cheaptrix/UnitedStatesSentateAndHouseBillsAndSummaries huggingface dataset:
Clarification of Treatment of Electronic Sales of Livestock Act of 2016

To amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to clarify the duties relating to services furnished in connection with the buying or selling of livestock in commerce through online, video, or other electronic methods, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Clarification of Treatment of Electronic Sales of Livestock Act of 2016 2. Definition of market agency (a) In general Section 301(c) of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 ( 7 U.S.C. 201(c) (1) by striking ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: Beginning on the date of the enactment of the Clarification of Treatment of Electronic Sales of Livestock Act of 2016 (b) Technical amendments Section 301 of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 ( 7 U.S.C. 201 (1) in the matter preceding subsection (a), by striking When used in this Act— In this Act: (2) in subsection (a), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period; and (3) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking weighting weighing (B) by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period. 3. Methods to transfer funds Section 409(a) of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 ( 7 U.S.C. 228b(a) (1) in the first proviso, by striking shall wire transfer funds to the seller’s account shall transfer funds for the full amount of the purchase price to the account of the seller by wire, electronic funds transfer, or any other expeditious method determined appropriate by the Secretary (2) in the second proviso, by striking or dealer shall wire transfer funds or dealer shall transfer funds for the full amount of the purchase price by wire, electronic funds transfer, or any other expeditious method determined appropriate by the Secretary

Summary: Clarification of Treatment of Electronic Sales of Livestock Act of 2016 This bill amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to expand the definition of &quot;marketing agency&quot; to include any person who engages in the business of buying or selling livestock, on a commission or other fee basis, through the use of online, video, or other electronic methods. The term &quot;marketing agency&quot; does not include a person whose annual average of online, video, or electronic sales of livestock, on a commission or other fee basis, is less than $250,000. The bill also permits electronic funds transfers and other expeditious payment methods that the Department of Agriculture determines to be appropriate to be used as options for meeting prompt payment requirements for livestock purchases.
FOIA Improvement Act of 2016


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on March 15, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.) FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to: require federal agencies to make their disclosable records and documents available for public inspection in an electronic format; require agencies to make available for inspection in an electronic format records that have been requested three or more times (frequently requested records); prohibit an agency from charging a fee for providing records if the agency misses a deadline for complying with an FOIA request unless unusual circumstances apply and more than 5,000 pages are necessary to respond to the request; prohibit an agency from withholding information requested under FOIA unless the agency reasonably foresees that disclosure would harm an interest protected by a FOIA exemption or disclosure is prohibited by law (presumption of openness); limit the FOIA exemption for agency communications to allow the disclosure of agency records created 25 years or more before the date of a FOIA request; require the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) to offer mediation services to resolve disputes between agencies and FOIA requesters; expand the authority and duties of the Chief FOIA Officer of each agency to require officers to serve as the primary agency liaison with OGIS and the Office of Information Policy; establish a Chief FOIA Officers Council to develop recommendations for increasing compliance and efficiency in responding to FOIA requests, disseminating information about agency experiences, identifying, developing, and coordinating initiatives to increase transparency and compliance, and promoting performance measures to ensure agency compliance with FOIA requirements; and require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to ensure the operation of a consolidated online request portal that allows a member of the public to submit a request for records to any agency from a single website. (Sec. 3) The head of each agency (i.e., each authority of the U.S. government, excluding the Congress, U.S. courts, governments of U.S. territories and possessions, and the government of the District of Columbia) is required to: (1) review agency regulations and issue regulations on procedures for disclosure of records in accordance with the amendments made by this bill, and (2) include in such regulations procedures for engaging in dispute resolution through the FOIA Public Liaison and OGIS. (Sec. 4) The program for the efficient management of federal agency records is expanded to require agency heads to establish procedures for: (1) identifying records of general interest or use to the public that are appropriate for public disclosure, and (2) posting such records in a publicly-accessible electronic format. (Sec. 5) No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this bill. (Sec. 6) This bill shall take effect on its enactment date and shall apply to all FOIA requests for records made after its enactment date.
Natural Gas Truck Tax Parity Act of 2016

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a partial exclusion from the excise tax imposed on heavy trucks sold at retail for alternative fuel trucks. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Natural Gas Truck Tax Parity Act of 2016 2. Partial exclusion from excise tax imposed on heavy trucks sold at retail for alternative fuel trucks (a) In general Section 4051(a) (5) Partial exclusion for alternative fuel trucks (A) In general In the case of any automobile truck chassis, automobile truck body, or tractor subject to tax under paragraph (1) which is fueled wholly or partially by an alternative fuel, the rate of tax shall be reduced by 35 percent. (B) Alternative fuel For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term alternative fuel . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to sales after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Natural Gas Truck Tax Parity Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the excise tax rate on the retail sale of heavy trucks and trailers by 35% for any automobile truck chassis, automobile truck body, or tractor that is fueled wholly or partially by an alternative fuel. The term &quot;alternative fuel&quot; means compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and any liquid whose volume is at least 85% methanol.
A bill to ensure the integrity of laws enacted to prevent the use of financial instruments for funding or operating online casinos are not undermined by legal opinions not carrying the force of law issued by Federal Government lawyers.

To ensure the integrity of laws enacted to prevent the use of financial instruments for funding or operating online casinos are not undermined by legal opinions not carrying the force of law issued by Federal Government lawyers. 1. Reaffirmation of prohibition on funding of unlawful internet gambling The Memorandum Opinion for the Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, dated September 20, 2011, shall have no force or effect for the purposes of interpreting section 5362(10) of title 31, United States Code.

Summary: This bill declares that the Memorandum Opinion for the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice (September 20, 2011) shall have no force or effect for purposes of interpreting the definition of &quot;unlawful Internet gambling&quot; under current federal law.
A bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 719 Church Street in Nashville, Tennessee, as the "Fred. D. Thompson Federal Building and United States Courthouse".

To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 719 Church Street in Nashville, Tennessee, as the Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and United States Courthouse 1. Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and United States Courthouse (a) Findings Congress finds that— (1) Fred D. Thompson was first elected to the United States Senate in 1994 and served as a Senator from the State of Tennessee until 2003; (2) Fred D. Thompson graduated from Memphis State University in 1964 and Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1967, and served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the State of Tennessee; (3) Fred D. Thompson was appointed by Senator Howard Baker, Jr., to serve as minority counsel to the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973; (4) following his service as a United States Senator, Fred D. Thompson continued to pursue his acting career, which began in 1985 with the movie Marie (5) Fred D. Thompson was known for his integrity, humility, and dedication to public service; and (6) the naming of the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 719 Church Street in Nashville, Tennessee, after Senator Fred D. Thompson would honor his name and the legacy he left to all citizens of the State of Tennessee. (b) Designation The Federal building and United States courthouse located at 719 Church Street in Nashville, Tennessee, shall be known and designated as the Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and United States Courthouse (c) References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal building and United States courthouse referred to in subsection (b) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and United States Courthouse

Summary: This bill designates the federal building and U.S. courthouse located at 719 Church Street in Nashville, Tennessee, as the "Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and United States Courthouse.&quot;
Silver Star Service Banner Day Act

To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner Day 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Silver Star Service Banner Day Act 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Congress has always honored the sacrifices made by the wounded and ill members of the Armed Forces. (2) The Silver Star Service Banner has come to represent the members of the Armed Forces and veterans who were wounded or became ill in combat in the wars fought by the United States. (3) The Silver Star Families of America was formed to help the people of the United States remember the sacrifices made by the wounded and ill members of the Armed Forces by designing and manufacturing Silver Star Service Banners and Silver Star Flags for that purpose. (4) The sole mission of the Silver Star Families of America is to evoke memories of the sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces and veterans on behalf of the United States through the presence of a Silver Star Service Banner in a window or a Silver Star Flag flying. (5) The sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces and veterans on behalf of the United States should never be forgotten. (6) May 1 is an appropriate date to designate as Silver Star Service Banner Day 3. Designation (a) In general Chapter 1 145. Silver Star Service Banner Day (a) Designation May 1 is Silver Star Service Banner Day. (b) Proclamation The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe Silver Star Service Banner Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. . (b) Technical and conforming amendment The table of sections for chapter 1 section 144 145. Silver Star Service Banner Day. .

Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Silver Star Service Banner Day Act (Sec. 3) This bill designates May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner Day.
No Explosives or Arms for Terrorists and Criminals Act

To prevent terrorists and criminals from obtaining explosives and firearms. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the No Explosives or Arms for Terrorists and Criminals Act 2. Preventing terrorists and criminals from obtaining explosives and firearms (a) Firearms Section 924 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following: (h) Whoever knowingly receives or transfers a firearm, or attempts or conspires to do so, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such firearm will be used to commit a Federal crime of terrorism (as defined in section 2332b(g)(5)), crime of violence (as defined in subsection (c)(3)), or drug trafficking crime (as defined in subsection (c)(2)) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 15 years, or both. . (b) Explosives Section 844 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (q) A person who attempts to commit any offense described in subsection (o) or (r) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both. (r) (1) Whoever knowingly transfers any explosives precursor, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such explosives precursor will be used to commit a crime of violence (as defined in section 924(c)(3)) or drug trafficking crime (as defined in section 924(c)(2)) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both. (2) For purposes of this subsection the term explosives precursor .

Summary: No Explosives or Arms for Terrorists and Criminals Act This bill amends the federal criminal code to revise the prohibition on transferring a firearm knowing that the firearm will be used to commit a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. Specifically, it broadens the scope of the prohibition to bar the transfer or receipt of a firearm, or the attempt or conspiracy to do so, knowing or reasonably believing that the firearm will be used to commit a crime of violence, a drug trafficking crime, or a federal crime of terrorism. It increases from 10 to 15 years the maximum prison term for a violator. Additionally, the bill adds a new provision to prohibit the transfer of an explosive precursor (i.e., a chemical substance used to make explosive material) knowing or reasonably believing that that the explosive precursor will be used to commit a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. It imposes penalties&#8212;a fine, a 10-year maximum prison term, or both&#8212;on a person who violates, or attempts or conspires to violate, the prohibition. Finally, the bill imposes penalties&#8212;a fine, a 10-year maximum prison term, or both&#8212;on a person who conspires or attempts to transfer explosive materials knowing or reasonably believing that the explosive materials will be used to commit a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime.
Prescribed Burn Approval Act of 2016


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Prescribed Burn Approval Act of 2016 (Sec. 3) This bill prohibits the Forest Service from authorizing a prescribed burn (i.e., a planned fire intentionally ignited) on Forest Service land if, for the county or contiguous county in which such land is located, the national fire danger rating system is indicating an extreme fire danger level. Nonetheless, the Forest Service may authorize a prescribed burn under such a condition if it coordinates with the applicable state government and local fire officials. At the end of every fiscal year, the Forest Service shall submit a report that describes: the number and locations of prescribed burns during that fiscal year, and each prescribed burn during that year that was authorized by the Forest Service as an exception under this bill.
Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2016

