet federal requirements increased inspection shipments seafood countries meet federal requirements lack adequate certified laboratories authorizes secretary send inspectors originating country exporter assess seafood practices processes provide technical assistance related requirements requires development publication annual list standardized names identify seafood distribution marketing consumer retail stages


Summary: Common Sense in Consumer Product Safety Act of 2011 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to: (1) provide that neither any sale after the first retail sale of a children's product that exceeds the lead limit nor the repair of such a product shall be considered an introduction into interstate commerce of a banned hazardous substance under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act; and (2) exclude as a children's product to which such lead limit applies any vehicle designed or intended primarily for children six years of age or older.

consumer product safety act amends consumer product safety improvement act provide sale retail sale children product exceeds lead limit repair product shall considered introduction interstate commerce banned hazardous substance federal_hazardous_substances_act exclude children product lead limit applies vehicle designed intended primarily children years age older


Summary: Health Insurance Rate Review Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that federal provisions requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review unreasonable premium increases in health care coverage shall not be construed to prohibit a state from imposing additional rate requirements on health insurance issuers that are more protective of consumers. Expands such review to include all rate increases, not only premium increases. Directs the Secretary or the relevant state insurance commissioner (or state regulator) to take corrective actions to ensure that any excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates are corrected prior to, or as soon as possible after, implementation, including through mechanisms such as denying rates, modifying rates, or requiring rebates to consumers. Requires the Secretary to determine whether the state insurance commissioner or regulator or the Secretary will undertake such corrective actions based on whether the state can adequately undertake such actions. Applies these provisions to grandfathered health plans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

declare federal provisions requiring secretary health_and_human_services hhs review unreasonable premium increases health care coverage shall construed prohibit state imposing additional rate requirements health insurance issuers protective consumers expands review include rate increases premium increases directs secretary relevant state insurance commissioner state regulator corrective actions ensure excessive unjustified unfairly discriminatory rates corrected prior soon possible implementation including mechanisms denying rates modifying rates requiring rebates consumers requires secretary determine state insurance commissioner regulator secretary undertake corrective actions based state adequately undertake actions applies provisions grandfathered health plans patient_protection affordable care act


Summary: Confidence in Long-Term Care Insurance Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to request the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to: (1) conduct reviews every five years of the national and state-specific markets for long-term care (LTC) insurance policies; (2) issue a white paper on disclosure requirements for LTC insurance policies, standardized definitions for LTC services, and issues related to the development of a proposed form for marketing LTC insurance policies; (3) establish a Working Group to develop a model disclosure form for marketing LTC insurance policies; and (4) incorporate such form into the Model Act and regulation. Sets forth requirements related to the use of the proposed model disclosure form for marketing LTC insurance policies, including requiring states to require issuers to use such forms. Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to reauthorize through FY2015 the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information. Requires the Clearinghouse to establish an Internet directory of information regarding LTC insurance ("to be known as LTC Insurance Compare). Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require a state Medicaid plan to provide for the annual submission of data relating to functional criteria for the receipt of nursing facility services under the plan. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply Medicaid partnership required model provisions to all tax-qualified LTC insurance contracts. Outlines a process for secretarial review of model provisions adopted by NAIC with respect to their application to tax-qualified LTC policies and Medicaid partnership policies to determine if updating such provisions would improve consumer protections for insured individuals. Applies 2006 NAIC model regulations to Medicaid partnerships. (Currently, 2000 NAIC model regulations apply). Sets forth additional requirements applicable to such policies.

confidence long term care insurance act directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs request national_association_of_insurance_commissioners naic conduct reviews years national state specific markets long term care ltc insurance policies issue white paper disclosure requirements ltc insurance policies standardized definitions ltc services issues related development proposed form marketing ltc insurance policies establish working_group develop model disclosure form marketing ltc insurance policies incorporate form model act regulation sets forth requirements related use proposed model disclosure form marketing ltc insurance policies including requiring states require issuers use forms amends deficit reduction act reauthorize fy2015 national_clearinghouse long-term_care_information requires clearinghouse establish internet directory information ltc insurance known ltc insurance compare amends title xix medicaid social security act require state medicaid plan provide annual submission data relating functional criteria receipt nursing facility services plan amends internal revenue code apply medicaid partnership required model provisions tax qualified ltc insurance contracts outlines process secretarial review model provisions adopted naic respect application tax qualified ltc policies medicaid partnership policies determine updating provisions improve consumer protections insured individuals applies naic model regulations medicaid partnerships currently naic model regulations apply sets forth additional requirements applicable policies


Summary: Charging America Forward Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2014 the tax credit for purchasing a new qualified hybrid motor vehicle, increase the the amount of such credit for certain hybrid and heavy vehicles, and provide for the transferability of such credit; (2) increase and extend through 2014 the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property; (3) increase the limitation on the number of new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles manufactured in a taxable year that are eligible for a tax credit; (4) make refundable and provide for the transferability of the tax credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles; (5) allow accelerated depreciation of smart meters and smart grid systems; (6) allow a 50% tax credit for investment in qualified used energy storage property (30% for energy storage property used for onsite storage); and (7) allow a nonbusiness energy tax credit for qualified used energy storage property. Defines "qualified used energy storage property" as property comprised of pre-owned advanced large format automotive propulsion battery cells previously used in a qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle which are reconditioned into: (1) property that is designed to receive and store electrical energy, convert it to electricity, and to deliver such electricity for support to the transmission or distribution grid or for sale to unrelated parties and that has the ability to store 50 kilowatt hours of energy or to attain a peak power output of 20 kilowatts; or (2) property that is primarily designed and used to receive and store intermittent renewable energy generated on-site and to deliver such energy for primarily on-site consumption, or which provides supplemental energy to reduce peak energy requirements on-site, and that has the ability to store the energy equivalent of 20 kilowatt hours of energy and to maintain an output of the energy equivalent of 20 kilowatt hours of electricity for not less than 2 hours. Directs the Secretary of Energy to make grants for the manufacturing of advanced batteries and components and provide facility funding awards to manufacturers of advanced battery systems and vehicle batteries that are produced in the United States.

internal revenue code extend tax credit purchasing new qualified hybrid motor vehicle increase credit certain hybrid heavy vehicles provide transferability credit increase extend tax credit alternative fuel vehicle refueling property increase limitation number new qualified plug electric drive motor vehicles manufactured taxable year eligible tax credit refundable provide transferability tax credit new qualified plug electric drive motor vehicles allow accelerated depreciation smart meters smart grid systems allow tax credit investment qualified energy storage property energy storage property onsite storage allow nonbusiness energy tax credit qualified energy storage property defines qualified energy storage property property comprised pre owned advanced large format automotive propulsion battery cells previously qualified plug electric drive motor vehicle reconditioned property designed receive store electrical energy convert electricity deliver electricity support transmission distribution grid sale unrelated parties ability store kilowatt hours energy attain peak power output kilowatts property primarily designed receive store intermittent renewable energy generated site deliver energy primarily site consumption provides supplemental energy reduce peak energy requirements site ability store energy equivalent kilowatt hours energy maintain output energy equivalent kilowatt hours electricity hours directs secretary energy grants manufacturing advanced batteries components provide facility funding awards manufacturers advanced battery systems vehicle batteries produced united_states


Summary: Consumer Recall Protection Act of 2011 - Prohibits a person from selling to consumers any covered product that is subject to a recall. Exempts from such prohibition the sale of a covered product that was subject to a recall because of a defect in such product if: (1) such defect was remedied prior to such sale; and (2) the seller of such product notifies such consumer of such recall, defect, and remedy. Defines a "covered product" to include a motor vehicle or replacement equipment, food, drugs, devices, cosmetics, a biological product, a consumer product, a meat or meat food product, a poultry or poultry product, and an egg or egg product. Defines "recall" for each type of covered product. Treats a violation of such prohibition as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice described under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish, maintain, and make available to the public a searchable list of covered products that are subject to a recall.

