Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act

To enable concrete masonry products manufacturers to establish, finance, and carry out a coordinated program of research, education, and promotion to improve, maintain, and develop markets for concrete masonry products. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act 2. Findings and declaration of policy (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The production of concrete masonry products plays a significant role in the economy of the United States. (2) Concrete masonry products are produced by hundreds of concrete manufacturers and utilized throughout the United States and foreign countries. (3) Concrete masonry products move in the channels of interstate and foreign commerce, and concrete masonry products that do not move in such channels of commerce directly burden or affect interstate commerce of concrete masonry products. (4) The concrete masonry products industry employs thousands of workers and positively impacts economic stability throughout the United States. (5) The maintenance and expansion of existing markets for concrete masonry products and the development of new markets are vital to the welfare of concrete manufacturers in the United States and those concerned with marketing and using concrete masonry products as well as the general economic welfare of the United States. (6) The concrete masonry products industry plays a vital role in providing safe, environmentally sustainable, and economical construction for citizens of the United States and abroad. (7) Concrete masonry products are used for the construction of structures that protect and provide shelter for citizens during disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornados, fire, et cetera). (8) Concrete masonry structures provide energy efficiencies to reduce American energy demands. (9) Concrete masonry provides for durable structures that support sustainability objectives, reducing long-term demands on natural resources. (10) Concrete masonry products are made using locally available resources throughout the United States, reducing transportation and infrastructure demands. (11) Concrete masonry products are used to support the construction of durable and cost-efficient, low-income housing. (b) Purpose The purpose of this Act is to authorize the establishment of an orderly program for developing, financing, and carrying out an effective, continuous, and coordinated program of research, education, and promotion, including funds for marketing and market research activities, that is designed to— (1) strengthen the position of the concrete masonry products industry in the domestic marketplace; (2) maintain, develop, and expand markets and uses for concrete masonry products in the domestic and foreign marketplaces; and (3) promote the use of concrete masonry products in environmentally sustainable construction and building. (c) Limitation Nothing in this Act may be construed to provide for the control of production or otherwise limit the right of any person to manufacture concrete masonry products. 3. Definitions For the purposes of this Act: (1) Block machine The term block machine (2) Board The term Board section 5 (3) Cavity The term cavity (4) Commerce The term commerce (5) Concrete masonry products The term concrete masonry products (6) Concrete masonry unit The term concrete masonry unit (7) Department The term Department (8) Dry-Cast concrete The term dry-cast concrete (9) Education The term education (10) Machine cavities The term machine cavities (11) Machine cavities in operation The term machine cavities in operation (12) Manufacturer The term manufacturer (13) Masonry unit The term masonry unit (14) Order The term order (15) Person The term person (16) Promotion The term promotion (17) Research The term research (18) Secretary The term Secretary (19) United States The term United States 4. Issuance of orders (a) In general (1) Issuance The Secretary, subject to the procedures provided in subsection (b) (2) Scope Any order shall be national in scope. (3) One order Not more than 1 order shall be in effect at any one time. (b) Procedures (1) Development or receipt of proposed order A proposed order with respect to concrete masonry products may be— (A) prepared by the Secretary at any time; or (B) requested by or submitted to the Secretary by— (i) an existing national organization of concrete masonry product manufacturers; or (ii) any person that may be affected by the issuance of an order with respect to concrete masonry products. (2) Publication of proposed order Not later than 60 days after receiving a proposed order or a request for a proposed order in accordance with subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish a proposed order in the Federal Register and give 30 days notice and opportunity for public comment on the proposed order. (3) Issuance of order (A) In general After notice and opportunity for public comment are provided in accordance with paragraph (2) (B) Effective date The order shall be issued and become effective only after an affirmative vote in a referendum as provided in section 7 (c) Amendments The Secretary may, from time to time, amend an order. The provisions of this Act applicable to an order shall be applicable to any amendment to an order. 5. Required terms in orders (a) In general Any order issued under this Act shall contain the terms and provisions specified in this section. (b) Concrete Masonry Products Board (1) Establishment and membership (A) Establishment The order shall provide for the establishment of a Concrete Masonry Products Board to carry out a program of generic promotion, research, and information regarding concrete masonry products. (B) Membership (i) Number of members The Board shall consist of not more than 25 members. (ii) Appointment The members of the Board shall be appointed by the Secretary from nominations submitted as provided in this subsection. (iii) Composition The Board shall consist of manufacturers. (2) Distribution of appointments (A) Geographical representation To ensure fair and equitable representation of the concrete masonry products industry, the composition of the Board shall reflect the geographical distribution of the manufacture of concrete masonry products