Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2015

To amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to expand the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of the Interior to provide service opportunities for young Americans, to help restore natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, and scenic resources of the United States, to train a new generation of public land managers and enthusiasts, to promote the value of public service, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2015 (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Amendment to existing short title. Sec. 3. Name and project description changes. Sec. 4. Findings. Sec. 5. Purposes. Sec. 6. Definitions. Sec. 7. Public Lands Service Corps program. Sec. 8. Residential conservation centers and program support. Sec. 9. Resource assistants and consulting interns. Sec. 10. Inclusion of Indian Youth Service Corps and issuance of guidance. Sec. 11. Living allowances and terms of service. Sec. 12. National service educational awards. Sec. 13. Nondisplacement. Sec. 14. Funding. Sec. 15. Authorization of appropriations. 2. Amendment to existing short title Section 201 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1701 Public Law 91–378 201. Short title; references (a) Short title This title may be cited as the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 1993 (b) References Any reference contained in any law, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 Public Lands Service Corps Act of 1993 . 3. Name and project description changes The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1721 et seq. Public Law 91–378 (1) in the title heading, by striking Public lands corps Public lands service corps (2) in section 204 ( 16 U.S.C. 1723 Public lands corps public lands service corps (3) in section 210(a)(2) ( 16 U.S.C. 1729(a)(2) Public lands (4) by striking Public Lands Corps Corps (5) by striking conservation center residential conservation center (6) by striking conservation centers residential conservation centers (7) by striking appropriate conservation project appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation project (8) by striking appropriate conservation projects appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation projects 4. Findings Section 202(a) of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1721(a) (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking Corps can benefit conservation corps can benefit (B) by striking the natural and cultural natural and cultural (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: (2) Participants in conservation corps receive meaningful education and training, and their experience with conservation corps provides preparation for careers in public service. (3) Young men and women who participate in the rehabilitation and restoration of the natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, and scenic treasures of the United States will gain an increased appreciation and understanding of the public lands and heritage of the United States, and of the value of public service, and are likely to become life-long advocates for those values. ; (4) in paragraph (4), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by inserting , cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, and scenic Many facilities and natural (5) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (6) The work of conservation corps can benefit communities adjacent to public lands and facilities through renewed civic engagement and participation by corps participants and those they serve, improved student achievement, and restoration and rehabilitation of public assets. . 5. Purposes Subsection (b) of section 202 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1721 (b) Purposes The purposes of this Act are as follows: (1) To introduce young men and women to public service while furthering their understanding and appreciation of the natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, and scenic resources of the United States. (2) To facilitate training and recruitment opportunities in which service is credited as qualifying experience for careers in the management of such resources. (3) To instill in a new generation of young men and women from across the United States, including young men and women from diverse backgrounds, the desire to seek careers in resource stewardship and public service by allowing them to work directly with professionals in agencies responsible for the management of the natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, and scenic resources of the United States. (4) To perform, in a cost-effective manner, appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation projects where such projects are not being performed by existing employees. (5) To assist State and local governments and Indian tribes in performing research and public education tasks associated with the conservation of natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational, and scenic resources. (6) To expand educational opportunities on public lands and by rewarding individuals who participate in conservation corps with an increased ability to pursue higher education and job training. (7) To promote public understanding and appreciation of the missions and the natural and cultural resources conservation work of the participating Federal agencies through training opportunities, community service and outreach, and other appropriate means. (8) To create a grant program for Indian tribes to establish the Indian Youth Service Corps so that Indian youth can benefit from carrying out projects on Indian lands that the Indian tribes and communities determine to be priorities. . 