To prohibit the conduct of a first-use nuclear strike absent a declaration of war by Congress. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2016 2. Findings and declaration of policy (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war. (2) The framers of the Constitution understood that the monumental decision to go to war, which can result in massive death and the destruction of civilized society, must be made by the representatives of the people and not by a single person. (3) As stated by section 2(c) of the War Powers Resolution ( Public Law 93–148 50 U.S.C. 1541 the constitutional powers of the President as Commander-in-Chief to introduce United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, are exercised only pursuant to (1) a declaration of war, (2) specific statutory authorization, or (3) a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces (4) Nuclear weapons are uniquely powerful weapons that have the capability to instantly kill millions of people, create long-term health and environmental consequences throughout the world, directly undermine global peace, and put the United States at existential risk from retaliatory nuclear strikes. (5) By any definition of war, a first-use nuclear strike from the United States would constitute a major act of war. (6) A first-use nuclear strike conducted absent a declaration of war by Congress would violate the Constitution. (b) Declaration of policy It is the policy of the United States that no first-use nuclear strike should be conducted absent a declaration of war by Congress. 3. Prohibition on conduct of first-use nuclear strikes (a) Prohibition Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President may not use the Armed Forces of the United States to conduct a first-use nuclear strike unless such strike is conducted pursuant to a declaration of war by Congress that expressly authorizes such strike. (b) First-Use nuclear strike defined In this section, the term first-use nuclear strike

Summary: Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2016 This bill prohibits the President from using the Armed Forces to conduct a first-use nuclear strike unless such strike is conducted pursuant to a congressional declaration of war expressly authorizing such strike. &quot;First-use nuclear strike&quot; means a nuclear weapons attack against an enemy that is conducted without the President determining that the enemy has first launched a nuclear strike against the United States or a U.S. ally.
Improved Employment Outcomes for Foster Youth Act of 2016

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include foster care transition youth as members of a targeted group for purposes of the work opportunity credit. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Improved Employment Outcomes for Foster Youth Act of 2016 2. Inclusion of foster care transition youth for purposes of work opportunity credit (a) In general Paragraph (1) of section 51(d) or , or (K) a qualified foster care transition youth. . (b) Qualified foster care transition youth Subsection (d) of section 51 (16) Qualified foster care transition youth The term qualified foster care transition youth (A) not having attained age 27 as of the hiring date, and (B) having been in foster care (as such term is used in section 477 of the Social Security Act) at any time after the individual attained the younger of— (i) age 16, or (ii) the age specified in subsection (a)(7) of such section. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to individuals who begin work for the employer after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Improved Employment Outcomes for Foster Youth Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include the hiring of qualified foster care transition youth. (The WOTC permits employers who hire individuals who are members of a targeted group [e.g., qualified veterans, ex-felons, SSI recipients] to claim a tax credit equal to a portion of the wages paid to those individuals.) A &quot;qualified foster care transition youth&quot; is any individual who is certified by the designated local agency as: (1) not having attained age 27 as of the hiring date, and (2) as having been in foster care after attaining the younger of age 16 or the age specified in provisions of the Social Security Act related to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program.
Modernizing American Manufacturing Bonds Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify certain rules applicable to qualified small issue manufacturing bonds. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Modernizing American Manufacturing Bonds Act 2. Modifications to qualified small issue bonds (a) Manufacturing Facilities To Include Production of Intangible Property and Functionally Related Facilities Section 144(a)(12)(C) (C) Manufacturing facility For purposes of this paragraph— (i) In general The term manufacturing facility (I) is used in the manufacturing or production of tangible personal property (including the processing resulting in a change in the condition of such property), (II) is used in the creation or production of intangible property which is described in section 197(d)(1)(C)(iii), or (III) is functionally related and subordinate to a facility described in subclause (I) or (II) if such facility is located on the same site as the facility described in subclause (I) or (II). (ii) Certain facilities included The term manufacturing facility (I) those facilities are located on the same site as the manufacturing facility, and (II) not more than 25 percent of the net proceeds of the issue are used to provide those facilities. (iii) Limitation on office space A rule similar to the rule of section 142(b)(2) shall apply for purposes of clause (i). (iv) Limitation on refundings for certain property Subclauses (II) and (III) of clause (i) shall not apply to any bond issued on or before the date of the enactment of the Modernizing American Manufacturing Bonds Act Modernizing American Manufacturing Bonds Act . (b) Increase in limitations Section 144(a)(4) of such Code is amended— (1) by striking $10,000,000 $30,000,000 (2) by striking $10,000,000 $30,000,000 (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply to obligations issued after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Modernizing American Manufacturing Bonds Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to qualified small issue bonds for manufacturing purposes, to: (1) expand the definition of &quot;manufacturing facility&quot; to include a facility which is used in the creation or production of intangible property and which is functionally related and subordinate to a facility located on the same site and financed with not more than 25% of bond proceeds, and (2) increase from $10 million to $30 million the maximum bond limitation.
Small Business Survival from Disaster Act

To delay the implementation of the overtime rule submitted by the Department of Labor entitled Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales and Computer Employees 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Small Business Survival from Disaster Act 2. Delaying implementation of overtime rule for States with major disasters (a) Delayed effective date Notwithstanding the effective date set forth in the rule submitted by the Department of Labor entitled Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales and Computer Employees (b) States with major disaster declarations A State described in this subsection is a State in which, not prior to August 14, 2016, the President has declared that a major disaster exists under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170

Summary: Small Business Survival from Disaster Act This bill postpones from December 1, 2016, until December 1, 2018, the effective date of final rule of the Department of Labor revising income thresholds for determining overtime pay for executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer (&quot;white collar&quot;) employees exempt from regular minimum wage and overtime pay requirements with respect to any states in which, after August 14, 2016, the President has declared that a major disaster exists.
A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a major medical facility project in Reno, Nevada.


Summary: This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out major medical facility projects that consist of: seismic, life safety, and utilities upgrades and expansion of clinical services in Reno, Nevada; and seismic corrections to the mental health and community living center in Long Beach, California. The bill authorizes appropriations for such projects, subject to specified fund limitations.
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to equalize the excise tax on liquified petroleum gas and liquified natural gas.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to equalize the excise tax on liquified petroleum gas and liquified natural gas. 1. Equalization of excise tax on liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas (a) Liquefied petroleum gas (1) In general Subparagraph (B) of section 4041(a)(2) and (ii) in the case of liquefied petroleum gas, 18.3 cents per energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline, and . (2) Energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline Paragraph (2) of section 4041(a) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following: (C) Energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline For purposes of this paragraph, the term energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline means, with respect to a liquefied petroleum gas fuel, the amount of such fuel having a Btu content of 115,400 (lower heating value). . (b) Liquefied natural gas (1) In general Subparagraph (B) of section 4041(a)(2) and , and (iv) in the case of liquefied natural gas, 24.3 cents per energy equivalent of a gallon of diesel. . (2) Energy equivalent of a gallon of diesel Paragraph (2) of section 4041(a) of such Code, as amended by subsection (a)(2), is amended by adding at the end the following: (D) Energy equivalent of a gallon of diesel For purposes of this paragraph, the term energy equivalent of a gallon of diesel means, with respect to a liquefied natural gas fuel, the amount of such fuel having a Btu content of 128,700 (lower heating value). . (3) Conforming amendments Section 4041(a)(2)(B)(iii) (A) by striking liquefied natural gas,, (B) by striking peat), and peat) and (c) Effective Date The amendments made by this section shall apply to any sale or use of fuel after March 31, 2015.

Summary: This bill equalizes the excise tax&nbsp;on liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas by establishing a rate of 18.3 cents per energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline for liquefied petroleum gas and 24.3 cents per energy equivalent of a gallon of diesel for liquefied natural gas.
Education Support Professional Family Medical Leave Act

To clarify the hours of service requirements for education support professionals. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Education Support Professional Family Medical Leave Act 2. Definitions Section 101(2) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ( 29 U.S.C. 2611(2) (E) Education support professionals (i) Determination For purposes of determining whether an employee who is an education support professional meets the hours of service requirement specified in subparagraph (A)(ii), the employee will be considered to meet the requirement if the employee has worked, during the previous 12-month period specified in that subparagraph, not less than an average of— (I) 60 hours a month, for the employer with respect to whom leave is requested under section 102; or (II) 60 percent of the applicable total monthly hours expected for the employee's job description and duties (as assigned for the school year preceding the school year during which the hours of service are calculated), per month for that employer. (ii) Definitions In this subparagraph: (I) Education support professional The term education support professional (aa) a paraeducator that provides instructional or noninstructional support; and (bb) a member of the secretarial, clerical, or administrative support staff. (II) Public elementary or secondary school The term public elementary or secondary school 20 U.S.C. 7801 (III) Public institution of higher education The term public institution of higher education 20 U.S.C. 1001 . 3. Calculation of leave Section 102(a) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ( 29 U.S.C. 2612(a) (6) Calculation of leave for education support professionals The Secretary may provide a method for calculating the leave described in paragraph (1) with respect to employees described in section 101(2)(E). .

Summary: Education Support Professional Family Medical Leave Act This bill amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to provide that employees who are education support professionals will be considered as meeting the hours of service requirement to become eligible for family or medical leave under the Act, if they have worked, during the previous 12-month period, at least an average of: 60 hours a month for the employer from whom the leave is requested, or 60% of the total monthly hours expected for the employee's job description and duties with regard to that employer. The bill defines an &quot;education support professional&quot; as an employee of a public elementary or secondary school or public institution of higher education that may include: (1) a paraeducator who provides instructional or noninstructional support; and (2) a member of the secretarial, clerical, or administrative support staff (e.g., bus drivers, janitors, kitchen workers, and security guards). The Department of Labor may provide a method for calculating leave under the Act for education support professionals.
Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act

To provide for a 6-month delay in the effective date of a rule of the Department of Labor relating to income thresholds for determining overtime pay for executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer employees. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act 2. Effective date of rule (a) Effective date Notwithstanding the effective date set forth in the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to exemptions regarding the rates of pay for executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer employees (81 Fed. Reg. 32552 (May 23, 2016)), such rule shall not take effect until June 1, 2017. (b) Rule of construction Nothing in this Act shall be construed to provide authority for the rule described in subsection (a), nor any part thereof, that is not otherwise provided by law.

Summary: Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act This bill postpones from December 1, 2016, until June 1, 2017, the effective date of a final rule of the Department of Labor revising income thresholds for determining overtime pay for executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer (&quot;white collar&quot;) employees exempt from regular minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.
Special Needs Trust Fairness Act of 2015

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to empower individuals with disabilities to establish their own supplemental needs trusts. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act of 2015 2. Fairness in Medicaid supplemental needs trusts (a) In general Section 1917(d)(4)(A) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396p(d)(4)(A) the individual, for the benefit of such individual by (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to trusts established on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. July 30, 2015 Reported without amendment

Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.) Special Needs Trust Fairness Act of 2015 (Sec. 2) This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to the treatment of revocable trusts for the benefit of an individual for purposes of meeting income requirements for Medicaid coverage. Extends the supplemental needs trust exemption from treatment of a trust as resources available to the individual to supplemental needs trusts for Medicaid beneficiaries established by those beneficiaries.
A bill to designate the Traverse City VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Traverse City, Michigan, as the "Colonel Demas T. Craw VA Clinic".


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) (Sec. 1) This bill designates the Traverse City VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Traverse City, Michigan, as the "Colonel Demas T. Craw VA Clinic.&quot;
100 Years of Women in Congress Act

To amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to designate certain research and extension grants to increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as Jeannette Rankin Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Grants 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the 100 Years of Women in Congress Act 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The first woman elected to Congress, Representative Jeannette Rankin from the State of Montana, was elected on November 7, 1916, almost 4 years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which gave women the right to vote. (2) Jeannette Rankin was not only a pioneer in national electoral politics, she was also a pioneer as a woman in science, graduating from the University of Montana in 1902 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. (3) (A) 100 years after the election of Jeannette Rankin, 108 women serve in the 114th Congress, more than at any other time in the history of the United States. (B) While that accomplishment is commendable, women hold only 20 percent of the seats in Congress, far below the relative share of women in the electorate of the United States. (4) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics— (A) women make up 47 percent of the total workforce of the United States; and (B) gains have been made for women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this section as STEM (i) 39 percent of chemists and material scientists; (ii) 28 percent of environmental scientists and geoscientists; (iii) 16 percent of chemical engineers; and (iv) 12 percent of civil engineers. (5) More must be done to encourage women to run for elected office and to enter the STEM fields. 3. Jeannette Rankin Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Grants Section 1672(d)(7) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5925(d)(7) (1) by striking the paragraph heading and inserting Jeannette Rankin Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Grants (2) by striking Research (A) In general Research ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (B) Designation Any grant made under subparagraph (A) shall be known as a Jeannette Rankin Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Grant .