in the United States and the types of concrete masonry products manufactured. (B) Adjustment in board representation Three years after the assessment of concrete masonry products commences pursuant to an order, and at the end of each 3-year period thereafter, the Board, subject to the review and approval of the Secretary, shall, if warranted, recommend to the Secretary the reapportionment of the Board membership to reflect changes in the geographical distribution of the manufacture of concrete masonry products and the types of concrete masonry products manufactured. (3) Nominations Process The order shall provide the following: (A) Number of nominations Two nominees shall be submitted for each appointment to the Board. (B) Procedure Nominations for each appointment of a manufacturer shall be made by manufacturers in accordance with procedures specified in the order. (C) Failure to nominate In any case in which manufacturers fail to nominate individuals for an appointment to the Board, the Secretary may appoint an individual to fill the vacancy on a basis provided in the order or other regulations of the Secretary. (D) Failure to appoint If the Secretary fails to make an appointment to the Board within 30 days of receiving nominations for such appointment, the first nominee for such appointment shall be deemed appointed. (4) Alternates The order shall provide for the selection of alternate members of the Board by the Secretary in accordance with procedures specified in the order. (5) Terms (A) In general The members and any alternates of the Board shall each serve for a term of 3 years, except that members and any alternates initially appointed to the Board shall serve for terms of not more than 2, 3, and 4 years, as specified by the order. (B) Limitation on consecutive terms A member or an alternate may serve not more than 2 consecutive terms. (C) Continuation of term Notwithstanding subparagraph (B) (D) Vacancies A vacancy arising before the expiration of a term of office of an incumbent member or alternate of the Board shall be filled in a manner provided for in the order. (6) Disqualification from Board service The order shall provide that if a member or alternate of the Board who was appointed as a manufacturer ceases to qualify as a manufacturer, such member or alternate shall be disqualified from serving on the Board. (7) Compensation (A) In general Members and any alternates of the Board shall serve without compensation. (B) Travel expenses If approved by the Board, members or alternates shall be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses, which may include per diem allowance or actual subsistence incurred while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Board. (c) Powers and duties of the Board The order shall specify the powers and duties of the Board, which shall include the power and duty— (1) to administer the order in accordance with its terms and conditions and to collect assessments; (2) to develop and recommend to the Secretary for approval such bylaws as may be necessary for the functioning of the Board and such rules as may be necessary to administer the order, including activities authorized to be carried out under the order; (3) to meet, organize, and select from among members of the Board a chairperson, other officers, and committees and subcommittees, as the Board determines appropriate; (4) to establish regional organizations or committees to administer regional initiatives; (5) to establish working committees of persons other than Board members; (6) to employ such persons, other than the members, as the Board considers necessary, and to determine the compensation and specify the duties of the persons; (7) to prepare and submit for the approval of the Secretary, before the beginning of each fiscal year, rates of assessment under section 6 (8) to borrow funds necessary for the startup expenses of the order; (9) to carry out research, education, and promotion programs and projects, and to pay the costs of such programs and projects with assessments collected under section 6 (10) subject to subsection (e) (11) to keep minutes, books, and records that reflect the actions and transactions of the Board, and promptly report minutes of each Board meeting to the Secretary; (12) to receive, investigate, and report to the Secretary complaints of violations of the order; (13) to furnish the Secretary with such information as the Secretary may request; (14) to recommend to the Secretary such amendments to the order as the Board considers appropriate; and (15) to provide the Secretary with advance notice of meetings. (d) Programs and projects; budgets; expenses (1) Programs and projects The order shall require the Board to submit to the Secretary for approval any program or project of research, education, or promotion. (2) Budgets (A) Submission The order shall require the Board to submit to the Secretary for approval a budget of the anticipated expenses and disbursements of the Board in the implementation of the order, including the projected costs of concrete masonry products research, education, and promotion programs and projects. (B) Timing The budget shall be submitted before the beginning of a fiscal year and as frequently as may be necessary after the beginning of the fiscal year. (C) Approval If the Secretary fails to approve or reject a budget within 30 days of receipt, such budget shall be deemed approved. (3) Administrative Expenses (A) Incurring expenses A board may incur the expenses described in paragraph (2) (B) Payment of expenses Expenses incurred under subparagraph (A) section 6 (C) Limitation on spending For fiscal years beginning 3 or more years after the date of the establishment of the Board, the Board may not expend for administration (except for reimbursement to the Secretary required under subparagraph (D) (D) Reimbursement of Secretary The order shall require that the Secretary be reimbursed from assessments for all expenses incurred by the Secretary in the implementation, administration, and supervision of the order, including all referenda costs incurred in connection with the order. (e) Contracts and agreements (1) In general The order shall provide that, with the approval of the Secretary, the Board may— (A) enter into contracts and agreements to carry out programs and projects of research, education, and promotion activities relating to concrete masonry products, including contracts and agreements with manufacturer associations or other entities as considered appropriate by the Secretary; (B) enter into contracts and agreements for administrative services; and (C) pay the cost of approved research, education, and promotion programs and projects using assessments collected under section 6 (2) Requirements Each contract or agreement shall provide that any person who enters into the contract or agreement with the Board shall— (A) develop and submit to the Board a proposed activity together with a budget that specifies the cost to be incurred to carry out the activity; (B) keep accurate records of all of transactions relating to the contract or agreement; (C) account for funds received and expended in connection with the contract or agreement; (D) make periodic reports to the Board of activities conducted under the contract or agreement; and (E) make such other reports as the Board or the Secretary considers relevant. (3) Failure to approve If the Secretary fails to approve or reject a contract or agreement entered into under paragraph (1) (f) Books and records of Board (1) In general The order shall require the Board to— (A) maintain such books and records (which shall be available to the Secretary for inspection and audit) as the Secretary may require; (B) collect and submit to the Secretary, at any time the Secretary may specify, any information the Secretary may request; and (C) account for the receipt and disbursement of all funds in the possession, or under the control, of the Board. (2) Audits The order shall require the Board to have— (A) the books and records of the Board audited by an independent auditor at the end of each fiscal year; and (B) a report of the audit submitted directly to the Secretary. (g) Prohibited activities (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2) (A) influence legislation or governmental action; (B) engage in an action that would be a conflict of interest; or (C) engage in advertising that is false or misleading. (2) Exceptions Paragraph (1) (A) the development and recommendation of amendments to the order; (B) the communication to appropriate government officials of information relating to the conduct, implementation, or results of research, education, and promotion activities under the order; or (C) any action designed to market concrete masonry products directly to a foreign government or political subdivision of a foreign government. (h) Periodic evaluation The order shall require the Board to provide for the independent evaluation of all research, education, and promotion activities undertaken under the order. (i) Books and records of persons covered by order (1) In general The order shall require that manufacturers of concrete masonry products shall— (A) maintain records sufficient to ensure compliance with the order and regulations; (B) submit to the Board any information required by the Board to carry out its responsibilities; and (C) make the records described in subparagraph (A) subparagraph (B) (2) Time requirement Any record required to be maintained under paragraph (1) (3) Confidentiality of information (A) In general Except as otherwise provided in this Act, all information obtained under paragraph (1) section 7 (B) Suits and hearings Information referred to in subparagraph (A) (i) the Secretary considers the information relevant; and (ii) the information is revealed in a judicial proceeding or administrative hearing brought at the direction or on the request of the Secretary or to which the Secretary or any officer of the Department is a party. (C) General statements and publications This paragraph does not prohibit— (i) the issuance of general statements based on reports or on information relating to a number of persons subject to an order if the statements do not identify the information furnished by any person; or (ii) the publication, by direction of the Secretary, of the name of any person violating any order and a statement of the particular provisions of the order violated by the person. (D) Penalty Any person who willfully violates this subsection shall be fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. (4) Withholding information This subsection does not authorize the withholding of information from Congress. 6. Assessments (a) Assessments The order shall provide that assessments shall be paid by manufacturers with respect to concrete masonry products manufactured and marketed in the United States. (b) Collection (1) In general Assessments required under the order shall be remitted by the manufacturer to the Board in the manner prescribed by the order. (2) Timing The order shall provide that assessments required under the order shall be remitted to the Board not less frequently than quarterly. (3) Records As part of the remittance of assessments, manufacturers shall identify the total amount due in assessments on all sales receipts, invoices or other commercial documents of sale as a result of the sale of concrete masonry units in a manner as prescribed by the Board to ensure compliance with the order. (c) Assessment rates With respect to assessment rates, the order shall contain the following terms: (1) Initial rate The assessment rate on concrete masonry products shall be $0.01 per concrete masonry unit sold. (2) Changes in the rate (A) Authority to change rate The Board shall have the authority to change the assessment rate. A two-thirds majority of voting members of the Board shall be required to approve a change in the assessment rate. (B) Limitation on increases An increase or decrease in the assessment rate with respect to concrete masonry products may not exceed $0.01 per concrete masonry unit sold. (C) Maximum rate The assessment rate shall not be in excess of $0.05 per concrete masonry unit. (D) Limitation on frequency of changes The assessment rate may not be increased or decreased more than once annually. (d) Late-Payment and interest charges (1) In general Late-payment and interest charges may be levied on each person subject to the order who fails to remit an assessment in accordance with subsection (b) (2) Rate The rate for late-payment and interest charges shall be specified by the Secretary. (e) Investment of assessments Pending disbursement of assessments under a budget approved by the Secretary, a board may invest assessments collected under this section in— (1) obligations of the United States or any agency of the United States; (2) general obligations of any State or any political subdivision of a State; (3) interest-bearing accounts or certificates of deposit of financial institutions that are members of the Federal Reserve System; or (4) obligations fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States. (f) Assessment funds for Regional Initiatives (1) In general The order shall provide that no less than 50 percent of the assessments (less administration expenses) paid by a manufacturer shall be used to support research, education, and promotion plans and projects in support of the geographic region of the manufacturer. (2) Geographic regions The order shall provide for the following geographic regions: (A) Region I shall comprise Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia. (B) Region II shall comprise Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. (C) Region III shall comprise Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. (D) Region IV shall comprise Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. (E) Region V shall comprise Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. (3) Adjustment of geographic regions The order shall provide that the Secretary may, upon recommendation of the Board, modify the composition of the geographic regions described in paragraph (2) 7. Referenda (a) Initial Referendum (1) Referendum required During the 60-day period immediately preceding the proposed effective date of the order issued under section 4, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum among manufacturers required to pay assessments under the order, as provided in section 6 (2) Approval of order needed The order shall become effective only if the Secretary determines that the order has been approved by a simple majority of all votes cast in the referendum. (b) Votes permitted (1) In general Each manufacturer eligible to vote in a referendum conducted under this section shall be entitled to cast 1 vote for each machine cavity in operation that is operated by such manufacturer if they satisfy the eligibility requirements as defined in paragraph (2). (2) Eligibility For purposes of paragraph (1), manufacturers shall be considered to be eligible to vote if they have manufactured concrete masonry products during a period of at least 180 days prior to the referendum. (c) Manner of conducting referenda (1) In general Referenda conducted pursuant to this section shall be conducted in a manner determined by the Secretary. (2) Advance registration A manufacturer who chooses to vote in any referendum conducted under this section shall register with the Secretary prior to the voting period, after receiving notice from the Secretary concerning the referendum under paragraph (4) (3) Voting The Secretary shall establish procedures for voting in any referendum conducted under this section. The ballots and other information or reports that reveal or tend to reveal the identity or vote of voters shall be strictly confidential. (4) Notice Not later than 30 days before a referendum is conducted under this section with respect to an order, the Secretary shall notify all manufacturers, in such a manner as determined by the Secretary, of the period during which voting in the referendum will occur. The notice shall explain any registration and voting procedures established under this subsection. (d) Subsequent referenda If an order is approved in a referendum conducted under subsection (a) (1) at the request of the Board, subject to the voting requirements of subsections (b) (2) effective beginning on the date that is 5 years after the date of the approval of the order, and at 5-year intervals thereafter, at the request of 25 percent or more of the number of persons eligible to vote under subsection (b) (e) Suspension or termination If, as a result of a referendum conducted under subsection (d) (1) not later than 180 days after the referendum, suspend or terminate, as appropriate, collection of assessments under the order; and (2) suspend or terminate, as appropriate, activities under the order as soon as practicable and in an orderly manner. (f) Costs of referenda The Board established under an order with respect to which a referendum is conducted under this section shall reimburse the Secretary from assessments for any expenses incurred by the Secretary to conduct the referendum. 8. Petition and review (a) Petition (1) In general A person subject to an order issued under this Act may file with the Secretary a petition— (A) stating that the order, any provision of the order, or any obligation imposed in connection with the order, is not established in accordance with law; and (B) requesting a modification of the order or an exemption from the order. (2) Hearing The Secretary shall give the petitioner an opportunity for a hearing on the petition, in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary. (3) Ruling After the hearing, the Secretary shall make a ruling on the petition. The ruling shall be final, subject to review as set forth in subsection (b) (4) Limitation on petition Any petition filed under this subsection challenging an order, any provision of the order, or any obligation imposed in connection with the order, shall be filed within 2 years after the effective date of the order, provision, or obligation subject to challenge in the petition. (b) Review (1) Commencement of action The district courts of the United States in any district in which a person who is a petitioner under subsection (a) (2) Process Service of process in proceedings under this subsection shall be conducted in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (3) Remands If the court in a proceeding under this subsection determines that the ruling of the Secretary on the petition of the person is not in accordance with law, the court shall remand the matter to the Secretary with directions— (A) to make such ruling as the court shall determine to be in accordance with law; or (B) to take such further action as, in the opinion the court, the