hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Lead Exposure Reduction Amendments Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1987
Sponsor: Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]
Introduced: 2015-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Building construction
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Environmental regulatory procedures
Government studies and investigations
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Residential rehabilitation and home repair
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: 

Lead Exposure Reduction Amendments Act of 2015

 
This bill amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to exclude from the definition of "abatement" any activity: (1) the primary purpose of which is to repair, restore, or remodel target housing, public buildings constructed before 1978, or commercial buildings; and (2) that incidentally results in a reduction or elimination of lead-based paint hazards.
 
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), no later than one year prior to proposing any renovation and remodeling regulation, must study the extent to which persons engaged in such activities: (1) are exposed to lead, and (2) disturb lead and create a lead-based paint hazard. Exempted from such a regulation is an emergency renovation carried out in response to an event that is an act of God as defined by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, that presents a risk to the public health or safety, or that threatens to cause significant damage to equipment or property if not attended to immediately. A regulation may not require post-abatement clearance testing. 
 
 The EPA must promulgate regulations to permit a resident owner of a dwelling that is target housing to authorize a contractor to forego compliance with such a regulation if the owner certifies that: (1) the renovation or remodeling project is to be carried out at such dwelling, (2) no pregnant woman or child under the age of six resides or will reside in such housing, and (3) the owner acknowledges that the contractor will be exempt from the requirements of such regulation. The EPA may not hold a contractor responsible for a misrepresentation made by the owner of such dwelling unless the contractor has actual knowledge of such a misrepresentation. 
 
The EPA must: (1) recognize a qualifying test kit for use under TSCA, and (2) suspend enforcement of any regulation relating to renovation and remodeling of target housing and commercial buildings constructed after January 1, 1960, and public buildings constructed between January 1, 1960, and January 1, 1978, until a specified period after the EPA recognizes such a test kit.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Enhancing Security for Military Personnel Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1988
Sponsor: Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]
Introduced: 2015-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Congressional oversight
Crime prevention
Department of Defense
Firearms and explosives
Military education and training
Military facilities and property
Military personnel and dependents

Summary:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: 

Enhancing Security for Military Personnel Act of 2015

 
This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to: (1) submit to Congress a plan to enhance security of military personnel at DOD installations in the United States; and (2) implement the plan recommendations within 90 days after enactment of this Act, and after briefing Congress.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Primary Care Enhancement Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1989
Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
Introduced: 2015-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health care costs and insurance
Home and outpatient care
Income tax deductions
Medicare

Summary:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: 

Primary Care Enhancement Act of 2015

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) permit an individual to pay primary care service arrangement costs from a health savings account; (2) allow an eligible taxpayer enrolled in a high-deductible health plan to take a tax deduction for cash paid into a health savings account, even if the taxpayer is simultaneously enrolled in a primary care service arrangement; and (3) for purposes of certain tax-deductible expenses for medical care, expand the definition of "medical care" to include periodic provider fees. A &quot;primary care service arrangement&quot; is an exchange of ongoing primary care services for a fixed periodic fee which is not billed to any third party on a fee-for-service basis. 
 
The bill also amends title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMI) to test a primary care medical home model for payment and service delivery. Under this type of model, qualified direct primary care medical home practices are reimbursed a periodic fee for serving Medicare enrollees. In selecting qualified direct primary care medical home practices to participate, CMI shall give priority to practices seeking to enroll dual-eligible individuals. 
 
CMI must conduct the model for at least three years, but, if specified conditions are met, CMI shall expand the model on a nationwide basis and a participating practice may continue permanently.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Federal Computer Security Act

Bill: 114-s-1990
Sponsor: Sen. Hatch, Orrin G. [R-UT]
Introduced: 2015-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Computer security and identity theft
Congressional oversight
Government studies and investigations
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
Right of privacy

Summary:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: 

Federal Computer Security Act

 
Directs the Inspector General of each executive agency that operates a federal computer system that provides access to classified information or personally identifiable information to submit to the Comptroller General and specified congressional committees a report that includes:
 
 
a description of the logical access standards used by the agency to access such system, including whether the agency is using multi-factor logical access controls for such access;
 
if the agency does not use such access controls, a description of the reasons for not doing so;
 
a description of the data security management practices used by the agency, including the policies and procedures for conducting inventories of software and associated licenses, an indication that the agency has entered into a licensing agreement for the use of software security controls to monitor and detect threats, or an explanation for why it has not entered such an agreement; and
 
a description of agency policies and procedures for ensuring that entities that provide services to the agency are implementing data security management practices.
 
 
Directs the Comptroller General to submit a report on any impediments to agency use of effective security software and security devices.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Permanent Department of Veterans Affairs Choice Card Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1991
Sponsor: Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]
Introduced: 2015-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Hospital care
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: 

Permanent Department of Veterans Affairs Choice Card Act of 2015

 
This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to make the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Choice Program permanent. (The program allows the furnishing of hospital care and medical services to eligible veterans through agreements with non-VA entities.)
 