Summary: 100 Years of Women in Congress Act This bill amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to designate certain Department of Agriculture research and extension grants to increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as &quot;Jeannette Rankin Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Grants.&quot;
A bill to require the appropriate Federal banking agencies to treat certain non-significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions as qualifying capital instruments, and for other purposes.

To require the appropriate Federal banking agencies to treat certain non-significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions as qualifying capital instruments, and for other purposes. 1. Treatment of certain non-significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions (a) In general Section 18 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1828 (1) by moving subsection (z) so that it appears after subsection (y); and (2) by adding at the end the following: (aa) Treatment of non-Significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions For purposes of the final rules titled Regulatory Capital Rules: Regulatory Capital, Implementation of Basel III, Capital Adequacy, Transition Provisions, Prompt Corrective Action, Standardized Approach for Risk-Weighted Assets, Market Discipline and Disclosure Requirements, Advanced Approaches Risk-Based Capital Rule, and Market Risk Capital Rule Final Rules non-significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions . (b) Amendment to Basel III Capital Regulations Not later than the end of the 3-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Comptroller of the Currency shall amend the final rules titled Regulatory Capital Rules: Regulatory Capital, Implementation of Basel III, Capital Adequacy, Transition Provisions, Prompt Corrective Action, Standardized Approach for Risk-Weighted Assets, Market Discipline and Disclosure Requirements, Advanced Approaches Risk-Based Capital Rule, and Market Risk Capital Rule

Summary: This bill amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Federal Reserve Board to provide that a bank's or a savings association's investments in Trust Preferred Securities (pooled and individual instruments) shall not be subject to deduction from such institution's regulatory capital (provided such instruments were held as investments prior to July 21, 2010) for purposes of the final rules entitled &quot;Regulatory Capital Rules: Regulatory Capital, Implementation of Basel III, Capital Adequacy, Transition Provisions, Prompt Corrective Action, Standardized Approach for Risk-Weighted Assets, Market Discipline and Disclosure Requirements, Advanced Approaches Risk-Based Capital Rule, and Market Risk Capital Rule&quot; (Basel III Capital Regulations), published on October 11, 2013. The OCC, the FDIC, and the Federal Reserve Board must amend such Basel III Capital Regulations to implement this bill.
Justice Safety Valve Act of 2015

To amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent unjust and irrational criminal punishments. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Justice Safety Valve Act of 2015 2. Authority to impose a sentence below a statutory minimum Section 3553 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Authority To impose a sentence below a statutory minimum To prevent an unjust sentence (1) General rule Notwithstanding any provision of law other than this subsection, the court may impose a sentence below a statutory minimum if the court finds that it is necessary to do so in order to avoid violating the requirements of subsection (a). (2) Court to give parties notice Before imposing a sentence under paragraph (1), the court shall give the parties reasonable notice of the court’s intent to do so and an opportunity to respond. (3) Statement in writing of factors The court shall state, in the written statement of reasons, the factors under subsection (a) that require imposition of a sentence below the statutory minimum. (4) Appeal rights not limited This subsection does not limit any right to appeal that would otherwise exist in its absence. .

Summary: Justice Safety Valve Act of 2015 This bill authorizes a federal court to impose a sentence in a criminal proceeding that is below the minimum sentence&nbsp;required by statute if the court finds that a lower sentence is necessary to avoid violating statutory factors that the court must consider in imposing a sentence. The court must give parties to the proceeding notice of its intent to impose a lower sentence and state in writing the factors requiring&nbsp;such a sentence. This bill does not limit any right to appeal that would otherwise exist.
A bill to improve rangeland conditions and restore grazing levels within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah.

To improve rangeland conditions and restore grazing levels within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah. 1. Improvement of rangeland conditions and restoration of grazing levels, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (a) In general As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall implement a management program within areas of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument that are administered by the Bureau of Land Management— (1) to improve rangeland conditions for wildlife and livestock carrying capacity in those areas; and (2) to restore livestock grazing to the level of usage in those areas that existed as of September 17, 1996. (b) Permits In issuing or renewing grazing permits and in issuing or modifying allotment management plans for livestock grazing in the areas described in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Interior shall incorporate reasonable standards and guidelines that are consistent with— (1) the Utah Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Grazing Management for BLM Lands in Utah (2) the applicable regulations of the Bureau of Land Management contained in subpart 4100 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to livestock grazing on public land) (or successor regulations).

Summary: Directs the Department of the Interior to implement a management program within the areas of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah that are administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to: (1) improve rangeland conditions for wildlife and livestock carrying capacity in those areas, and (2) restore livestock grazing to the level of usage in those areas that existed as of September 17, 1996. Requires Interior, in issuing or renewing grazing permits and in issuing or modifying allotment management plans for livestock grazing in those areas, to incorporate standards and guidelines that are consistent with: (1) the &quot;Utah Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Grazing Management for BLM Lands in Utah&quot;, approved by the Secretary on May 20, 1997; and (2) the applicable BLM regulations contained in regulations relating to livestock grazing on public land.
Helping Individuals Regain Employment Act

To ensure that long-term unemployed individuals are not taken into account for purposes of the employer health care coverage mandate. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Helping Individuals Regain Employment Act 2. Long-term unemployed individuals not taken into account for employer health care coverage mandate (a) In general Paragraph (4) of section 4980H(c) (C) Exception for long-term unemployed individuals (i) In general The term full-time employee (ii) Long-term unemployed individual For purposes of this subparagraph, the term long-term unemployed individual (I) begins employment with such employer after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, and (II) has been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer, as determined by the Secretary of Labor, immediately before the date such employment begins. . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply to months beginning after the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Helping Individuals Regain Employment Act Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the definition of &quot;full-time employee,&quot; for purposes of the employer mandate to provide minimum essential health care coverage, any individual who is a long-term unemployed individual. Defines "long-term unemployed individual" as an individual who begins employment after enactment of this Act and has been unemployed for 27 weeks or longer.
Correctional Officer Fairness Act of 2015

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an exemption from the tax on early distributions for certain Bureau of Prisons correctional officers who retire before age 55, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Correctional Officer Fairness Act of 2015 2. Exemption from tax on early distributions (a) In general Subsection (t) of section 72 (11) Distributions to qualified Federal correctional officers from the Thrift Savings Fund (A) In general In the case of a distribution to a qualified Federal correctional officer from the Thrift Savings Fund established under section 8437 of title 5, United States Code, paragraph (2)(A)(v) of this subsection shall be applied by substituting age 50 (or, if earlier, the age at which the employee has completed 25 years of creditable service) age 55 (B) Qualified Federal correctional officer For purposes of this paragraph, the term qualified Federal correctional officer (i) who is employed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a correctional officer, and (ii) who has completed 20 years of creditable service. (C) Creditable service For purposes of this paragraph, the term creditable service . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply to distributions made after December 31, 2015.

Summary: Correctional Officer Fairness Act of 2015 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the 10%&nbsp;additional tax&nbsp;on early distributions from tax-exempt retirement plans distributions from a thrift savings fund&nbsp;to a qualified federal correctional officer who has reached age 50 or has completed 25 years of credible service, whichever is earlier. Defines "qualified federal correctional officer" as an individual who is employed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a correctional officer and has completed 20 years of creditable service.