law requires. (c) Enforcement The pendency of proceedings instituted under this section shall not impede, hinder, or delay the Attorney General or the Secretary from obtaining relief under section 9 9. Enforcement (a) Jurisdiction A district court of the United States shall have jurisdiction to enforce, and to prevent and restrain any person from violating, this Act or an order or regulation issued by the Secretary under this Act. (b) Referral to Attorney General A civil action authorized to be brought under this section shall be referred to the Attorney General of the United States for appropriate action. (c) Civil penalties and orders (1) Civil penalties A person who willfully violates an order or a regulation issued by the Secretary under this Act may be assessed by the Secretary a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation. (2) Separate offense Each violation and each day during which there is a failure to comply with an order or regulation issued by the Secretary shall be considered to be a separate offense. (3) Cease-and-desist orders In addition to, or in lieu of, a civil penalty, the Secretary may issue an order requiring a person to cease and desist from violating the order or regulation. (4) Notice and hearing No order assessing a penalty or cease-and-desist order may be issued by the Secretary under this subsection unless the Secretary provides notice and an opportunity for a hearing on the record with respect to the violation. (5) Finality An order assessing a penalty or a cease-and-desist order issued under this subsection by the Secretary shall be final and conclusive unless the person against whom the order is issued files an appeal from the order with the appropriate district court of the United States, as provided in subsection (d) (d) Additional remedies The remedies provided in this Act shall be in addition to, and not exclusive of, other remedies that may be available. 10. Investigation and power to subpoena (a) Investigations The Secretary may conduct such investigations as the Secretary considers necessary for the effective administration of this Act, or to determine whether any person has engaged or is engaging in any act that constitutes a violation of this Act or any order or regulation issued under this Act. (b) Subpoenas, oaths, and affirmations (1) Investigations For the purpose of conducting an investigation under subsection (a) (2) Administrative hearings For the purpose of an administrative hearing held under section 8(a)(2) section 9(c)(4) (c) Aid of courts (1) In general In the case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena issued under subsection (b) subsection (b) (2) Order The court may issue an order requiring the person referred to in paragraph (1) paragraph (1) (3) Failure to obey Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt of court. (4) Process Process in any proceeding under this subsection may be served in the United States judicial district in which the person being proceeded against resides or conducts business, or wherever the person may be found. 11. Suspension or termination (a) Mandatory suspension or termination The Secretary shall suspend or terminate an order or a provision of an order if the Secretary finds that an order or provision of an order obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the purpose of this Act, or if the Secretary determines that the order or a provision of an order is not favored by persons voting in a referendum conducted under section 7 (b) Implementation of suspension or termination If, as a result of a referendum conducted under section 7 (1) not later than 180 days after making the determination, suspend or terminate, as the case may be, collection of assessments under the order; and (2) as soon as practicable, suspend or terminate, as the case may be, activities under the order in an orderly manner. 12. Confidentiality Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require the Board to disclose information or records under section 552 of title 5, United States Code. 13. Amendments to orders The provisions of this Act applicable to the order shall be applicable to any amendment to the order, except that section 8 shall not apply to an amendment. 14. Effect on other laws This Act shall not affect or preempt any other Federal or State law authorizing research, education, and promotion relating to concrete masonry products. 15. Regulations The Secretary may issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act and the power vested in the Secretary under this Act. 16. Limitation on expenditures for administrative expenses Funds appropriated to carry out this Act may not be used for the payment of the expenses or expenditures of the Board in administering the order.

Summary: Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act This bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue orders applicable to manufacturers of concrete masonry products. Any such order must provide for the establishment of a Concrete Masonry Products Board to carry out a program of promotion, research, and information regarding concrete masonry products. Manufacturers and importers shall maintain, and make available, specified records. An order must also provide that assessments be paid by concrete masonry product manufacturers with respect to concrete masonry products manufactured and marketed in the United States. Assessment rates are specified. At least 50% of the assessments paid by a manufacturer must be used to support research, education, and promotion plans and projects in support of the geographic region of the manufacturer. During the 60-day period preceding the proposed effective date of an order, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum for order approval among the manufacturers required to pay assessments under it. Referendum procedures are outlined. The bill allows petition and review of an order, and order enforcement through U.S. district courts. The Secretary: (1) may conduct appropriate investigations in order to administer this Act (with power of subpoena); and (2) must suspend or terminate any order or provision that obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the purposes of this Act, or that is not favored by persons voting in a referendum.