prohibits person selling consumers covered product subject recall exempts prohibition sale covered product subject recall defect product defect remedied prior sale seller product notifies consumer recall defect remedy defines covered product include motor vehicle replacement equipment food drugs devices cosmetics biological product consumer product meat meat food product poultry poultry product egg egg product defines recall type covered product treats violation prohibition violation rule defining unfair deceptive act practice described federal_trade_commission_act requires consumer product safety commission cpsc establish maintain available public searchable list covered products subject recall


Summary: Senior Financial Empowerment Act of 2011 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): (1) to disseminate to seniors and their families and caregivers information on mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud targeting seniors, including on ways of referring complaints to appropriate law enforcement agencies; (2) in response to a request about a particular entity or individual, to provide publicly available information on any record of civil or criminal law enforcement action for such fraud; and (3) to maintain a website as a resource for such individuals on those kinds of fraud. Directs the Attorney General (DOJ) to establish and administer a competitive grant program for mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud prevention education programs for senior citizens. Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to public awareness of the impact of such fraud on senior citizens and designation of a National Senior Fraud Awareness Week.

senior financial empowerment act requires federal_trade_commission ftc disseminate seniors families caregivers information mail telemarketing internet fraud targeting seniors including ways referring complaints appropriate law enforcement agencies response request particular entity individual provide publicly available information record civil criminal law enforcement action fraud maintain website resource individuals kinds fraud directs attorney general doj establish administer competitive grant program mail telemarketing internet fraud prevention education programs senior citizens expresses sense congress respect public awareness impact fraud senior citizens designation


Summary: Fighting Fraud to Protect Taxpayers Act of 2011 - (Sec. 2) Amends the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act to establish, as a separate account in the Department of Justice (DOJ) Working Capital Fund, a supplemental fraud fighting account. Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) credit, as an offsetting collection to that account, up to .5% of all amounts collected pursuant to DOJ civil debt collection litigation activities; and (2) use amounts in that account for the cost of the investigation and conduct of criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings relating to fraud offenses. Rescinds all unobligated balances in the debt collection management account and the supplemental fraud fighting account (covered amounts) in excess of $175 million at the end of FY2012 and the end of each fiscal year thereafter. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to rescind sums from the debt collection management account and the supplemental fraud fighting account in a ratio of six dollars to one dollar, respectively. Directs the Attorney General to submit an annual report that identifies, for the most recent fiscal year before the date of the report: (1) the amount credited to the debt collection management account and the amount credited to the supplemental fraud fighting account from civil debt collection litigation, (2) the amount expended from the debt collection management account for civil debt collection, (3) the amounts expended from the supplemental fraud fighting account and the justification for the expenditure of such amounts, and (4) the unobligated balance in the debt collection management account and the unobligated balance in the supplemental fraud fighting account at the end of the fiscal year. (Sec. 3) Amends the False Claims Act to provide that the cost of prosecutions under such Act shall be credited to the appropriations accounts of the executive agency from which the funds used for the costs were paid. (Sec. 4) Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) permit the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, or an Assistant Attorney General (currently, only a U.S. attorney) to bring an interlocutory appeal from a district court decision or order suppressing or excluding evidence or requiring the return of seized property in a criminal proceeding; (2) extend the international money laundering statute to tax evasion and tax fraud crimes; (3) expand the prohibition against trafficking in a password through which a protected computer may be accessed without authorization; (4) permit the prosecution of federal mail fraud offenses in any district in which an act in furtherance of the offense is committed; and (5) make the prohibition against fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents (identity theft) applicable to organizations (e.g., corporations). (Sec. 8) Expands the authority of the United States Secret Service to conduct undercover investigative operations. Authorizes the Secret Service to: (1) purchase facilities and lease space within the United States and acquire on a commercial basis proprietary corporations and business entities as part of undercover investigative operations, (2) make deposits of appropriated amounts and proceeds from undercover investigative operations in financial institutions, and (3) use the proceeds from undercover operations to offset necessary and reasonable expenses. Requires the Director of the Secret Service to conduct financial audits of closed undercover investigation operations and report on such audits. (Sec. 9) Directs the Attorney General to report to the Judiciary Committees of Congress annually on settlements or compromises of claims or actions entered into with DOJ that relate to alleged violations involving major fraud against the United States or false claims and that result from a claim for damages of more than $100,000.

fighting fraud protect taxpayers act sec amends 21st century department justice appropriations authorization act establish separate account department_of_justice doj supplemental fraud fighting account authorizes attorney general credit offsetting collection account amounts collected pursuant doj civil debt collection litigation activities use amounts account cost investigation conduct criminal civil administrative proceedings relating fraud offenses rescinds unobligated balances debt collection management account supplemental fraud fighting account covered amounts excess million end fy2012 end fiscal year directs secretary treasury rescind sums debt collection management account supplemental fraud fighting account ratio dollars dollar respectively directs attorney general submit annual report identifies recent fiscal year date report credited debt collection management account credited supplemental fraud fighting account civil debt collection litigation expended debt collection management account civil debt collection amounts expended supplemental fraud fighting account justification expenditure amounts unobligated balance debt collection management account unobligated balance supplemental fraud fighting account end fiscal year sec amends false claims act provide cost prosecutions act shall credited appropriations accounts executive agency funds costs paid sec amends federal criminal code permit attorney general deputy attorney general assistant attorney general currently attorney bring interlocutory appeal district court decision order suppressing excluding evidence requiring return seized property criminal proceeding extend international money laundering statute tax evasion tax fraud crimes expand prohibition trafficking password protected computer accessed authorization permit prosecution federal mail fraud offenses district act furtherance offense committed prohibition fraud related activity connection identification documents identity theft applicable organizations corporations sec expands authority united_states_secret_service conduct undercover investigative operations authorizes secret_service purchase facilities lease space united_states acquire commercial basis proprietary corporations business entities undercover investigative operations deposits appropriated amounts proceeds undercover investigative operations financial institutions use proceeds undercover operations offset necessary reasonable expenses requires director secret_service conduct financial audits closed undercover investigation operations report audits sec directs attorney general report judiciary_committees congress annually settlements compromises claims actions entered doj relate alleged violations involving major fraud united_states false claims result claim damages


Summary: Button Cell Battery Safety Act of 2011 - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to promulgate: (1) a standard requiring button cell battery compartments of battery-operated or assisted consumer products to be secured in a manner that reduces access to such batteries by children that are three years of age or younger; and (2) standards requiring warning labels to be included in any literature that accompanies such a product, on packaging for such batteries sold to consumers, and directly on such a product in a manner that is visible to the consumer upon installation or replacement of the battery. Requires such labels to clearly identify the hazard of ingestion and to instruct consumers to keep new and used batteries out of the reach of children and to seek immediate medical attention if a battery is ingested. Exempts such regulations from procedures for consumer product safety rules. Makes such regulations effective one year after the standard is promulgated.

requires consumer product safety commission cpsc promulgate standard requiring button cell battery compartments battery operated assisted consumer products secured manner reduces access batteries children years age younger standards requiring warning labels included literature accompanies product packaging batteries sold consumers directly product manner visible consumer installation replacement battery requires labels clearly identify hazard ingestion instruct consumers new batteries reach children seek immediate medical attention battery exempts regulations procedures consumer product safety rules makes regulations effective year standard promulgated


Summary: Data Security Act of 2011 - Prescribes security procedures which an entity that maintains or communicates sensitive account or personal information must implement and enforce in order to protect the information from an unauthorized use likely to result in substantial harm or inconvenience to the consumer. Grants exclusive enforcement powers to specified federal regulatory agencies with oversight of financial institutions. Denies a private right of action, including a class action, regarding any act or practice regulated under this Act. Prohibits any civil or criminal action in state court or under state law relating to any act or practice governed under this Act. Prescribes data security standards to be implemented by federal agencies. Preempts state law with respect to the responsibilities of any person to protect against and investigate such data security breaches and mitigate any losses or harm resulting from them.