Eligibility requirements under the program are revised.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6391)
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Protect Our Military Families' 2nd Amendment Rights Act

Bill: 114-s-1992
Sponsor: Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]
Introduced: 2015-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Firearms and explosives
Military personnel and dependents

Summary:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: 

Protect Our Military Families' 2nd Amendment Rights Act

 
Amends the federal criminal code to authorize a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer of firearms to ship to the spouse of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty outside the United States or to clubs composed of such members and spouses, and authorizes such a spouse or club to receive, a firearm or ammunition generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes and intended for the personal use of such spouse or club.
 
Describes a member of the Armed Forces on active duty or a spouse of such member, for purposes of federal firearms provisions, as a resident of the state in which: (1) the member or spouse maintains legal residence, (2) the permanent duty station of the member is located, or (3) the member maintains a place of abode from which the member commutes each day to the member's permanent duty station. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1993
Sponsor: Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]
Introduced: 2015-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Disaster relief and insurance
Employment and training programs
Historical and cultural resources
Indian lands and resources rights
Land use and conservation
National and community service
Outdoor recreation
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Youth employment and child labor

Summary:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: 

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2015 

 
This bill establishes a 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) that provides work and training opportunities for youth and veterans in certain federal agencies. Work and training provided in 21CSC must involve: 
 
 
protecting, restoring, and enhancing natural, cultural, and historical resources and treasures, including public and tribal land or water; 
 
supporting outdoor recreation and urban green spaces; 
 
restoring and safeguarding U.S. natural resources; or 
 
service that is primarily indoors with a clear benefit for natural, cultural, or historic resources or treasures. 
 
 
Participating federal agencies may develop public-private partnerships with organizations to support and carry out 21CSC projects. 
 
Participating federal agencies must compensate 21CSC participants with a wage, a stipend, a living allowance, or an educational credit at a participating institution of higher education. 
 
Participating federal agencies must also provide participants with: (1) job skill development; (2) community skill development to help participants acquire an ethic of service to others and become more effective resource and community stewards; and (3) a greater understanding of U.S. natural, cultural, or historic resources or treasures.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-03-17
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 114-496.
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Tax Relief And #FixTheTrustFund For Infrastructure Certainty Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1994
Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2015-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Government trust funds
Income tax credits
Inflation and prices
Marriage and family status
Motor fuels
Oil and gas
Poverty and welfare assistance
Public transit
Roads and highways
Sales and excise taxes
Tax treatment of families
Transportation programs funding
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: 

Tax Relief And #FixTheTrustFund For Infrastructure Certainty Act of 2015 or the TRAFFIC Relief Act

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to phase in: (1) an increase of the excise tax rate on gasoline beginning in 2016 until such rate is 34.3 cents per gallon in calendar years beginning after 2018, and (2) a similar increase to 40.3 cents per gallon for diesel fuel and kerosene. The rates are to be adjusted for inflation for calendar years after 2019.
 
The bill phases in increases in allocations of fuel excise tax amounts to the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund for calendar years beginning in 2015. Such increased allocations are to be adjusted for inflation for calendar years beginning after 2019. 
 
The bill makes permanent the increase in the refundable portion of the child tax credit and the increase in the earned income tax credit for families with three or more qualifying children. 
 
The earned income tax credit is also modified to: (1) allow an increase in such credit for individuals with no qualifying children, (2) revise tax credit eligibility rules for married individuals living apart and qualifying children claimed by another family member, and (3) repeal the denial of such credit for taxpayers with excess investment income. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Program Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1995
Sponsor: Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]
Introduced: 2015-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Employment and training programs
Indian lands and resources rights
Land transfers
Outdoor recreation
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Public-private cooperation
Urban and suburban affairs and development
Youth employment and child labor

Summary:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: 

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Program Act of 2015

 
This bill directs the Department of the Interior to establish an outdoor recreation legacy partnership grant program under which Interior awards grants to eligible entities (the states, their political subdivisions, special purpose districts, and Indian Tribes) for projects to: (1) acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes, and (2) develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities. 
 
As a condition for receiving a grant, an eligible entity shall provide matching funds in cash or in kind equal to 100% of the amounts available under the grant. 
 
A grant recipient may use the grant to acquire land or water providing outdoor recreation opportunities to the public.
 
A grant may also be used to develop or renovate outdoor recreational facilities, with priority given to projects that: 
 
 
create or significantly enhance access to park and recreational opportunities in an urban neighborhood or community;
 
engage and empower underserved communities and youth;
 
provide opportunities for youth employment or job training;
 
establish or expand public-private partnerships;
 
take advantage of coordination among various levels of government. 
 