6. Definitions Section 203 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1722 (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7), (8) through (10), and (11) through (13) as paragraphs (5) through (9), (11) through (13), and (15) through (17), respectively; (2) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (1) Appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation project The term appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation project (2) Consulting intern The term consulting intern (3) Corps and public lands service corps The terms Corps Public Lands Service Corps (4) Corps participant The term Corps participant (A) in the Corps or the Indian Youth Service Corps; or (B) as a resource assistant or consulting intern. ; (3) by inserting after paragraph (9), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following new paragraph: (10) Indian youth service corps The term Indian Youth Service Corps (A) enrolls individuals between the ages of 15 and 25, inclusive, a majority of whom are Indians; and (B) is established pursuant to a tribal resolution that describes the agreement between the Indian tribe and the qualified youth or conservation corps to operate an Indian Youth Service Corps program for the benefit of the members of the Indian tribe. ; (4) by striking paragraph (12), as redesignated by paragraph (1), and inserting the following new paragraph: (12) Public lands The term public lands ; (5) in paragraph (13), as redesignated by paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A)— (i) by striking full-time, (ii) by inserting on eligible service lands resource setting (iii) by striking 16 15 (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking and (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (D) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (D) makes available for audit for each fiscal year for which the qualified youth or conservation corps receives Federal funds under this Act, all information pertaining to the expenditure of the funds, any matching funds, and participant demographics. ; (6) by inserting after paragraph (13), as redesignated by paragraph (1) and amended by paragraph (5), the following new paragraph: (14) Residential conservation centers The term residential conservation centers ; (7) in paragraph (15), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking 206 206(a)(1) (8) in paragraph (16), as redesignated by paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (C) with respect to the National Marine Sanctuary System, coral reefs, and other coastal, estuarine, and marine habitats, and other lands and facilities administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Secretary of Commerce. . 7. Public Lands Service Corps program Section 204 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1723 (1) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (d), (f), (g), and (h), respectively; (2) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following new subsections: (a) Establishment of Public Lands Service Corps There is established in the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Commerce a Public Lands Service Corps. (b) Establishment of Corps Office; Coordinators; Liaison (1) Establishment of Offices (A) Department of the Interior The Secretary of the Interior shall establish a department-level office to coordinate the Corps activities within the Department of the Interior. (B) Department of Agriculture The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish within the Forest Service an office to coordinate the Corps activities within that agency. (C) Department of Commerce The Secretary of Commerce shall establish within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration an office to coordinate the Corps activities within that agency. (2) Establishment of coordinators The Secretary shall designate a Public Lands Service Corps coordinator for each agency under the jurisdiction of the Secretary that administers Corps activities. (3) Establishment of liaison The Secretary of the Interior shall establish an Indian Youth Service Corps liaison that will— (A) provide outreach to Indian tribes about opportunities for establishing Corps and Indian Youth Service Corps programs; and (B) coordinate with the Tribal Liaison of the Corporation for National Service to identify and establish Corps and Indian Youth Service Corps opportunities for Indian youth. (c) Participants (1) In general The Secretary may enroll in the Corps individuals who are— (A) hired by an agency under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to perform work authorized under this Act; or (B) members of a qualified youth or conservation corps with which the Secretary has entered into a cooperative agreement to perform work authorized under this Act. (2) Resource assistants and consulting interns The Secretary may also enroll in the Corps resource assistants and consulting interns in accordance with section 206(a). (3) Eligibility requirements To be eligible for enrollment as a Corps participant, an individual shall— (A) (i) be between the ages of 15 and 25, inclusive; or (ii) in the case of a military veteran, be not older than 35; and (B) satisfy the requirements of section 137(a)(5) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12591(a)(5) (4) Terms Each Corps participant may be enrolled in the Corps for a term of up to 2 years of service, which may be served over a period that exceeds 2 calendar years. (5) Civil service An individual may be enrolled as a Corps participant without regard to the civil service and classification laws, rules, or regulations of the United States. (6) Preference The Secretary may establish a preference for the enrollment as Corps participants individuals who are economically, physically, or educationally disadvantaged. (7) Local preference The Secretary may establish a preference for enrollment of Corps participants who are individuals who live in that State or region. ; (3) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (1)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking contracts and (ii) by striking subsection (d) subsection (f) (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs: (2) Recruitment The Secretary shall carry out, or enter into cooperative agreements to provide, a program to attract eligible youth to the Corps by publicizing Corps opportunities through high schools, colleges, employment centers, electronic media, and other appropriate institutions and means. (3) Preference In entering into cooperative agreements under paragraph (1) or awarding competitive grants to Indian tribes or tribally authorized organizations under section 207, the Secretary may give preference to qualified youth or conservation corps that are located in specific areas where a substantial portion of members are economically, physically, or educationally disadvantaged. ; (4) by inserting after subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following new subsection: (e) Training For purposes of training, the Secretary shall take into account training already received by Corps participants enrolled from qualified youth or conservation corps. ; (5) in subsection (f), as redesignated by paragraph (1)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the heading, by striking In general Use of Corps; projects (ii) by striking The Secretary may utilize the Corps or any qualified youth or conservation corps to carry out (A) In general The Secretary may use the Corps to carry out, with appropriate supervision and training, ; (iii) by striking on public lands on eligible service lands (iv) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (B) Projects Appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation projects carried out under this section may include— (i) protecting, restoring, or enhancing ecosystem components to promote species recovery, improve biological diversity, enhance productivity and carbon sequestration, and enhance adaptability and resilience of eligible service lands and resources to climate change and other natural and human disturbances; (ii) promoting the health of eligible service lands, including— (I) protecting and restoring watersheds and forest, grassland, riparian, estuarine, marine, or other habitat; (II) reducing the risk of uncharacteristically severe wildfire and mitigating damage from insects, disease, and disasters; (III) controlling erosion; (IV) controlling and removing invasive, noxious, or nonnative species; and (V) restoring native species; (iii) collecting biological, archaeological, and other scientific data, including climatological information, species populations and movement, habitat status, and other information; (iv) assisting in historical and cultural research, museum curatorial work, oral history projects, documentary photography, and activities that support the creation of public works of art related to eligible service lands; and (v) constructing, repairing, rehabilitating, and maintaining roads, trails, campgrounds and other visitor facilities, employee housing, cultural and historic sites and structures, and other facilities that further the purposes of this Act. ; (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; and (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraphs: (2) Visitor services The Secretary may— (A) enter into or amend an existing cooperative agreement with a cooperating association, educational institution, friends group, or similar nonprofit partner organization for the purpose of providing training and work experience to Corps participants in areas such as sales, office work, accounting, and management, provided that the work experience directly relates to the conservation and management of eligible service lands; and (B) allow Corps participants to help promote visitor safety and enjoyment of eligible service lands, and assist in the gathering of visitor use data. (3) Interpretation The Secretary may permit Corps participants to provide interpretation or education services for the public under the direct and immediate supervision of an agency employee— (A) to provide orientation and information services to visitors; (B) to assist agency employees in the delivery of interpretive or educational programs where audience size, environmental conditions, safety, or other factors make such assistance desirable; (C) to present programs that relate the personal experience of the Corps participants for the purpose of promoting public awareness of the Corps, the role of the Corps in public land management agencies, and the availability of the Corps to potential participants; and (D) to create nonpersonal interpretive products, such as website content, Junior Ranger program books, printed handouts, and audiovisual programs. ; (6) in subsection (g), as redesignated by paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking those projects which priority projects and other projects that (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph: (2) will instill in Corps participants a work ethic and a sense of public service; ; and (7) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (i) Other Participants The Secretary may allow volunteers from other programs administered or designated by the Secretary to participate as volunteers in projects carried out under this section. (j) Criminal History Checks (1) In General The requirements of section 189D(b) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12645g(b) (A) to become a Corps participant; (B) to receive funds authorized under this Act; or (C) to supervise or otherwise have regular contact with Corps participants in activities authorized under this Act. (2) Eligibility Prohibition If any of paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 189D(c) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12645g(c) . 8. Residential conservation centers and program support Section 205 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1724 (1) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking The Secretary (1) In general The Secretary ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (2) Temporary housing The Secretary may make arrangements with another Federal agency, State, local government, or private organization to provide temporary housing for Corps participants as needed and available. (3) Transportation In project areas where Corps participants reside at their own homes, the Secretary may provide transportation to and from project sites. ; (2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); (3) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection: (d) Mentors The Secretary may recruit from programs, such as Federal volunteer and encore service programs, and from veterans groups, military retirees, and active duty personnel, such adults as may be suitable and qualified to provide training, mentoring, and crew-leading services to Corps participants. ; and (4) in subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by striking that are appropriate that the Secretary determines to be necessary for a residential conservation center. 9. Resource assistants and consulting interns Section 206 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1725 (1) in the section heading, by inserting and consulting interns (2) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following new subsections: (a) Authorization (1) Resource assistants (A) In general The Secretary may provide individual placements of resource assistants with any agency under the jurisdiction of the Secretary that carries out appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation projects to carry out research or resource protection activities on behalf of the agency. (B) Eligibility To be eligible for selection as a resource assistant, an individual shall be at least 17 years of age. (C) Preference In selecting resource assistants for placement under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give a preference to individuals who are enrolled in an institution of higher education or are recent graduates from an institution of higher education, with particular attention given to ensuring full representation of women and participants from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities. (2) Consulting interns (A) In general The Secretary may provide individual placements of consulting interns with any agency under the jurisdiction of the Secretary that carries out appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation projects to carry out management analysis activities on behalf of the agency. (B) Eligibility To be eligible for selection as a consulting intern, an individual shall be enrolled in, and have completed at least 1 full year at, a graduate or professional school that has been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of Education. (b) Use of Existing Nonprofit Organizations (1) In general Whenever 1 or more nonprofit organizations can provide appropriate recruitment and placement services to fulfill the requirements of this section, the Secretary may implement this section through such organizations. (2) Expenses Participating organizations shall contribute to the expenses of providing and supporting the resource assistants or consulting interns from sources of funding other than the Secretary, at a level of not less than 25 percent of the total costs (15 percent of which may be from in-kind sources) of each participant in the resource assistant or consulting intern program who has been recruited and placed through that organization. (3) Reporting Each participating organization shall be required to submit an annual report evaluating the scope, size, and quality of the program, including the value of work contributed by the resource assistants and consulting interns, to the mission of the agency. . 10. Inclusion of Indian Youth Service Corps and issuance of guidance The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 is amended— (1) by redesignating sections 207 through 211 (16 U.S.C. 1726 through 1730) as sections 209 through 213, respectively; and (2) by inserting after section 206 ( 16 U.S.C. 1725 207. Indian Youth Service Corps (a) Authorization of Cooperative Agreements and Competitive Grants The Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with, or make competitive grants to, Indian tribes and qualified youth or conservation corps for the establishment and administration of Indian Youth Service Corps programs to carry out appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation projects on Indian lands. (b) Application To be eligible to receive assistance under this section, an Indian tribe or a qualified youth or conservation corps shall submit to the Secretary an application in such manner and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including— (1) a description of the methods by which Indian youth will be recruited for and retained in the Indian Youth Service Corps; (2) a description of the projects to be carried out by the Indian Youth Service Corps; (3) a description of how the projects were identified; and (4) an explanation of the impact of, and the direct community benefits provided by, the proposed projects. 208. Guidance Not later than 18 months after funds are made available to the Secretary to carry out this Act, the Secretary shall issue guidelines for the management of programs under the jurisdiction of the Secretary that are authorized under this Act. . 11. Living allowances and terms of service Section 209 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1726 (a) Living allowances (1) In general The Secretary shall provide each Corps participant with a living allowance in an amount established by the Secretary. (2) Travel costs The Secretary may reimburse Corps participants for travel costs at the beginning and end of the term of service of the Corps participants. (b) Terms of Service (1) In general Each Corps participant shall agree to participate for such term of service as may be established by the Secretary. (2) Consultations With respect to the Indian Youth Service Corps, the term of service shall be established in consultation with the affected Indian tribe or tribally authorized organization. (c) Hiring Preference and Future Employment The Secretary may— (1) grant to a Corps participant credit for time served as a Corps participant, which may be used toward future Federal hiring; (2) provide to a former participant of the Corps or the Indian Youth Service Corps noncompetitive hiring status for a period of not more than 2 years after the date on which the service of the candidate in the Corps or the Indian Youth Service Corps was complete, if the candidate— (A) has served a minimum of 960 hours on an appropriate natural or cultural resources conservation project that included at least 120 hours through the Corps or the Indian Youth Service Corps; and (B) meets Office of Personnel Management qualification standards for the position for which the candidate is applying; (3) provide to a former resource assistant or consulting intern noncompetitive hiring status for a period of not more than 2 years after the date on which the individual has completed an undergraduate or graduate degree, respectively, from an accredited institution, if the candidate— (A) successfully fulfilled the resource assistant or consulting intern program requirements; and (B) meets Office of Personnel Management qualification standards for the position for which the candidate is applying; and (4) provide, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with qualified employment agencies to provide, alumni services such as job and education counseling, referrals, verification of service, communications, and other appropriate services to Corps participants who have completed the term of service. . 12. National service educational awards Section 210 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1727 (1) in subsection (a), in the first sentence— (A) by striking participant in the Corps or a resource assistant Corps participant (B) by striking participant or resource assistant Corps participant (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking either participants in the Corps or resource assistants Corps participants (B) by striking or a resource assistant 13. Nondisplacement Section 211 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1728 activities carried out Corps participants. 14. Funding Section 212 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1729 (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the second sentence, by striking “non-federal sources” and inserting “sources other than the Secretary”; and (ii) by inserting after the second sentence the following: The Secretary may pay up to 90 percent of the costs of a project if the Secretary determines that the reduction is necessary to enable participation from a greater range of organizations or individuals. (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting or Indian Youth Service Corps Corps (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: (b) Funds Available Under National and Community Service Act To carry out this title, the Secretary shall be eligible to apply for and receive assistance under section 121(b) of the National and Community Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 12571(b) ; and (3) in subsection (c)— (A) by striking section 211 section 213 (B) by inserting or Indian Youth Service Corps Corps 15. Authorization of appropriations Section 213 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 ( 16 U.S.C. 1730 (1) in subsection (a), by striking year year. (2) by striking subsection (b); and (3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).

Summary: Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2015 Amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to rename: (1) the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 as the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 1993, and (2) the Public Lands Corps as the Public Lands Service Corps (the Corps). Establishes the Corps in the Department of Commerce (as well as in the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior, as under current law). Requires: (1) establishment of a department-level office within the Department of the Interior, Forest Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the coordination of Corps activities; and (2) designation of a Corps coordinator for each agency within the Departments of the Interior, of Agriculture, and of Commerce that administers such activities. Establishes an Indian Youth Service Corps liaison. Permits the enrollment of resource assistants and consulting interns. Sets a maximum enrollment term of two years. Requires a recruitment program for the Corps. Instructs the Department concerned, for purposes of training, to take into account training already received by Corps participants enrolled from qualified youth or conservation corps. Describes the types of natural and cultural resources conservation projects that may be carried out by the Corps. Authorizes the Corps to provide certain visitor and interpretation services. Authorizes each Department to make: (1) arrangements for temporary housing for Corps participants in conservation centers, and (2) individual placements of consulting interns to perform management analysis activities for agencies under the Department's jurisdiction carrying out appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation projects. Authorizes cooperative agreements and competitive grants for Indian tribes and qualified youth or conservation corps to establish Indian Youth Service Corps programs. Requires the Secretary to issue management guidelines for programs of the Corps. Revises requirements for: (1) participant living allowances to include certain travel costs; (2) noncompetitive hiring status to cover Indian Youth Service Corps particpants, resource assistants, and consulting interns. Removes resource assistants from eligibility for national service educational awards.