data security act prescribes security procedures entity maintains communicates sensitive account personal information implement enforce order protect information unauthorized use likely result substantial harm inconvenience consumer grants exclusive enforcement powers specified federal regulatory agencies oversight financial institutions denies private right action including class action act practice regulated act prohibits civil criminal action state court state law relating act practice governed act prescribes data security standards implemented federal agencies preempts state law respect responsibilities person protect investigate data security breaches mitigate losses harm resulting


Summary: Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2011 - Makes it unlawful for a rental company, unless the defect or noncompliance has already been remedied, to rent, lease, or sell a covered vehicle on or after the earlier of: (1) the receipt by the company of a Secretary of Transportation (DOT) ordered notification from the manufacturer that the vehicle or equipment is defective or is noncompliant with federal motor vehicle safety standards; or (2) when the vehicle or equipment manufacturer gives notice to owners, purchasers, and dealers that the vehicle or equipment contains a defect or is noncompliant. Requires a rental company that receives a notification of a vehicle or equipment defect or noncompliance during the vehicle rental or lease period to: (1) contact the renter or lessee and any authorized driver of the covered vehicle about the defect or noncompliance; and (2) offer to provide them, at no additional cost, with a comparable alternative vehicle until the defect or noncompliance has been remedied. Treats violations of the requirements of this Act as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Subjects persons who violate such requirements to certain penalties. Requires the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to report to Congress on: (1) sales of motor vehicles to rental companies without standard safety features, and (2) sales by rental companies of covered vehicles known to include safety defects before they are recalled.

makes unlawful rental company defect noncompliance remedied rent lease sell covered vehicle earlier receipt company secretary transportation dot ordered notification manufacturer vehicle equipment defective noncompliant federal motor vehicle safety standards vehicle equipment manufacturer gives notice owners purchasers dealers vehicle equipment contains defect noncompliant requires rental company receives notification vehicle equipment defect noncompliance vehicle rental lease period contact lessee authorized driver covered vehicle defect noncompliance offer provide additional cost comparable alternative vehicle defect noncompliance remedied treats violations requirements act unfair deceptive acts practices federal_trade_commission_act subjects persons violate requirements certain penalties requires administrator national_highway_traffic_safety_administration nhtsa report congress sales motor vehicles rental companies standard safety features sales rental companies covered vehicles known include safety defects recalled


Summary: Consumer Product Safety Flexibility Act of 2011 - Amends the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to apply the limit on lead content in children's products only to products manufactured after the effective date of the limit. Exempts off-highway vehicles from the limit on lead content in children's products. Exempts bicycles from such lead limit and applies an alternate limit for the metal component part of the products. Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to issue a final rule on safety standards pertaining to all-terrain vehicles within one year of enactment of this Act.

consumer product safety flexibility act amends consumer product safety improvement act apply limit lead content children products products manufactured effective date limit exempts highway vehicles limit lead content children products exempts bicycles lead limit applies alternate limit metal component products requires consumer product safety commission cpsc issue final rule safety standards pertaining terrain vehicles year enactment act


Summary: Identify [sic] Theft and Tax Fraud Prevention Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a fine and/or prison term on any person who knowingly or willfully misappropriates another person's tax identification number in connection with any list, return, account, statement, or other document submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); (2) increase the civil and criminal penalties for improper disclosure or use of taxpayer information by tax return preparers; (3) require the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to submit to the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Ways and Means an annual report on the number of reported cases of tax fraud and suspected tax fraud and the actions taken in response to such reports; and (4) require the head of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to submit to Congress a detailed plan on how it will use tax information provided by the IRS to reduce prison tax fraud. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) implement an identity theft tax fraud prevention program; and (2) review whether current federal tax law prevents the effective enforcement of local, state, and federal identity theft statutes. Authorizes the Commissioner to transfer appropriated funds to be used solely to prevent and resolve potential tax fraud cases. Directs the Commissioner to establish in the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS the position of Local Law Enforcement Liaison to coordinate the investigation of tax fraud with state and local law enforcement agencies and communicate the status of tax fraud cases involving identity theft. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report on the role of prepaid debit cards and commercial tax preparation software in facilitating fraudulent tax returns through identity theft. Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from disclosing information contained on the Death Master File relating to a deceased individual to persons who are not certified to access such information.

identify sic theft tax fraud prevention act amends internal revenue code impose fine prison term person knowingly willfully misappropriates person tax identification number connection list return account statement document submitted internal_revenue_service irs increase civil criminal penalties improper disclosure use taxpayer information tax return preparers require commissioner internal_revenue submit senate_committee_on_finance house_committee ways_and_means annual report number reported cases tax fraud suspected tax fraud actions taken response reports require head federal_bureau_of_prisons submit congress detailed plan use tax information provided irs reduce prison tax fraud directs secretary treasury implement identity theft tax fraud prevention program review current federal tax law prevents effective enforcement local state federal identity theft statutes authorizes commissioner transfer appropriated funds solely prevent resolve potential tax fraud cases directs commissioner establish criminal_investigation_division_of_the_irs position local law enforcement liaison coordinate investigation tax fraud state local law enforcement agencies communicate status tax fraud cases involving identity theft directs comptroller general study report role prepaid debit cards commercial tax preparation software facilitating fraudulent tax returns identity theft prohibits secretary commerce disclosing information contained death master file relating deceased individual persons certified access information


Summary: Personal Data Protection and Breach Accountability Act of 2011 - Title I: Enhancing Punishment for Identity Theft and Other Violations of Data Privacy and Security - (Sec. 101) Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to five years for intentionally or willfully concealing a security breach involving sensitive personally identifiable information when such breach results in economic harm or substantial emotional distress to one or more persons. (Sec. 102) Makes it unlawful for a service provider, as defined by this Act, to knowingly or intentionally redirect web searches or otherwise monitor, manipulate, aggregate, and market data from websites without the consent of the Internet user. Imposes a civil fine of up to $500,000 for a violation of this provision and an increased fine of up to $1 million for engaging in a pattern or practice of activity that violates this provision. Title II: Privacy and Security of Sensitive Personally Identifiable Information - Subtitle A: Data Privacy and Security Program - (Sec. 201) Makes any interstate business entity that collects, accesses, transmits, uses, stores, or disposes of sensitive personally identifiable information on 10,000 or more U.S. persons subject to the requirements for a data privacy and security program under this Act. Exempts public records not otherwise subject to a confidentiality or nondisclosure requirement, certain financial institutions subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, business entities subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and service providers exclusively engaged in the transmission, routing, or storage of data. (Sec. 202) Requires business entities that are subject to personal data privacy and security requirements of this Act to implement a comprehensive program that: (1) ensures the privacy, security, and confidentiality of sensitive personally identifiable information; (2) protects against any anticipated vulnerabilities to the privacy, security, or integrity of such information; and (3) protects against unauthorized access to such information that could create a significant risk of harm. Requires such entities to: (1) assess risks of future security breaches and design a personal data privacy and security program to control such risks; (2) ensure employee training for implementing a security program; (3) ensure regular testing of key controls, systems, and procedures of such program; and (4) monitor, evaluate, and adjust the security program to reflect relevant changes in technology and other considerations. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action or request injunctive relief against any business entity that violates the requirements of this subtitle and obtain fines against such entity for violations, including enhanced penalties for intentional or willful violations. (Sec. 204) Authorizes a state attorney general to bring a civil action or request injunctive relief against a business entity that adversely threatens or affects the residents of the state by violating the requirements of this subtitle. (Sec. 205) Allows individuals aggrieved by a violation of the data privacy and security requirements of this subtitle to bring a civil action to recover for personal injuries sustained as a result of such violation. Allows punitive damages against a business entity that intentionally or willfully violates the provisions of this subtitle. Subtitle B: Security Breach Notification - (Sec. 211) Requires any agency or interstate business entity that uses, accesses, transmits, stores, disposes of, or collects sensitive personally identifiable information to notify without unreasonable delay any U.S. resident whose information has been, or is reasonably believed to have been, accessed or acquired. Allows a federal law enforcement agency or member of the intelligence community to delay notification if it determines that such notification would impede a lawful criminal investigation or authorized intelligence activity. (Sec. 212) Exempts an agency or business entity from the notification requirement if: (1) the U.S. Secret Service or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) determines that notification of a security breach would reveal sensitive sources, impede law enforcement investigations, or cause damage to national security; or (2) the agency or entity conducts a risk assessment in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and concludes that there is no significant risk of a security breach and the FTC does not act to deny an exemption. Exempts from the requirements of this subtitle certain financial institutions subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and business entities subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). (Sec. 213) Sets forth the method of notice required for informing individuals of a security breach, including written notice to the last known home mailing address or email address of such individuals and public notice by electronic means or by general media if the sensitive personally identifiable information of more than 5,000 individuals is involved. (Sec. 214) Establishes requirements for the content of a notice to an individual whose sensitive personally identifiable information has been breached, including a description of the categories of such information, contact information, and a notice that such individual is entitled to a free consumer credit report on a quarterly basis for two years. (Sec. 215) Requires an agency or business entity that is required to provide notice of a security breach to provide at no cost to an individual whose sensitive personally identifiable information was breached a consumer credit report on a quarterly basis for a two-year period, a credit monitoring service, a security freeze on the individual's credit report, and compensation for damages incurred by an individual resulting from the security breach. (Sec. 216) Requires any agency or business entity that is required to notify more than 5,000 individuals of a security breach to also notify consumer credit reporting agencies without unreasonable delay. (Sec. 217) Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Attorney General, to designate a federal entity (designated entity) to receive information and reports about information security incidents, threats, and vulnerabilities. Requires the designated entity to provide such information to the Secret Service, to the FBI, to the FTC for civil law enforcement purposes, and to other federal agencies for law enforcement, national security, or data security purposes. Requires business entities and agencies to notify the designated entity of a security breach within 10 days of discovery. (Sec. 218) Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action or request injunctive relief against any business entity that violates the requirements of this subtitle. Grants the FTC authority for enforcing compliance with the requirements of this subtitle. (Sec. 219) Authorizes a state attorney general to bring a civil action or request injunctive relief against a business entity that adversely threatens or affects the residents of the state by violating the requirements of this subtitle. (Sec. 220) Allows individuals aggrieved by a violation of the notice requirements of this subtitle to bring a civil action to recover for personal injuries sustained as a result of such violation or obtain injunctive relief. Allows punitive damages against a business entity that intentionally or willfully violates the provisions of this subtitle. (Sec. 221) Provides that the provisions of this subtitle supersede other provisions of federal or state law relating to notification, but do not exempt any entity from liability under common law for damages caused by failure to notify an individual following a security breach. (Sec. 222) Authorizes appropriations to the Secret Service to carry out investigations and risk assessments of security breaches. (Sec. 223) Requires the Secret Service and the FBI to report to Congress, not later than 18 months after the enactment of this Act, on the number and nature of the security breaches described in notices filed by entities seeking a risk assessment exemption and the response of the Secret Service and FBI to such notices. Subtitle C: Post-Breach Technical Information Clearinghouse - (Sec. 230) Requires the entity designated by DHS under this Act to maintain a clearinghouse of technical information concerning system vulnerabilities identified in the wake of security breaches. Allow agencies and business entities that are certified to review information in the clearinghouse to access such information to improve the security and reduce the vulnerability of networks that contain sensitive personally identifiable information. (Sec. 231) Requires the DHS designated entity to ensure that: (1) technical information disclosed to it is stored in a format designed to protect proprietary business information from inadvertent disclosure; and (2) all information stored in the technical information clearinghouse is presented in a form that minimizes the potential for such information to be traced to a particular network, company, or security breach incident. Exempts information in the technical information clearinghouse from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Title III: Access to and Use of Commercial Data - (Sec. 301) Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), in considering contract awards totaling more than $500,000, to evaluate: (1) the data privacy and security program of a data broker and the broker's compliance with such program, (2) the extent to which databases and systems have been compromised by security breaches, and (3) data broker responses to such breaches. Defines a "data broker" as a business entity that regularly collects, transmits, or provides access to sensitive personally identifiable information on more than 5,000 individuals who are not the customers or employees of that business entity for purposes of providing such information to non-affiliated third parties on an interstate basis. (Sec. 302) Requires federal agencies to: (1) evaluate and audit the information security practices of contractors or third party business entities that support the information systems or operations of such agencies involving sensitive personally identifiable information, and (2) ensure remedial action to address any significant deficiencies. (Sec. 303) Requires federal agencies to conduct a privacy impact assessment before purchasing or subscribing to personally identifiable information from a data broker. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report on federal agency adherence to key privacy principles in using data brokers of commercial databases containing sensitive personally identifiable information. (Sec. 304) Requires the FBI, in coordination with the Secret Service, to submit to the Judiciary Committees of Congress within one year after the enactment of this Act a report on any reported security breaches at agencies or business entities during the preceding year. (Sec. 305) Requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to Congress on federal, state, and private enforcement of this Act with recommendations for increasing the effectiveness of such enforcement actions. (Sec. 306) Requires the FBI, in coordination with the Attorney General and the FTC to report to the Judiciary Committees of Congress within one year after the enactment of this Act on the effectiveness of post-breach notification practices by agencies and business entities. Title IV: Compliance with Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act - (Sec. 401) Provides for compliance of the budgetary effects of this Act with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

breach accountability act title enhancing punishment identity theft violations data privacy security sec amends federal criminal code impose fine prison term years intentionally willfully concealing security breach involving sensitive personally identifiable information breach results economic harm substantial emotional distress persons sec makes unlawful service provider defined act knowingly intentionally redirect web searches monitor aggregate market data websites consent internet user imposes civil fine violation provision increased fine million engaging pattern practice activity violates provision title privacy security sensitive personally identifiable information subtitle sec makes interstate business entity collects accesses transmits uses stores disposes sensitive personally identifiable information persons subject requirements data privacy security program act exempts public records subject confidentiality nondisclosure requirement certain financial institutions subject gramm leach bliley act business entities subject health_insurance_portability_and_accountability_act hipaa service providers exclusively engaged transmission routing storage data sec requires business entities subject personal data privacy security requirements act implement comprehensive program ensures privacy security confidentiality sensitive personally identifiable information protects anticipated vulnerabilities privacy security integrity information protects unauthorized access information create significant risk harm requires entities assess risks future security breaches design personal data privacy security program control risks ensure employee training implementing security program ensure regular testing key controls systems procedures program monitor evaluate adjust security program reflect relevant changes technology considerations sec authorizes attorney general bring civil action request injunctive relief business entity violates requirements subtitle obtain fines entity violations including enhanced penalties intentional willful violations sec authorizes state attorney general bring civil action request injunctive relief business entity adversely threatens affects residents state violating requirements subtitle sec allows individuals aggrieved violation data privacy security requirements subtitle bring civil action recover personal injuries sustained result violation allows punitive damages business entity intentionally willfully violates provisions subtitle subtitle security breach notification sec requires agency interstate business entity uses accesses transmits stores disposes collects sensitive personally identifiable information notify unreasonable delay resident information reasonably believed accessed acquired allows federal law enforcement agency member intelligence community delay notification determines notification impede lawful criminal investigation authorized intelligence activity sec exempts agency business entity notification requirement federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi determines notification security breach reveal sensitive sources impede law enforcement investigations cause damage national security agency entity conducts risk assessment consultation federal_trade_commission ftc concludes significant risk security breach ftc act deny exemption exempts requirements subtitle certain financial institutions subject gramm leach bliley act business entities subject health_insurance_portability_and_accountability_act hipaa sec sets forth method notice required informing individuals security breach including written notice known home mailing address email address individuals public notice electronic means general media sensitive personally identifiable information individuals involved sec establishes requirements content notice individual sensitive personally identifiable information breached including description categories information contact information notice individual entitled free consumer credit report quarterly basis years sec requires agency business entity required provide notice security breach provide cost individual sensitive personally identifiable information breached consumer credit report quarterly basis year period credit monitoring service security freeze individual credit report compensation damages incurred individual resulting security breach sec requires agency business entity required notify individuals security breach notify consumer credit reporting agencies unreasonable delay sec requires secretary homeland_security dhs consultation attorney general designate federal entity designated entity receive information reports information security incidents threats vulnerabilities requires designated entity provide information secret_service fbi ftc civil law enforcement purposes federal agencies law enforcement national security data security purposes requires business entities agencies notify designated entity security breach days discovery sec authorizes attorney general bring civil action request injunctive relief business entity violates requirements subtitle grants ftc authority enforcing compliance requirements subtitle sec authorizes state attorney general bring civil action request injunctive relief business entity adversely threatens affects residents state violating requirements subtitle sec allows individuals aggrieved violation notice requirements subtitle bring civil action recover personal injuries sustained result violation obtain injunctive relief allows punitive damages business entity intentionally willfully violates provisions subtitle sec provides provisions subtitle supersede provisions federal state law relating notification exempt entity liability common law damages caused failure notify individual following security breach sec authorizes appropriations secret_service carry investigations risk assessments security breaches sec requires secret_service fbi report congress later months enactment act number nature security breaches described notices filed entities seeking risk assessment exemption response secret_service fbi notices subtitle sec requires entity designated dhs act maintain clearinghouse technical information concerning system vulnerabilities identified wake security breaches allow agencies business entities certified review information clearinghouse access information improve security reduce vulnerability networks contain sensitive personally identifiable information sec requires dhs designated entity ensure technical information disclosed stored format designed protect proprietary business information inadvertent disclosure information stored technical information clearinghouse presented form minimizes potential information particular network company security breach incident exempts information technical information clearinghouse disclosure freedom information act title iii access use commercial data sec requires administrator general_services_administration gsa considering contract awards totaling evaluate data privacy security program data broker broker compliance program extent databases systems compromised security breaches data broker responses breaches defines data broker business entity regularly collects transmits provides access sensitive personally identifiable information individuals customers employees business entity purposes providing information non affiliated parties interstate basis sec requires federal agencies evaluate audit information security practices contractors party business entities support information systems operations agencies involving sensitive personally identifiable information ensure remedial action address significant deficiencies sec requires federal agencies conduct privacy impact assessment purchasing personally identifiable information data broker requires comptroller general study report federal agency adherence key privacy principles data brokers commercial databases containing sensitive personally identifiable information sec requires fbi coordination secret_service submit judiciary_committees congress year enactment act report reported security breaches agencies business entities preceding year sec requires attorney general submit annual reports congress federal state private enforcement act recommendations increasing effectiveness enforcement actions sec requires fbi coordination attorney general ftc report judiciary_committees congress year enactment act effectiveness post breach notification practices agencies business entities title compliance statutory pay act sec provides compliance budgetary effects act statutory pay act


Summary: Dodd-Frank Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to establish the Office of Derivatives within the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to: (1) administer SEC rules governing security-based swaps, (2) coordinate oversight of the market for swaps and security-based swaps with domestic and international regulators, and (3) monitor the swaps and security-based swaps market. Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) to: (1) extend the date of issuance for certain regulations regarding the swaps and security-based swaps market, and (2) set a deadline for the SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the prudential regulators to adopt jointly an implementation schedule for the regulation of the over-the-counter-swaps market. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act, with respect to the registration and regulation of swap dealers and major swap participants, to exempt from specified margin requirements any swaps in which one of the counterparties is not: (1) a swap dealer or a major swap participant; (2) the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or any affiliate, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) or any affiliate, or any Federal Home Loan Bank; or (3) a commodity pool predominantly invested in any combination of commodities, commodity swaps, commodity options, or commodity futures. Exempts from such margin requirements also an investment fund that: (1) has issued non-debt securities to more than five unaffiliated persons, (2) would be an investment company but for specified disqualifications, and (3) is not primarily invested in physical assets directly or through an interest in an affiliate that owns the physical assets. Exempts also from such requirements swaps entered into before the date on which final rules become effective. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to exempt from the margin requirements for security-based swap dealers and major security-based swap participants any security-based swap in which one of the counterparties is not: (1) a security-based swap dealer or major security-based swap participant; (2) an investment fund that would be an investment company but for specified disqualifications, and is not primarily invested in physical assets directly or through an interest in an affiliate that owns the physical assets; (3) Fannie Mae or an affiliate, Freddie Mac or an affiliate, or a Federal Home Loan Bank; or (4) a commodity pool predominantly invested in any combination of commodities, commodity swaps, commodity options, or commodity futures. Exempts also from such requirements security-based swaps entered into before the date on which final rules become effective. Amends Dodd-Frank to state that an agreement, contract, or transaction entered into by a party that is either controlling, controlled by, or under common control with its counterparty (affiliate transaction) shall not be deemed a "swap" or "security-based swap" subject to regulation under such Act. Requires that such affiliate transactions be reported to either a swap data repository or to the SEC, if there is no swap data repository that would accept such transaction reports. Requires the CFTC and the SEC to add to a required study on the effects of position limits on trading on exchanges in the United States an analysis of the progress made by members of the Group of 20 and other countries toward implementing derivatives regulatory reform, and on possible and likely effects on United States competitiveness, market liquidity, and financial stability. Authorizes the two agencies, upon completion of a report to Congress on such study, to issue jointly any rules necessary to prohibit transactions or activities, or classes of transactions or activities conducted outside of the United States, that they find: (1) have no valid business purpose, (2) are structured with the sole purpose of evading the requirements of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010, and (3) might reasonably be expected to have a serious adverse effect upon the stability of the U.S. financial system. States that activities conducted outside of the United States between counterparties established under the laws of any jurisdiction outside of the United States shall not be considered to: (1) have a direct and significant connection with activities in, or effect upon, U.S. commerce; (2) constitute a business within U.S. jurisdiction; or (3) constitute evasion of any provision of Dodd-Frank, unless those activities contravene any rules adopted by the CFTC and the SEC.

amends securities exchange act establish securities_and_exchange_commission sec administer sec rules governing security based swaps coordinate oversight market swaps security based swaps domestic international regulators monitor swaps security based swaps market amends dodd frank wall street reform consumer protection act dodd-frank extend date issuance certain regulations swaps security based swaps market set deadline sec commodity_futures_trading_commission cftc prudential regulators adopt jointly implementation schedule regulation counter swaps market amends commodity_exchange_act respect registration regulation swap dealers major swap participants exempt specified margin requirements swaps counterparties swap dealer major swap participant federal_national_mortgage_association fannie_mae affiliate federal_home_loan_mortgage_corporation freddie_mac affiliate federal_home_loan_bank commodity pool predominantly invested combination commodities commodity swaps commodity options commodity futures exempts margin requirements investment fund issued non debt securities unaffiliated persons investment company specified disqualifications primarily invested physical assets directly interest affiliate owns physical assets exempts requirements swaps entered date final rules effective amends securities_exchange_act exempt margin requirements security based swap dealers major security based swap participants security based swap counterparties security based swap dealer major security based swap participant investment fund investment company specified disqualifications primarily invested physical assets directly interest affiliate owns physical assets fannie_mae affiliate freddie_mac affiliate federal_home_loan_bank commodity pool predominantly invested combination commodities commodity swaps commodity options commodity futures exempts requirements security based swaps entered date final rules effective state agreement contract transaction entered party controlling controlled common control counterparty affiliate transaction shall deemed swap security based swap subject regulation act requires affiliate transactions reported swap data repository sec swap data repository accept transaction reports requires cftc sec add required study effects position limits trading exchanges united_states analysis progress members countries implementing derivatives regulatory reform possible likely effects united_states competitiveness market liquidity financial stability authorizes agencies completion report congress study issue jointly rules necessary prohibit transactions activities classes transactions activities conducted outside united_states find valid business purpose structured sole purpose evading requirements accountability act reasonably expected adverse effect stability financial system states activities conducted outside united_states counterparties established laws jurisdiction outside united_states shall considered direct significant connection activities effect commerce constitute business jurisdiction constitute evasion provision dodd-frank activities rules adopted cftc sec


Summary: Visa Improvements to Stimulate International Tourism to the United States of America Act or the VISIT USA Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide qualifying nationals of China (PRC) with a five-year multiple entry/exit visitor visa. Requires such persons to be screened through the automated electronic travel authorization system. Transfers authority to establish and collect the premium fee for employment-based petitions and applications from the Attorney General (DOJ) to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS). Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) offer for a fee premium visitor visa processing; (2) develop, subject to security concerns, a pilot program for processing visitor visas using secure remote videoconferencing technology to conduct visa interviews; and (3) decrease nonimmigrant visa application and issuance fees in selected countries when there is a low demand from such countries for visitor visas. Establishes a W (nonimmigrant)-visa for: (1) a Canadian citizen who is older than 50 years of age and owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of his or her stay; and (2) such alien's accompanying spouse and children. Makes such visa renewable every three years with a maximum stay of 240 consecutive days in each authorized period. Revises the visa waiver program to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate any country as a program country; (2) adjust visa refusal rate criteria, including addition of a 3% maximum overstay rate; and (3) revise probationary and termination provisions. Establishes an X (nonimmigrant)-visa for: (1) an alien who invests (and maintains) at least $500,000 in U.S. residential real estate, of which at least $250,000 must be for a U.S. primary residence where such person will reside for more than 180 days per year; and (2) such alien's accompanying spouse and children. Makes such visa renewable every three years. Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to include in the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network individuals who meet security requirements and are employed and sponsored by an international organization which maintains a strong working relationship with the United States.

stimulate international tourism united_states_of_america act visit usa act amends immigration nationality act provide qualifying nationals china prc year multiple entry exit visitor visa requires persons screened automated electronic travel authorization system transfers authority establish collect premium fee employment based petitions applications attorney general doj secretary homeland_security dhs directs secretary state offer fee premium visitor visa processing develop subject security concerns pilot program processing visitor visas secure remote videoconferencing technology conduct visa interviews decrease nonimmigrant visa application issuance fees selected countries low demand countries visitor visas establishes canadian citizen older years age owns residence rented accommodation duration stay alien accompanying spouse children makes visa renewable years maximum stay consecutive days authorized period revises visa waiver program authorize secretary homeland_security designate country program country adjust visa refusal rate criteria including addition maximum overstay rate revise probationary termination provisions establishes alien invests maintains residential real estate primary residence person reside days year alien accompanying spouse children makes visa renewable years amends intelligence_reform_and_terrorism_prevention_act direct secretary homeland_security include individuals meet security requirements employed sponsored international organization maintains strong working relationship united_states


Summary: Children's Sleepwear Labeling Act of 2011 - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to require flame resistant children's sleepwear to include a label that indicates: (1) that it is flame resistant, and (2) the chemical name of the flame retardant used.

children labeling act directs consumer product safety commission cpsc require flame resistant children include label indicates flame resistant chemical flame retardant


Summary: Amends the Truth in Lending Act with respect to the requirement that a creditor, in connection with the consummation of a consumer credit transaction secured by a first lien on the consumer's principal dwelling (other than under an open end credit plan or a reverse mortgage) establish an escrow or impound account for the payment of taxes, hazard insurance, and specified other insurance premiums, if any. Directs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to exempt from this escrow or impound account requirement any loan secured by a first lien on a consumer's principal dwelling if the loan is held by a smaller insured depository institution having assets of $10 billion or less.

amends truth lending act respect requirement creditor connection consummation consumer credit transaction secured lien consumer principal dwelling open end credit plan reverse mortgage establish escrow impound account payment taxes hazard insurance specified insurance premiums directs consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb exempt escrow impound account requirement loan secured lien consumer principal dwelling loan held smaller insured depository institution having assets billion


Summary: Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to publish the American National Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms and the American National Standard for Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors as mandatory consumer product safety standards. Authorizes the CPSC to initiate a rulemaking to amend either standard to include any provision reasonably necessary to ensure the safe and effective operation of carbon monoxide alarms. Requires the CPSC to establish a grant program to provide assistance to states and local governments that require approved carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in dwelling units to carry out specified carbon monoxide poisoning prevention activities.

nicholas memorial carbon monoxide poisoning prevention act directs consumer product safety commission cpsc publish american_national_standard_for_single_and_multiple_station_carbon_monoxide_alarms mandatory consumer product safety standards authorizes cpsc initiate rulemaking amend standard include provision reasonably necessary ensure safe effective operation carbon monoxide alarms requires cpsc establish grant program provide assistance states local governments require approved carbon monoxide alarms installed dwelling units carry specified carbon monoxide poisoning prevention activities


Summary: End Debt Collector Abuse Act of 2012 - Amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to require a debt collector, in the absence of such information in an initial communication or payment of the debt, to include in a written notice to the consumer specified information regarding: (1) the last payment to the creditor on the debt; (2) the name and address of the last person to extend credit with respect to the debt; (3) an itemization of the principal, fees, and interest composing the debt; (4) a description of consumer rights to cause debt collector communication to cease and collection efforts to stop; and (5) the name and contact information of the person responsible for handling complaints on the debt collector's behalf. Prohibits communication with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt in a hospital emergency department, labor and delivery department, or any department where critical care medical services are provided, such as the intensive care unit. Permits a health care provider, however, to: (1) provide a consumer with information about a debt upon the consumer's direct request, and (2) discuss a debt at the time the consumer is discharged. Makes it an unfair medical debt collection practices to: (1) withhold emergency medical services or threaten to withhold them, (2) delay such services, or (3) give the impression that such services will be withheld until a debt is paid. Applies to the collection of a medical debt the prohibition of certain practices, including harassment or abuse, false or misleading representations, and enumerated unfair practices, as well as certain requirements for legal actions by debt collectors. Requires any person attempting to collect a medical debt to inform the consumer how to apply for: (1) charity care coverage, (2) financial assistance, (3) discounts based on income eligibility, or (4) public or private insurance coverage that may assist in the payment of all or part of the debt. Revises procedures governing disputed debts to require a debt collector, upon notification that a debt is disputed by the consumer, to undertake a thorough investigation of the substance of the dispute and timely provide specific responsive information and verification of the disputed debt. Requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to provide inflation adjustments to damages awarded in cases of noncompliance with fair debt collection practices under the Act. Allows a court, in a civil action alleging violations of fair debt collection practices, to award appropriate relief, including injunctive relief. Deems as an unfair practice a request by a debt collector to a court or law enforcement agency for the issuance of a warrant for the arrest of a debtor or any other similar request that a debt collector knows or should know would lead to the issuance of an arrest warrant, in relation to collection of a debt.

end debt collector abuse act amends fair debt collection practices act require debt collector absence information initial communication payment debt include written notice consumer specified information payment creditor debt address person extend credit respect debt itemization principal fees interest debt description consumer rights cause debt collector communication cease collection efforts stop contact information person responsible handling complaints debt collector behalf prohibits communication consumer connection collection debt hospital emergency department labor delivery department department critical care medical services provided intensive care unit permits health care provider provide consumer information debt consumer direct request discuss debt time consumer discharged makes unfair medical debt collection practices withhold emergency medical services threaten withhold delay services impression services withheld debt paid applies collection medical debt prohibition certain practices including harassment abuse false misleading representations enumerated unfair practices certain requirements legal actions debt collectors requires person attempting collect medical debt inform consumer apply charity care coverage financial assistance discounts based income eligibility public private insurance coverage assist payment debt revises procedures governing disputed debts require debt collector notification debt disputed consumer undertake thorough investigation substance dispute timely provide specific responsive information verification disputed debt requires consumer financial protection bureau cfpb provide inflation adjustments damages awarded cases noncompliance fair debt collection practices act allows court civil action alleging violations fair debt collection practices award appropriate relief including injunctive relief deems unfair practice request debt collector court law enforcement agency issuance warrant arrest debtor similar request debt collector knows know lead issuance arrest warrant relation collection debt


Summary: Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act of 2012 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor from extending credit to a consumer under an open end consumer credit plan (credit card) for which the fee and interest rate exceeds 36%. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Empowers state Attorneys General to enforce this Act. Revises requirements for a periodic statement for each billing cycle with respect to where the total finance charge exceeds 50 cents for a monthly or longer billing cycle, or the pro rata part of 50 cents for a billing cycle shorter than monthly. Requires inclusion of the fee and interest rate, displayed as "FAIR," instead of the total finance charge expressed as an annual percentage rate (APR).

protecting_consumers unreasonable credit rates act amends truth lending act prohibit creditor extending credit consumer open end consumer credit plan credit card fee interest rate exceeds sets forth criminal penalties violations act empowers state attorneys general enforce act revises requirements periodic statement billing cycle respect total finance charge exceeds cents monthly longer billing cycle pro rata cents billing cycle shorter monthly requires inclusion fee interest rate displayed fair instead total finance charge expressed annual percentage rate apr


Summary: Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act - Makes any institution of higher education (IHE) postsecondary program designed to prepare students for a recognized occupation or profession requiring licensing or other entry pre-conditions ineligible to participate in a federal financial assistance program, unless it meets specified student consumer protection requirements. Requires each program to: (1) fully prepare students to satisfy those entry pre-conditions in the state in which the program is operated and in any state the program claims a successful program graduate will be prepared to work in the particular occupation or profession involved; (2) provide timely placement of students in required pre-licensure positions, such as internships or apprenticeships; and (3) meet specialized state accreditation requirements, or notify students if the program has not yet been fully accredited. Requires an IHE to notify out-of-state applicants as to whether or not its program satisfies the requirements of the applicant's state.

protecting students worthless degrees act makes institution higher education ihe postsecondary program designed prepare students recognized occupation profession requiring licensing entry pre conditions ineligible participate federal financial assistance program meets specified student consumer protection requirements requires program fully prepare students satisfy entry pre conditions state program operated state program claims successful program graduate prepared work particular occupation profession involved provide timely placement students required pre licensure positions internships apprenticeships meet specialized state accreditation requirements notify students program fully accredited requires ihe notify state applicants program satisfies requirements applicant state


Summary: Telemarketing Fraud Modernization Act of 2012 - Amends the federal criminal code to modify telemarketing fraud prohibitions by including: (1) measures to induce investment for financial profit, participation in a business opportunity, or commitment to a loan; and (2) marketing by use of emails, text messages, or electronic instant messages. Imposes enhanced criminal penalties for health care fraud offenses in connection with the conduct of telemarketing.

telemarketing fraud modernization act amends federal criminal code modify telemarketing fraud prohibitions including measures induce investment financial profit participation business opportunity commitment loan marketing use text messages electronic instant messages imposes enhanced criminal penalties health care fraud offenses connection conduct telemarketing


Summary: Gift Card Consumer Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to repeal the exclusion from, and so include within, the definitions of "general-use prepaid card," "gift certificate," and "store gift card" a loyalty, award, or promotional gift card (thus extending to the latter the same consumer protections). Repeals exceptions to the prohibitions against: (1) imposition of a dormancy fee, an inactivity fee, or a service fee in connection with a gift certificate, store gift card, or general-use prepaid card; and (2) the sale of gift cards with expiration dates. (Thereby renders such fees and expiration dates unlawful without exception.) Makes it unlawful for a person that has filed for federal bankruptcy protection to either sell, resell, issue, or reissue a gift certificate or store gift card. Amends federal bankruptcy law to declare that the filing of a petition in bankruptcy shall not operate as a stay against the presentation or redemption of a gift certificate or store gift card at full value. Requires the trustee in bankruptcy, if the debtor's business is authorized to be operated, unless the court orders otherwise, to: (1) honor at full value a gift certificate or store gift card issued by the debtor, and (2) treat the gift certificate or gift card the same as cash.

consumer protection act amends electronic fund transfer act repeal exclusion include definitions general use prepaid card gift certificate store gift card loyalty award promotional gift card extending consumer protections repeals exceptions prohibitions imposition dormancy fee inactivity fee service fee connection gift certificate store gift card general use prepaid card sale gift cards expiration dates renders fees expiration dates unlawful exception makes unlawful person filed federal bankruptcy protection sell resell issue reissue gift certificate store gift card amends federal bankruptcy law declare filing petition bankruptcy shall operate stay presentation redemption gift certificate store gift card value requires trustee bankruptcy debtor business authorized operated court orders honor value gift certificate store gift card issued debtor treat gift certificate gift card cash


Summary: Cliff Alleviation at Last Minute Act or the CALM Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide for a phased increase in income and capital gain tax rates beginning in 2013 through 2015, and (2) establish a permanent maximum estate tax rate of 45% and a unified estate and gift tax credit of $3.5 million. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to authorize the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to determine which defense and nondefense accounts will be reduced in FY2013-FY2021 to meet deficit reduction requirements and to report to Congress on its recommendations. Sets forth a congressional disapproval procedure for overriding OMB's recommendations. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement reforms under Medicare that result in reduced expenditures equal to $40 billion in each of FY2014-FY2023. Expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should address comprehensive tax reform in the 113th Congress.

minute act act amends internal revenue code provide phased increase income capital gain tax rates beginning establish permanent maximum estate tax rate unified estate gift tax credit million amends balanced_budget emergency deficit control act authorize office_of_management_and_budget omb determine defense nondefense accounts reduced fy2013 fy2021 meet deficit reduction requirements report congress recommendations sets forth congressional disapproval procedure overriding omb recommendations amends title xviii medicare social security act require secretary health_and_human_services implement reforms medicare result reduced expenditures equal billion fy2014-fy2023 expresses sense senate congress address comprehensive tax reform congress


Summary:
Protect and Save Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose tax return information to federal and state law enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation of the misuse of the identity of another person for purposes of filing a false or fraudulent tax return, (2) direct the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to establish within the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) the position of Local Law Enforcement Liaison to coordinate the investigation of tax fraud with state and local law enforcement agencies, and (3) make permanent the authority of the Secretary to disclose tax return information to federal and state prison officials to prevent the filing of false or fraudulent tax returns by prison inmates.

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) implement an identity theft tax fraud prevention program; and (2) review whether current tax laws and regulations related to the confidentiality and disclosure of tax return information prevent the effective enforcement of federal, state, and local identity theft statutes.

Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct a study and report on: (1) the role of prepaid debit cards and commercial tax preparation software in facilitating fraudulent tax returns through identity theft, and (2) the role e-filing and electronic tax returns play in either facilitating or preventing fraudulent tax returns through identity theft.

Prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from disclosing information contained on the Death Master File relating to a deceased individual to persons who are not certified to access such information.

Requires the head of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to submit a detailed plan to Congress on how information obtained from the IRS will be used to reduce prison tax fraud.

protect save act amends internal revenue code authorize secretary treasury disclose tax return information federal state law enforcement agencies assist investigation misuse identity person purposes filing false fraudulent tax return direct commissioner internal_revenue establish irs position local law enforcement liaison coordinate investigation tax fraud state local law enforcement agencies permanent authority secretary disclose tax return information federal state prison officials prevent filing false fraudulent tax returns prison inmates requires secretary treasury implement identity theft tax fraud prevention program review current tax laws regulations related confidentiality disclosure tax return information prevent effective enforcement federal state local identity theft statutes requires comptroller general gao conduct study report role prepaid debit cards commercial tax preparation software facilitating fraudulent tax returns identity theft role filing electronic tax returns play facilitating preventing fraudulent tax returns identity theft prohibits secretary commerce disclosing information contained death master file relating deceased individual persons certified access information requires head federal_bureau_of_prisons submit detailed plan congress information obtained irs reduce prison tax fraud


Summary: Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to exclude from the definition of "chemical substance" for purposes of such Act: (1) any component of  any pistol, revolver, firearm, shell, or cartridge the sale of which is subject to federal excise tax, including shot, bullets and other projectiles, propellants, and primers; and (2) any sport fishing equipment the sale of which is subject to federal excise tax and sport fishing equipment components.

hunting fishing toxic_substances_control_act tsca exclude definition chemical substance purposes act component pistol revolver firearm shell cartridge sale subject federal excise tax including shot bullets projectiles propellants primers sport fishing equipment sale subject federal excise tax sport fishing equipment components


Summary:
Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Accountability Act - Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to subject the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to regular appropriations.

Repeals the requirement of an annual transfer to the CFPB of funds from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Subjects the CFPB to the regular authorization, budget, and appropriations process of the Department of the Treasury.

Repeals establishment of the CFPB Fund.

Replaces the authorization of appropriations for FY2010-FY2014 with an authorization for FY2013 only.

subject consumer_financial_protection_bureau cfpb regular appropriations repeals requirement annual transfer cfpb funds board_of_governors federal_reserve_system subjects cfpb regular authorization budget appropriations process department_of_the_treasury repeals establishment replaces authorization appropriations fy2010 fy2014 authorization fy2013


Summary:
Inter-Affiliate Swap Clarification Act - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, to exempt from certain regulatory requirements any swaps and security-based swaps entered into by parties neither of which is a swap dealer or a major swap participant: (1) that is also an insured depository institution, (2) that reports information or prepares financial statements on a consolidated basis, or (3) for which a company affiliated with both parties reports information or prepares financial statements on a consolidated basis.

Requires that such exempted agreements, contracts, or transactions be reported to an appropriate data repository, or, if there is no such repository that would accept them, to: (1) the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the case of exempted swaps, or (2) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the case of exempted security-based swaps.

commodity_exchange_act securities_exchange_act amended dodd frank wall street reform consumer protection act exempt certain regulatory requirements swaps security based swaps entered parties swap dealer major swap participant insured depository institution reports information prepares financial statements consolidated basis company affiliated parties reports information prepares financial statements consolidated basis requires exempted agreements contracts transactions reported appropriate data repository repository accept commodity_futures_trading_commission cftc case exempted swaps securities_and_exchange_commission sec case exempted security based swaps


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

Eliminate Privacy Notice Confusion Act - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to exempt from its annual privacy policy notice requirement any financial institution which: (1) provides nonpublic personal information only in accordance with specified requirements, and (2) has not changed its policies and practices with regard to disclosing nonpublic personal information from those disclosed in the most recent disclosure sent to consumers.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated gramm leach bliley act exempt annual privacy policy notice requirement financial institution provides nonpublic personal information accordance specified requirements changed policies practices regard disclosing nonpublic personal information disclosed recent disclosure sent consumers


Summary:
Social Security Identity Defense Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to make certain disclosures to the holder of a social security account number and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) if the Secretary determines that there is a substantial likelihood that there has been a fraudulent use of such account number in the employment context. Authorizes the FBI Director to disclose information received from the Secretary to federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, but restricts the use of such information to carrying out criminal investigations or prosecutions.

Requires employers who have been notified of suspected misuse of an employee's social security account number to cease including such account number on statements provided to such employee.

social_security_identity defense act amends internal revenue code require secretary treasury certain disclosures holder social security account number federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi secretary determines substantial likelihood fraudulent use account number employment context authorizes fbi director disclose information received secretary federal state local law enforcement officials restricts use information carrying criminal investigations prosecutions requires employers notified suspected misuse employee social security account number cease including account number statements provided employee


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

Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act - Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act with respect to the prohibition against certain federal assistance to swaps entities, namely the use of any advances from specified Federal Reserve credit facilities or discount windows, or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance or guarantees, for the purpose of: (1) making any loan to, or purchasing any stock, equity interest, or debt obligation of, any swaps entity; (2) purchasing the assets of any swaps entity; (3) guaranteeing any loan or debt issuance of any swaps entity; or (4) entering into any assistance arrangement (including tax breaks), loss sharing, or profit sharing with any swaps entity.

Extends to any major swap participant or major security-based swap participant that is an uninsured U.S. branch or agency of a foreign bank the exemption from the prohibition against federal assistance to swaps entities which is currently limited to any major swap participant or major security-based swap participant that is an FDIC-insured bank or savings association.

Designates both uninsured U.S. branches or agencies of a foreign bank and insured depository institutions as "covered depository institutions."

Requires any covered depository institution exempted from the prohibition to limit its swap and security-based swap activities to hedging and similar risk mitigating activities (as under current law), non-structured finance swap activities, or certain structured finance swap activities. (Defines "structured finance swap" as a swap or security-based swap based on an asset-backed security [or group or index primarily composed of asset-backed securities].)

Qualifies a structured finance swap activity for the exemption if: (1) it is undertaken for hedging or risk management purposes, or (2) each asset-backed security underlying the structured finance swap is of a credit quality and of a type or category with respect to which the prudential regulators have jointly adopted rules authorizing such a swap or security-based swap activity by covered depository institutions.

Repeals the exemption from the prohibition for any insured depository institution that limits its swap and security-based swap activities to acting as a swaps entity for: (1) swaps or security-based swaps involving rates or reference assets that are permissible for investment by a national bank; or (2) credit default swaps, including those referencing the credit risk of asset-backed securities unless they are cleared by a derivatives clearing organization or a clearing agency registered, or exempt from registration, under the Commodity Exchange Act or the Securities Exchange Act.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated swaps regulatory improvement act amends dodd frank wall street reform consumer protection act respect prohibition certain federal assistance swaps entities use advances specified federal_reserve credit facilities discount windows federal_deposit_insurance_corporation fdic insurance guarantees purpose making loan purchasing stock equity interest debt obligation swaps entity purchasing assets swaps entity guaranteeing loan debt issuance swaps entity entering assistance arrangement including tax breaks loss sharing profit sharing swaps entity extends major swap participant major security based swap participant uninsured branch agency foreign bank exemption prohibition federal assistance swaps entities currently limited major swap participant major security based swap participant fdic insured bank savings association designates uninsured branches agencies foreign bank insured depository institutions covered depository institutions requires covered depository institution exempted prohibition limit swap security based swap activities hedging similar risk mitigating activities current law non structured finance swap activities certain structured finance swap activities defines structured finance swap swap security based swap based asset backed security group index primarily composed asset backed securities qualifies structured finance swap activity exemption undertaken hedging risk management purposes asset backed security underlying structured finance swap credit quality type category respect prudential regulators jointly adopted rules authorizing swap security based swap activity covered depository institutions repeals exemption prohibition insured depository institution limits swap security based swap activities acting swaps entity swaps security based swaps involving rates reference assets permissible investment national bank credit default swaps including referencing credit risk asset backed securities cleared derivatives clearing organization clearing agency registered exempt registration commodity_exchange_act securities_exchange_act