 
Grant funds may not be used for specified costs, facilities, and activities, including the acquisition of lands or interests that restrict access to particular persons.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Commonsense Reporting Act of 2015

Bill: 114-s-1996
Sponsor: Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA]
Introduced: 2015-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Congressional oversight
Department of the Treasury
Employee benefits and pensions
Government Operations and Politics
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Income tax credits
Personnel records
Right of privacy
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: 

Commonsense Reporting Act of 2015 

 
This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the Internal Revenue Code to modify the requirements for employers to report health insurance coverage information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by the end of the tax year. 
 
The bill changes the information that is required and permits employers to voluntarily report the information prior to the beginning of open enrollment.
 
The Department of the Treasury must develop a prospective reporting system to permit: 
 
 
employers to voluntarily report specified health insurance coverage information before the annual open enrollment period; 
 
 the exchanges, the Federal Marketplace Data Services Hub, and the IRS to access the information to provide the Department of Health and Human Services with information related to eligibility for advance payment of premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies; 
 
 the exchanges to communicate with employers and employees regarding eligibility for the tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies; and 
 
employers to provide updates to the Federal Marketplace Data Services Hub regarding changes in coverage for employees. 
 
 
At the time of enrollment, exchanges must provide employers the names of employees and dependents that enroll in a qualified health plan for a year. 
 
If a health insurance issuer or employer is unable to obtain the Taxpayer Identification Number of a dependent, Treasury may permit the individual's full name and date of birth to be used instead. 
 
Employers participating in the reporting system established by this bill are exempt from the requirement to report health insurance coverage information to the IRS by the end of the tax year. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2016-05-18
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 114-675.
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Middle Class CHANCE Act

Bill: 114-s-1998
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Introduced: 2015-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Education programs funding
Higher education
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: 

Creating Higher Education Affordability Necessary to Compete Economically Act or the Middle Class CHANCE Act
 
 
 
This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to modify provisions related to the Federal Pell Grant program. 
 
Specifically, it increases the maximum Federal Pell Grant award for academic year 2016-2017 and adjusts it in subsequent award years to account for changes in the Consumer Price Index. 
 
The bill also increases from one to two the number of Pell Grants an eligible student may receive in a single award year (i.e., it restores year-round Pell Grants). An eligible student is a student who has already received one Pell Grant for an award year and is enrolled in an eligible program for an additional payment period (e.g., a summer term) during the same award year. A student's total amount of Pell Grants must not exceed 150% of the maximum Pell Grant for that award year. Also, any period during which a student receives an additional Pell Grant counts toward that student's lifetime Pell Grant eligibility period. 
 
The bill increases from 12 to 15 semesters a student's lifetime Federal Pell Grant eligibility period. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Caribbean Oil Spill Intervention, Prevention, and Preparedness Act

Bill: 114-s-1999
Sponsor: Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL]
Introduced: 2015-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Bahamas
Caribbean area
Cuba
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Florida
Gulf of Mexico
International organizations and cooperation
Latin America
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Marine pollution
Mexico
Oil and gas

Summary:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: 

Caribbean Oil Spill Intervention, Prevention, and Preparedness Act

 
This bill authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to act, without liability for damage to any interested party, to prevent or respond to a grave and imminent threat of damage to U.S. waters, coastline, or related interests from pollution of the sea by crude oil whenever an incident, activity, or occurrence involving a vessel in waters beyond the U.S. territorial jurisdiction creates such a threat.
 
The Secretary must: (1) consult, through the Department of State, unless extreme urgency requires immediate action, with the flag country of any vessel involved and other affected countries; and (2) take other specified actions proportionate to the threat.
 
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall develop and apply hydrodynamic modeling of the ocean currents and meteorological modeling of the Straits of Florida.
 
The National Marine Sanctuaries Act is amended to direct the State Department to negotiate with Mexico, Cuba, and the Bahamas for oil pollution prevention and response and protection of the marine resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Straits of Florida.
 
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act is amended to prohibit the Department of the Interior from granting an oil or gas lease to a bidder conducting operations in the territorial sea, on the continental shelf, or within the exclusive economic zone of Cuba without submitting an oil spill response plan that includes one or more worst-case-scenario oil discharge plans as well as evidence that the bidder has sufficient financial and other resources necessary for response to a worst-case-scenario discharge.
 
The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 is amended to direct the Department of Commerce to carry out international conservation activities for coral reef ecosystems in waters beyond theU.S. territorial jurisdiction in the Straits of Florida.
 
The Secretary:
 
 
shall carry out an oil spill risk analysis and planning process for the development and implementation of response plans for oil spills in the Straits of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico originating in waters beyond the U.S. territorial jurisdiction, and
 
may conduct a verification process to ensure that any companies operating in the United States that conduct drilling operations off the coast of Cuba are subject to standards as stringent as those under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6391-6392)
action_date: 2015-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate