Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024

Bill: 118-s-5468
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]
Introduced: 2024-12-10
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures

Advisory bodies

Alaska

Alaska Natives and Hawaiians

Appropriations

Assault and harassment offenses

Atmospheric science and weather

Aviation and airports

Border security and unlawful immigration

Citizenship and naturalization

Civics education

Civil actions and liability

Coast guard

Computer security and identity theft

Computers and information technology

Congressional oversight

Crime prevention

Crime victims

Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation

Criminal justice information and records

Criminal procedure and sentencing

Defense spending

Department of Commerce

Domestic violence and child abuse

Drug trafficking and controlled substances

Emergency planning and evacuation

Employee benefits and pensions

Employee hiring

Employee leave

Employment discrimination and employee rights

Evidence and witnesses

Fires

First responders and emergency personnel

Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management

Government information and archives

Government studies and investigations

Great Lakes

Health care coverage and access

Health care quality

Health information and medical records

Health personnel

Higher education

Hunting and fishing

Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information

International law and treaties

Lakes and rivers

Licensing and registrations

Marine and coastal resources, fisheries

Mental health

Military education and training

Military facilities and property

Military history

Military medicine

Military personnel and dependents

Military procurement, research, weapons development

Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers

National Guard and reserves

Navigation, waterways, harbors

Neurological disorders

Oil and gas

Pacific Ocean

Personnel records

Public contracts and procurement

Puerto Rico

Puget Sound

Research and development

School athletics

Sex offenses

Smuggling and trafficking

Student aid and college costs

Texas

Transportation costs

Transportation safety and security

U.S. territories and protectorates

User charges and fees

Veterans' medical care

Veterans' pensions and compensation

Virgin Islands

Water quality
Latest action: action_date: 2024-12-10
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Summaries:

tv_txt: II 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 5468 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 10, 2024 Ms. Cantwell (for herself, Mr. Cruz , Ms. Baldwin , and Mr. Sullivan ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this division is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Commandant defined. TITLE I—Coast Guard Subtitle A—Authorization of appropriations Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 102. Authorized levels of military strength and training. Subtitle B—Acquisition Sec. 111. Modification of prohibition on use of lead systems integrators. Sec. 112. Service life extension programs. Sec. 113. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement. Sec. 114. Great Lakes icebreaking. Sec. 115. Regular Polar Security Cutter updates. Sec. 116. Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard. Subtitle C—Organization and authorities Sec. 131. Modification of treatment of minor construction and improvement project management. Sec. 132. Preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties located in tsunami inundation zones. Sec. 133. Public availability of information. Sec. 134. Delegation of ports and waterways safety authorities in Saint Lawrence Seaway. Sec. 135. Additional Pribilof Island transition completion actions. Sec. 136. Policy and briefing on availability of naloxone to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses. Sec. 137. Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence River cooperative vessel traffic service. Sec. 138. Policy on methods to reduce incentives for illicit maritime drug trafficking. Sec. 139. Procurement of tactical maritime surveillance systems. Sec. 140. Plan for joint and integrated maritime operational and leadership training for United States Coast Guard and Taiwan Coast Guard Administration. Sec. 141. Modification of authority for special purpose facilities. Sec. 142. Timely reimbursement of damage claims for Coast Guard property. Sec. 143. Enhanced use property pilot program. Sec. 144. Coast Guard property provision. Subtitle D—Personnel Sec. 151. Direct hire authority for certain personnel. Sec. 152. Temporary exemption from authorized end strength for enlisted members on active duty in Coast Guard in pay grades E–8 and E–9. Sec. 153. Additional available guidance and considerations for reserve selection boards. Sec. 154. Family leave policies for the Coast Guard. Sec. 155. Authorization for maternity uniform allowance for officers. Sec. 156. Housing. Sec. 157. Uniform funding and management system for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and Coast Guard Exchange. Sec. 158. Coast Guard embedded behavioral health technician program. Sec. 159. Expansion of access to counseling. Sec. 160. Command sponsorship for dependents of members of Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska. Sec. 161. Travel allowance for members of Coast Guard assigned to Alaska. Sec. 162. Consolidation of authorities for college student precommissioning initiative. Sec. 163. Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program. Sec. 164. Modifications to career flexibility program. Sec. 165. Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentive program for civilian firefighters employed by Coast Guard in remote locations. Sec. 166. Reinstatement of training course on workings of Congress; Coast Guard Museum. Sec. 167. Modification of designation of Vice Admirals. Sec. 168. Commandant Advisory Judge Advocate. Sec. 169. Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian affairs. Sec. 170. Notification. Subtitle E—Coast Guard Academy Sec. 171. Modification of Board of Visitors. Sec. 172. Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight. Sec. 173. Electronic locking mechanisms to ensure Coast Guard Academy cadet room security. Sec. 174. Coast Guard Academy student advisory board and access to timely and independent wellness support services for cadets and candidates. Sec. 175. Report on existing behavioral health and wellness support services facilities at Coast Guard Academy. Sec. 176. Required posting of information. Sec. 177. Installation of behavioral health and wellness rooms. Sec. 178. Coast Guard Academy room reassignment. Sec. 179. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations. Sec. 180. Concurrent jurisdiction at Coast Guard Academy. Subtitle F—Reports Sec. 181. Maritime domain awareness in Coast Guard sector for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Sec. 182. Report on condition of Missouri River dayboards. Sec. 183. Study on Coast Guard missions. Sec. 184. Annual report on progress of certain homeporting projects. Sec. 185. Report on Bay class icebreaking tug fleet replacement. Sec. 186. Feasibility study on supporting additional port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific. Sec. 187. Study and gap analysis with respect to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi aviation hangar. Sec. 188. Report on impacts of joint travel regulations on members of Coast Guard who rely on ferry systems. Sec. 189. Report on Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. Sec. 190. Reports on United States collaboration with shipyards of Canada and Finland. TITLE II—Shipping and navigation Subtitle A—Merchant mariner credentials Sec. 201. Merchant mariner credentialing. Sec. 202. Nonoperating individual. Sec. 203. Merchant mariner licensing and documentation system requirements. Subtitle B—Vessel safety Sec. 211. Grossly negligent operations of a vessel. Sec. 212. Administrative procedure for security risks. Sec. 213. Study of amphibious vessels. Sec. 214. Performance driven examination schedule. Sec. 215. Ports and waterways safety. Sec. 216. Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and emergency response posture at ports of the United States. Sec. 217. Underwater inspections brief. Sec. 218. St. Lucie River railroad bridge. Sec. 219. Authority to establish safety zones for special activities in exclusive economic zone. Sec. 220. Improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring. Sec. 221. Designating pilotage waters for the Straits of Mackinac. Sec. 222. Receipts; international agreements for ice patrol services. Sec. 223. Requirements for certain fishing vessels and fish tender vessels. Subtitle C—Matters involving uncrewed systems Sec. 231. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems. Sec. 232. Pilot program for governance and oversight of small uncrewed maritime systems. Sec. 233. Coast Guard training course. Sec. 234. NOAA membership on Autonomous Vessel Policy Council. Sec. 235. Technology pilot program. Sec. 236. Uncrewed systems capabilities report and briefing. Sec. 237. Definitions. Subtitle D—Other matters Sec. 241. Controlled substance onboard vessels. Sec. 242. Information on type approval certificates. Sec. 243. Clarification of authorities. Sec. 244. Anchorages. Sec. 245. Amendments to passenger vessel security and safety requirements. Sec. 246. Cyber-incident training. Sec. 247. Extension of pilot program to establish a cetacean desk for Puget Sound region. Sec. 248. Suspension of enforcement of use of devices broadcasting on AIS for purposes of marking fishing gear. Sec. 249. Classification societies. Sec. 250. Abandoned and derelict vessel removals. TITLE III—Oil pollution response Sec. 301. Salvage and marine firefighting response capability. Sec. 302. Use of marine casualty investigations. Sec. 303. Timing of review. Sec. 304. Online incident reporting system. Sec. 305. Investment of Exxon Valdez oil spill court recovery in high yield investments and marine research. TITLE IV—Sexual assault and sexual harassment response Sec. 401. Independent review of Coast Guard reforms. Sec. 402. Comprehensive policy and procedures on retention and access to evidence and records relating to sexual misconduct and other misconduct. Sec. 403. Consideration of request for transfer of a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense. Sec. 404. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare. Sec. 405. Safe-to-Report policy for Coast Guard. Sec. 406. Modification of reporting requirements on covered misconduct in Coast Guard. Sec. 407. Modifications to the officer involuntary separation process. Sec. 408. Review of discharge characterization. Sec. 409. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial. Sec. 410. Definition of covered misconduct. Sec. 411. Notification of changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice or Manual for Courts Martial relating to covered misconduct. Sec. 412. Complaints of retaliation by victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment and related persons. Sec. 413. Development of policies on military protective orders. Sec. 414. Coast Guard implementation of independent review commission recommendations on addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military. Sec. 415. Policy relating to care and support of victims of covered misconduct. Sec. 416. Establishment of special victim capabilities to respond to allegations of certain special victim offenses. Sec. 417. Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual assault, or traumatic brain injury. Sec. 418. Participation in CATCH a Serial Offender program. Sec. 419. Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders. Sec. 420. Confidential reporting of sexual harassment. Sec. 421. Report on policy on whistleblower protections. Sec. 422. Review and modification of Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence. Sec. 423. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Academy access to defense sexual assault incident database. Sec. 424. Director of Coast Guard Investigative Service. Sec. 425. Modifications and revisions relating to reopening retired grade determinations. Sec. 426. Inclusion and command review of information on covered misconduct in personnel service records. Sec. 427. Flag officer review of, and concurrence in, separation of members who have reported sexual misconduct. Sec. 428. Expedited transfer in cases of sexual misconduct or domestic violence. Sec. 429. Access to temporary separation program for victims of alleged sex-related offenses. Sec. 430. Policy and program to expand prevention of sexual misconduct. Sec. 431. Continuous vetting of security clearances. Sec. 432. Training and education programs for covered misconduct prevention and response. TITLE V—Comptroller General reports Sec. 501. Comptroller General report on Coast Guard research, development, and innovation program. Sec. 502. Comptroller General study on vessel traffic service center employment, compensation, and retention. Sec. 503. Comptroller General review of quality and availability of Coast Guard behavioral health care and resources for personnel wellness. Sec. 504. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard efforts to reduce prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records and sharing of medical data with Department of Veterans Affairs and other entities. Sec. 505. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard training facility infrastructure. Sec. 506. Comptroller General study on facility and infrastructure needs of Coast Guard stations conducting border security operations. Sec. 507. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard basic allowance for housing. Sec. 508. Comptroller General report on safety and security infrastructure at Coast Guard Academy. Sec. 509. Comptroller General study on athletic coaching at Coast Guard Academy. Sec. 510. Comptroller General study and report on permanent change of station process. TITLE VI—Amendments Sec. 601. Amendments. TITLE VII—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Subtitle A—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Sec. 701. Title and qualifications of head of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; promotions of flag officers. Sec. 702. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessel fleet. Sec. 703. Cooperative Aviation Centers. Sec. 704. Eligibility of former officers to compete for certain positions. Sec. 705. Alignment of physical disqualification standard for obligated service agreements with standard for veterans’ benefits. Sec. 706. Streamlining separation and retirement process. Sec. 707. Separation of ensigns found not fully qualified. Sec. 708. Repeal of limitation on educational assistance. Sec. 709. Disposal of survey and research vessels and equipment of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Subtitle B—South Pacific Tuna Treaty matters Sec. 721. References to South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988. Sec. 722. Definitions. Sec. 723. Prohibited acts. Sec. 724. Exceptions. Sec. 725. Criminal offenses. Sec. 726. Civil penalties. Sec. 727. Licenses. Sec. 728. Enforcement. Sec. 729. Findings by Secretary of Commerce. Sec. 730. Disclosure of information. Sec. 731. Closed area stowage requirements. Sec. 732. Observers. Sec. 733. Fisheries-related assistance. Sec. 734. Arbitration. Sec. 735. Disposition of fees, penalties, forfeitures, and other moneys. Sec. 736. Additional agreements. Subtitle C—Other matters Sec. 741. North Pacific Research Board enhancement. 2. Commandant defined In this Act, the term Commandant means the Commandant of the Coast Guard. I Coast Guard A Authorization of appropriations 101. Authorization of appropriations Section 4902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking fiscal years 2022 and 2023 and inserting fiscal years 2025 and 2026 ; (2) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following: (i) $11,287,500,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (ii) $11,851,875,000 for fiscal year 2026. ; (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking $23,456,000 and inserting $25,570,000 ; and (C) in subparagraph (C) by striking $24,353,000 and inserting $26,848,500 ; (3) in paragraph (2)(A) by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the following: (i) $3,627,600,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (ii) $3,651,480,000 for fiscal year 2026. ; (4) in paragraph (3) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following: (A) $15,415,000 for fiscal year 2025; and (B) $16,185,750 for fiscal year 2026. ; and (5) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4) For retired pay, including the payment of obligations otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for purposes of retired pay, payments under the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan and the Survivor Benefit Plan, payment for career status bonuses, payment of continuation pay under section 356 of title 37, concurrent receipts, combat-related special compensation, and payments for medical care of retired personnel and their dependents under chapter 55 of title 10, $1,210,840,000 for fiscal year 2025. . 102. Authorized levels of military strength and training Section 4904 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a) by striking fiscal years 2022 and 2023 and inserting fiscal years 2025 and 2026 ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1) by striking 2,500 and inserting 3,000 ; (B) in paragraph (2) by striking 165 and inserting 200 ; (C) in paragraph (3) by striking 385 and inserting 450 ; and (D) in paragraph (4) by striking 1,200 and inserting 1,300 . B Acquisition 111. Modification of prohibition on use of lead systems integrators Section 1105 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Lead systems integrator defined In this section, the term lead systems integrator has the meaning given such term in section 805(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 ( Public Law 109–163 ). . 112. Service life extension programs (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 1138. Service life extension programs (a) In general Requirements for a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition project or program under sections 1131 through 1134 shall not apply to an acquisition by the Coast Guard that is a service life extension program. (b) Service life extension program defined In this section, the term service life extension program means a capital investment that is solely intended to extend the service life and address obsolescence of components or systems of a particular capability or asset. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 11 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1137 the following: 1138. Service life extension programs. . (c) Major acquisitions Section 5103 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a) by striking major acquisition programs and inserting Level 1 Acquisitions or Level 2 Acquisitions ; (2) in subsection (b) by striking major acquisition program and inserting Level 1 Acquisition or Level 2 Acquisition ; and (3) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows: (f) Definitions In this section: (1) Level 1 acquisition The term Level 1 Acquisition has the meaning given such term in section 1171. (2) Level 2 acquisition The term Level 2 Acquisition has the meaning given such term in section 1171. . (d) Major acquisition program risk assessment Section 5107 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking section 5103(f) and inserting section 1171 . 113. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 1139. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement In carrying out the acquisition and procurement of vessels and aircraft, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the Commandant, shall consider the life-cycle cost estimates of vessels and aircraft, as applicable, during the design and evaluation processes to the maximum extent practicable. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1138 (as added by this Act) the following: 1139. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement. . 114. Great Lakes icebreaking (a) Great Lakes icebreaker (1) Strategy Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a strategy detailing how the Coast Guard will complete design and construction of a Great Lakes icebreaker at least as capable as the Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw (WLBB–30) as expeditiously as possible after funding is provided for such icebreaker, including providing a cost estimate and an estimated delivery timeline that would facilitate the expedited delivery detailed in the strategy. (2) Great Lakes icebreaker pilot program (A) In general During the 5 ice seasons beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall conduct a pilot program to determine the extent to which the Coast Guard Great Lakes icebreaking cutter fleet is capable of maintaining tier one and tier two waterways open 95 percent of the time during an ice season. (B) Report Not later than 180 days after the end of each of the 5 ice seasons beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that details— (i) the results of the pilot program required under subparagraph (A); and (ii) any relevant new performance measures implemented by the Coast Guard, including the measures described in pages 5 through 7 of the report of the Coast Guard titled Domestic Icebreaking Operations and submitted to Congress on July 26, 2024, as required by section 11212(a)(3) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ), and the results of the implementation of such measures. (b) Modification to reporting requirement relating to icebreaking operations in Great Lakes (1) In general Section 11213(f) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is amended to read as follows: (f) Public report Not later than July 1 after the first winter in which the Commandant has submitted the report required by paragraph (3) of section 11212(a), the Commandant shall publish on a publicly accessible website of the Coast Guard a report on the cost to the Coast Guard of meeting the proposed standards described in paragraph (2) of such section. . (2) Public report Section 11272(c) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 is amended by adding at the end the following: (7) Public report (A) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House or Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the cost to the Coast Guard of meeting the requirements of section 564 of title 14, United States Code, in fiscal year 2024. (B) Secondary briefings Not later than November 1, 2025 and November, 1, 2026, the Commandant shall brief the committees described in subparagraph (A) on the cost to the Coast Guard of meeting the requirements of section 564 of title 14, United States Code, in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, respectively. . 115. Regular Polar Security Cutter updates (a) Report (1) Report to Congress Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the status of acquisition of Polar Security Cutters. (2) Elements The report under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a detailed timeline for the acquisition process of Polar Security Cutters, including expected milestones and a projected commissioning date for the first 3 Polar Security Cutters; (B) an accounting of the previously appropriated funds spent to date on the Polar Security Cutter Program, updated cost projections for Polar Security Cutters, and projections for when additional funds will be required; (C) potential factors and risks that could further delay or imperil the completion of Polar Security Cutters; and (D) a review of the acquisition of Polar Security Cutters to date, including factors that led to substantial cost overruns and delivery delays. (b) Briefings (1) Provision to Congress Not later than 90 days after the submission of the report under subsection (a), and not less frequently than every 90 days thereafter, the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the status of the Polar Security Cutter acquisition process. (2) Timeline The briefings under paragraph (1) shall occur after any key milestone in the Polar Security Cutter acquisition process, but not less frequently than every 90 days. (3) Elements Each briefing under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) a summary of acquisition progress since the most recent previous briefing conducted pursuant to paragraph (1); (B) an updated timeline and budget estimate for acquisition and building of pending Polar Security Cutters; and (C) an explanation of any delays or additional costs incurred in the acquisition progress. (c) Notifications In addition to the briefings required under subsection (b), the Commandant and the Chief of Naval Operations shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives within 3 business days of any significant change to the scope or funding level of the Polar Security Cutter acquisition strategy of such change. 116. Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard (a) In general Subchapter III of chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 1159. Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), the Commandant may not acquire, procure, or construct a floating dry dock for the Coast Guard Yard. (b) Permissible acquisition, procurement, or construction methods Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section and section 1105(a), the Commandant may— (1) provide for an entity other than the Coast Guard to contract for the acquisition, procurement, or construction of a floating drydock by contract, lease, purchase, or other agreement; (2) construct a floating drydock at the Coast Guard Yard; or (3) acquire or procure a commercially available floating drydock. (c) Exemptions from requirements Sections 1131, 1132, 1133, and 1171 shall not apply to an acquisition or procurement under subsection (b). (d) Design standards and construction practices To the extent practicable, a floating drydock acquired, procured, or constructed under this section shall reflect commercial design standards and commercial construction practices that are consistent with the best interests of the Federal Government. (e) Berthing requirement Any floating drydock acquired, procured, or constructed under subsection (b) shall be berthed at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland, when lifting or maintaining vessels. (f) Floating dry dock defined In this section, the term floating dry dock means equipment that is— (1) constructed in the United States; and (2) capable of meeting the lifting and maintenance requirements of a vessel that is at least 418 feet in length with a gross tonnage of 4,500 gross tons. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 11 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1158 the following: 1159. Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard. . C Organization and authorities 131. Modification of treatment of minor construction and improvement project management Section 903(d)(1) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking $1,500,000 and inserting $2,000,000 . 132. Preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties located in tsunami inundation zones (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall develop a location-specific tsunami preparedness plan for each property concerned. (b) Requirements In developing each preparedness plan under subsection (a), the Commandant shall ensure that the plan— (1) minimizes the loss of human life; (2) maximizes the ability of the Coast Guard to meet the mission of the Coast Guard; (3) is included in the emergency action plan for each Coast Guard unit or sector located within the applicable tsunami inundation zone; (4) designates an evacuation route to an assembly area located outside the tsunami inundation zone; (5) takes into consideration near-shore and distant tsunami inundation of the property concerned; (6) includes— (A) maps of all applicable tsunami inundation zones; (B) evacuation routes and instructions for all individuals located on the property concerned; (C) procedures to begin evacuations as expeditiously as possible upon detection of a seismic or other tsunamigenic event; (D) evacuation plans for Coast Guard aviation and afloat assets; and (E) (i) routes for evacuation on foot from any location within the property concerned; or (ii) if an on-foot evacuation is not possible, an assessment of whether there is a need for vertical evacuation refuges that would allow evacuation on foot; (7) in the case of a property concerned that is at risk for a near-shore tsunami, is able to be completely executed within 15 minutes of detection of a seismic event, or if complete execution is not possible within 15 minutes, within a timeframe the Commandant considers reasonable to minimize the loss of life; and (8) not less frequently than annually, is— (A) exercised by each Coast Guard unit and sector located in the applicable tsunami inundation zone; (B) communicated through an annual in-person training to Coast Guard personnel and dependents located or living on the property concerned; and (C) evaluated by the relevant District Commander for each Coast Guard unit and sector located within the applicable tsunami inundation zone. (c) Consultation In developing each preparedness plan under subsection (a), the Commandant shall consult relevant State, Tribal, and local government entities, including emergency management officials. (d) Briefing Not later than 14 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on each plan developed under subsection (a), including the status of implementation and feasibility of each such plan. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Property concerned The term property concerned means any real property owned, operated, or leased by the Coast Guard within a tsunami inundation zone. (2) Tsunamigenic event The term tsunamigenic event means any event, such as an earthquake, volcanic eruption, submarine landslide, coastal rockfall, or other event, with the magnitude to cause a tsunami. (3) Vertical evacuation refuge The term vertical evacuation refuge means a structure or earthen mound designated as a place of refuge in the event of a tsunami, with sufficient height to elevate evacuees above the tsunami inundation depth, designed and constructed to resist tsunami load effects. 133. Public availability of information (a) In general Section 11269 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is— (1) transferred to appear at the end of subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code; (2) redesignated as section 529; and (3) amended— (A) by striking the section enumerator and heading and inserting the following: 529. Public availability of information ; (B) by striking Not later than and inserting the following: (a) In general Not later than ; (C) by striking the number of migrant and inserting the number of drug and person ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (b) Contents In making information about interdictions publicly available under subsection (a), the Commandant shall include a description of the following: (1) The number of incidents in which drugs were interdicted, the amount and type of drugs interdicted, and the Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas of responsibility in which such incidents occurred. (2) The number of incidents in which persons were interdicted, the number of persons interdicted, the number of those persons who were unaccompanied minors, and the Coast Guard sectors and geographic areas of responsibility in which such incidents occurred. (c) Rule of construction Nothing in this provision shall be construed to require the Coast Guard to collect the information described in subsection (b), and nothing in this provision shall be construed to require the Commandant to publicly release confidential, classified, law enforcement sensitive, or otherwise protected information. . (b) Clerical amendments (1) The analysis for chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 528 the following: 529. Public availability of information on monthly drug and migrant interdictions. . (2) The table of sections in section 11001(b) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 (division K of Public Law 117–263 ) is amended by striking the item relating to section 11269. 134. Delegation of ports and waterways safety authorities in Saint Lawrence Seaway (a) In general Section 70032 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 70032. Delegation of ports and waterways authorities in Saint Lawrence Seaway (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), the authority granted to the Secretary under sections 70001, 70002, 70003, 70004, and 70011 may not be delegated with respect to the Saint Lawrence Seaway to any agency other than the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. Any other authority granted the Secretary under subchapters I through III and this subchapter shall be delegated by the Secretary to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation to the extent the Secretary determines such delegation is necessary for the proper operation of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. (b) Exception The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, after consultation with the Secretary or the head of an agency to which the Secretary has delegated the authorities in subsection (a), may— (1) issue and enforce special orders in accordance with section 70002; (2) establish water or waterfront safety zones, or other measures, for limited, controlled, or conditional access and activity when necessary for the protection of any vessel structure, waters, or shore area, as permitted in section 70011(b)(3); and (3) take actions for port, harbor, and coastal facility security in accordance with section 70116. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 70032 and inserting the following: 70032. Delegation of ports and waterways authorities in Saint Lawrence Seaway. . 135. Additional Pribilof Island transition completion actions Section 11221 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (e) Additional reports on status of use of facilities and helicopter basing Beginning with the first quarterly report required under subsection (a) submitted after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , the Secretary shall include in each such report— (1) the status of the use of recently renovated Coast Guard housing facilities, food preparation facilities, and maintenance and repair facilities on St. Paul Island, Alaska, including a projected date for full use and occupancy of such facilities in support of Coast Guard missions in the Bering Sea; and (2) a detailed plan for the acquisition and construction of a hangar in close proximity to existing St. Paul airport facilities for the prosecution of Coast Guard operational missions, including plans for the use of land needed for such hangar. . 136. Policy and briefing on availability of naloxone to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses (a) Policy Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall update the policy of the Coast Guard regarding the use, at Coast Guard facilities, onboard Coast Guard assets, and during Coast Guard operations, of medication to treat drug overdoses, including the use of naloxone or other similar medication to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses. (b) Availability The updated policy required under subsection (a) shall require naloxone or other similar medication be available— (1) at each Coast Guard clinic; (2) at each independently located Coast Guard unit; (3) onboard each Coast Guard cutter; and (4) for response to opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses at other appropriate Coast Guard installations and facilities and onboard other Coast Guard assets. (c) Participation in tracking system Not later than 1 year after the earlier of the date of enactment of this Act or the date on which the tracking system established under section 706 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( 10 U.S.C. 1090 note) is established, the Commandant shall ensure the participation of the Coast Guard in such tracking system. (d) Memorandum of understanding Not later than 1 year after the earlier of the date of enactment of this Act or the date on which the tracking system established under section 706 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( 10 U.S.C. 1090 note) is established, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy and the Secretary of Defense shall finalize a memorandum of understanding to facilitate Coast Guard access to such tracking system. (e) Briefing (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on the use, by members and personnel of the Coast Guard at Coast Guard facilities, onboard Coast Guard assets, and during Coast Guard operations, of— (A) naloxone or other similar medication to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses; and (B) opioids, including fentanyl. (2) Elements The briefing required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A description of— (i) the progress made in the implementation of the updated policy required under subsection (a); (ii) the prevalence and incidence of the illegal use of fentanyl and other controlled substances in the Coast Guard during the 5-year period preceding the briefing; (iii) processes of the Coast Guard to mitigate substance abuse in the Coast Guard, particularly with respect to fentanyl; and (iv) the status of the memorandum of understanding required under subsection (d). (B) For the 5-year period preceding the briefing, a review of instances in which naloxone or other similar medication was used to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses at a Coast Guard facility, onboard a Coast Guard asset, or during a Coast Guard operation. (f) Privacy In carrying out the requirements of this section, the Commandant shall ensure compliance with all applicable privacy law, including section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Privacy Act ), and the privacy regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note). (g) Rule of construction For purposes of the availability requirement under subsection (b), with respect to a Coast Guard installation comprised of multiple Coast Guard facilities or units, naloxone or other similar medication available at a single Coast Guard facility within the installation shall be considered to be available to all Coast Guard facilities or units on the installation if appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure access, at all times during operations, to the naloxone or other similar medication contained within such single Coast Guard facility. 137. Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence River cooperative vessel traffic service Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue or amend regulations to address any applicable arrangements with the Canadian Coast Guard regarding vessel traffic services cooperation and vessel traffic management data exchanges within the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes. 138. Policy on methods to reduce incentives for illicit maritime drug trafficking (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense, shall develop a policy, consistent with the Constitution of the United States, as well as domestic and international law, to address, disincentivize, and interdict illicit trafficking by sea of controlled substances (and precursors of controlled substances) being transported to produce illicit synthetic drugs. (b) Elements The policy required under subsection (a) shall— (1) include a requirement that, to the maximum extent practicable, a vessel unlawfully transporting a controlled substance or precursors of a controlled substance being transported to produce illicit synthetic drugs, be seized or appropriately disposed of consistent with domestic and international law, as well as any international agreements to which the United States is a party; and (2) aim to reduce incentives for illicit maritime drug trafficking on a global scale, including in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the Indo-Pacific region, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. (c) Briefing Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives on— (1) the policy developed pursuant to subsection (a); and (2) recommendations with respect to— (A) additional methods for reducing illicit drug trafficking; and (B) additional resources necessary to implement the policy required under subsection (a) and methods recommended under subparagraph (A). 139. Procurement of tactical maritime surveillance systems (a) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), subject to the availability of appropriations and if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that there is a need, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall— (1) procure a tactical maritime surveillance system, or similar technology, for use by the Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the areas of operation of— (A) Coast Guard Sector San Diego in California; (B) Coast Guard Sector San Juan in Puerto Rico; and (C) Coast Guard Sector Key West in Florida; (2) continue the use, at Coast Guard Station South Padre Island, of the system procured under section 11266 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ); and (3) for purposes of data integration and land-based data access, procure a land-based maritime domain awareness system capable of sharing data with the Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for each area of operation described in paragraphs (1) and (2)— (A) to operate in conjunction with the tactical maritime surveillance system procured for such area of operation under this section; and (B) to be installed in the order in which such tactical maritime surveillance systems are installed. (b) Study; limitation (1) Study required Prior to the procurement or operation of a tactical maritime surveillance system, or similar technology, that is deployed from a property owned by the Department of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall complete a study, in coordination with Secretary of Defense, analyzing the potential impacts to the national security of the United States of such operation. (2) Limitation If it is determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense through the study required under paragraph (1) that the placement or installation of a system described in subsection (a) negatively impacts the national security of the United States, such system shall not be procured or installed. 140. Plan for joint and integrated maritime operational and leadership training for United States Coast Guard and Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (a) Purpose The purpose of this section is to require a plan to increase joint and integrated training opportunities for the United States Coast Guard and the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration. (b) Plan (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense, shall complete a plan to expand opportunities for additional joint and integrated training activities for the United States Coast Guard and the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration. (2) Elements The plan required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) The estimated costs for fiscal years 2024 through 2029— (i) to deploy United States Coast Guard mobile training teams to Taiwan to meaningfully enhance the maritime security, law enforcement, and deterrence capabilities of Taiwan; and (ii) to accommodate the participation of an increased number of members of the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration in United States Coast Guard-led maritime training courses, including associated training costs for such members, such as costs for lodging, meals and incidental expenses, travel, training of personnel, and instructional materials. (B) A strategy for increasing the number of seats, as practicable, for members of the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration at each of the following United States Coast Guard training courses: (i) The International Maritime Officers Course. (ii) The International Leadership and Management Seminar. (iii) The International Crisis Command and Control Course. (iv) The International Maritime Domain Awareness School. (v) The International Maritime Search and Rescue Planning School. (vi) The International Command Center School. (C) An assessment of— (i) the degree to which integrated and joint United States Coast Guard and Taiwan Coast Guard Administration maritime training would assist in— (I) preventing, detecting, and suppressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing operations in the South China Sea and surrounding waters; and (II) supporting counter-illicit drug trafficking operations in the South China Sea and surrounding waters; and (ii) whether the frequency of United States Coast Guard training team visits to Taiwan should be increased to enhance the maritime security, law enforcement, and deterrence capabilities of Taiwan. (3) Briefing Not later than 60 days after the date on which the plan required under paragraph (1) is completed, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a briefing on the contents of the plan. 141. Modification of authority for special purpose facilities Section 907 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a), in the first sentence— (A) by striking 20 years and inserting 30 years ; (B) by striking or National and inserting National ; and (C) by inserting before the period , medical facilities, Coast Guard child development centers (as such term is defined in section 2921), and training facilities, including small arms firing ranges ; and (2) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; (B) by striking means any facilities and inserting means— (1) any facilities ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (2) medical facilities; (3) Coast Guard child development centers (as such term is defined in section 2921); and (4) training facilities, including small arms firing ranges. . 142. Timely reimbursement of damage claims for Coast Guard property Section 546 of title 14, United States Code, is amended in the second sentence by inserting and the amounts collected shall be available until expended after special deposit account . 143. Enhanced use property pilot program Section 504 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(13) by striking five years and inserting 30 years ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (g) Additional provisions (1) In general Amounts received under subsection (a)(13) shall be— (A) in addition to amounts otherwise available for the activities described in subsection (a)(13) for any fiscal year; and (B) available, without further appropriation, until expended. (2) Consideration (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a person or entity entering into a contractual agreement under this section shall provide consideration for the contractual agreement at fair market value, as determined by the Commandant. (B) Exception In the case of a contractual agreement under this section between the Coast Guard and any other Federal department or agency, the Federal department or agency concerned shall provide consideration for the contractual agreement that is equal to the full cost borne by the Coast Guard in connection with completing such contractual agreement. (C) Forms Consideration under this subsection may take any of the following forms: (i) The payment of cash. (ii) The maintenance, construction, modification, or improvement of existing or new facilities on real property under the jurisdiction of the Commandant. (iii) The use by the Coast Guard of facilities on the property concerned. (iv) The provision of services, including parking, telecommunications, and environmental remediation and restoration of real property under the jurisdiction of the Commandant. (v) Any other consideration the Commandant considers appropriate. (vi) A combination of any forms described in this subparagraph. (3) Sunset The authority under paragraph (13) of subsection (a) shall expire on December 31, 2030. The expiration under this paragraph of authority under paragraph (13) of subsection (a) shall not affect the validity or term of contractual agreements under such paragraph or the retention by the Commandant of proceeds from such agreements entered into under such subsection before the expiration of the authority. . 144. Coast Guard property provision (a) In general Chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 722. Cooperation with eligible entities (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Coast Guard installation The term Coast Guard installation means a base, unit, station, yard, other property under the jurisdiction of the Commandant or, in the case of property in a foreign country, under the operational control of the Coast Guard, without regard to the duration of operational control. (2) Cultural resource The term cultural resource means any of the following: (A) A building, structure, site, district, or object eligible for or included in the National Register of Historic Places maintained under section 302101 of title 54. (B) Cultural items, as that term is defined in section 2(3) of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act ( 25 U.S.C. 3001(3) ). (C) An archaeological resource, as that term is defined in section 3(1) of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 ( 16 U.S.C. 470bb(1) ). (D) An archaeological artifact collection and associated records covered by part 79 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations. (E) A sacred site, as that term is defined in section 1(b) of Executive Order No. 13007 ( 42 U.S.C. 1996 note; relating to Indian sacred sites). (F) Treaty or trust resources of an Indian Tribe, including the habitat associated with such resources. (G) Subsistence resources of an Indian Tribe or a Native Hawaiian organization including the habitat associated with such resources. (3) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means any the following: (A) A State, or a political subdivision of a State. (B) A local government. (C) An Indian Tribe. (D) A Native Hawaiian organization. (E) A Tribal organization. (F) A Federal department or agency. (4) Indian Tribe The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (5) Native Hawaiian organization The term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7517 ) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. (6) Natural resource The term natural resource means land, fish, wildlife, biota, air, water, ground water, drinking water supplies, and other such resources belonging to, managed by, held in trust by, appertaining to, or otherwise controlled by the United States (including the resources of the waters of the United States), any State or local government, any Indian Tribe, any Native Hawaiian organization, or any member of an Indian Tribe, if such resources are subject to a trust restriction on alienation and have been categorized into one of the following groups: (A) Surface water resources. (B) Ground water resources. (C) Air resources. (D) Geologic resources. (E) Biological resources. (7) State The term State includes each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories and possessions of the United States. (8) Tribal organization The term Tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (b) Cooperative agreements for management of cultural resources (1) Authority The Commandant may enter into a cooperative agreement with an eligible entity (or in the case that the eligible entity is a Federal department or agency, an interagency agreement)— (A) to provide for the preservation, management, maintenance, and improvement of natural resources and cultural resources located on a site described under paragraph (2); and (B) for the purpose of conducting research regarding the natural resources and cultural resources. (2) Authorized natural and cultural resources sites To be covered by a cooperative agreement under paragraph (1), the relevant natural resources or cultural resources shall be located— (A) on a Coast Guard installation; or (B) on a site outside of a Coast Guard installation, but only if the cooperative agreement will directly relieve or eliminate current or anticipated restrictions that would or might restrict, impede, or otherwise interfere, either directly or indirectly, with current or anticipated Coast Guard training, testing, maintenance, or operations on a Coast Guard installation. (3) Application of other laws Section 1535 and chapter 63 of title 31 shall not apply to an agreement entered into under paragraph (1). (c) Agreements and considerations (1) Agreements authorized The Commandant may enter into an agreement with an eligible entity, and may enter into an interagency agreement with the head of another Federal department or agency, to address the use or development of property in the vicinity of, or ecologically related to, a Coast Guard installation for purposes of— (A) limiting any development or use of such property that would be incompatible with the mission of the Coast Guard installation; (B) preserving habitat on such property in a manner that— (i) is compatible with environmental requirements; and (ii) may eliminate or relieve current or anticipated environmental restrictions that would or might otherwise restrict, impede, or interfere, either directly or indirectly, with current or anticipated Coast Guard training or operations on the Coast Guard installation; (C) maintaining or improving Coast Guard installation resilience; (D) maintaining and improving natural resources, or benefitting natural and historic research, on the Coast Guard installation; (E) maintaining access to cultural resources and natural resources, including— (i) Tribal treaty fisheries and shellfish harvest, and usual and accustomed fishing areas; and (ii) subsistence fisheries, or any other fishery or shellfish harvest, of an Indian Tribe; (F) providing a means to replace or repair property or cultural resources of an Indian Tribe or a Native Hawaiian organization if such property is damaged by Coast Guard personnel or operations, in consultation with the affected Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization; or (G) maintaining and improving natural resources located outside a Coast Guard installation, including property of an eligible entity, if the purpose of the agreement is to relieve or eliminate current or anticipated challenges that could restrict, impede, or otherwise interfere with, either directly or indirectly, current or anticipated Coast Guard activities. (2) Inapplicability of certain contract requirements Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title 31, an agreement under subsection (b)(1) that is a cooperative agreement and concerns a cultural resource or a natural resource may be used to acquire property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government. (d) (1) An agreement under subparagraph (b)(1) shall provide for— (A) the acquisition by an eligible entity or entities of all right, title, and interest in and to any real property, or any lesser interest in the property, as may be appropriate for purposes of this subsection; and (B) the sharing by the United States and an eligible entity or entities of the acquisition costs in accordance with paragraph (3). (2) Property or interests may not be acquired pursuant to an agreement under subsection (b)(1) unless the owner of the property or interests consents to the acquisition. (3) (A) An agreement with an eligible entity under subsection (b)(1) may provide for— (i) the management of natural resources on, and the monitoring and enforcement of any right, title, or interest in real property in which the Commandant acquires any right, title, or interest in accordance with this subsection; and (ii) for the payment by the United States of all or a portion of the costs of such management, monitoring, or enforcement if the Commandant determines that there is a demonstrated need to preserve or restore habitat for the purposes of subsection (b) or (c). (B) Any payment provided for under subparagraph (A) may— (i) be paid in a lump sum; (ii) include an amount intended to cover the future costs of natural resource management and monitoring and enforcement; and (iii) be placed by the eligible entity in an interest-bearing account, so long as any interest is to be applied for the same purposes as the principal. (C) Any payments made under this paragraph shall be subject to periodic auditing by the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (4) (A) In entering into an agreement under subsection (b)(1), the Commandant shall determine the appropriate portion of the acquisition costs to be borne by the United States in the sharing of acquisition costs of real property, or an interest in real property, as required under paragraph (1)(B). (B) In lieu of, or in addition to, making a monetary contribution toward the cost of acquiring a parcel of real property, or an interest therein, pursuant to an agreement under subsection (b)(1), the Commandant may convey real property in accordance with applicable law. (C) The portion of acquisition costs borne by the United States pursuant to subparagraph (A), either through the contribution of funds, excess real property, or both, may not exceed an amount equal to— (i) the fair market value of any property, or interest in property, to be transferred to the United States upon the request of the Commandant under paragraph (5); or (ii) the cumulative fair market value of all properties, or all interests in properties, to be transferred to the United States under paragraph (5) pursuant to an agreement under subsection (b)(1). (D) The contribution of an eligible entity to the acquisition costs of real property, or an interest in real property, under paragraph (1)(B) may include, with the approval of the Commandant, the following: (i) The provision of funds, including funds received by the eligible entity from— (I) a Federal agency outside the department in which the Coast Guard is operating; or (II) a State or local government in connection with a Federal, State, or local program. (ii) The provision of in-kind services, including services related to the acquisition or maintenance of such real property or interest in real property. (iii) The exchange or donation of real property or any interest in real property. (iv) Any combination of clauses (i) through (iii). (5) (A) In entering into an agreement under subsection (b)(1), each eligible entity that is a party to the agreement shall agree, as a term of the agreement, to transfer to the United States, upon request of the Commandant, all or a portion of the property or interest acquired under the agreement or a lesser interest therein, except no such requirement need be included in the agreement if— (i) the property or interest is being transferred to a State or another Federal agency, or the agreement requires the property or interest to be subsequently transferred to a State or another Federal agency; and (ii) the Commandant determines that the laws and regulations applicable to the future use of such property or interest provide adequate assurance that the property concerned will be developed and used in a manner appropriate for purposes of this subsection. (B) The Commandant shall limit a transfer request pursuant to subparagraph (A) to the minimum property or interests necessary to ensure that the property or interest concerned is developed and used in a manner appropriate for purposes of this subsection. (C) (i) Notwithstanding paragraph (A), If all or a portion of a property or interest acquired under an agreement under subsection (b)(1) is initially or subsequently transferred to a State or another Federal agency, before that State or other Federal agency may declare the property or interest in excess to its needs or propose to exchange the property or interest, the State or other Federal agency shall give the Commandant reasonable advance notice of its intent to so declare. (ii) Upon receiving such reasonable advance notice under clause (i), the Commandant may request, within a reasonable time period, that administrative jurisdiction over the property or interest be transferred to the Commandant, if the Commandant determines such transfer necessary for the preservation of the purposes of this subsection. (iii) Upon a request from the Commandant under clause (ii), the administrative jurisdiction over the property or interest be transferred to the Commandant at no cost. (iv) If the Commandant does not make a request under clause (ii) within a reasonable time period, all such rights of the Commandant to request transfer of administrative jurisdiction over the property or interest shall remain available to the Commandant with respect to future transfers or exchanges of the property or interest and shall bind all subsequent transferees. (D) The Commandant may accept, on behalf of the United States, any property or interest to be transferred to the United States under an agreement under subsection (b)(1). (E) For purposes of the acceptance of property or interests under an agreement under subsection (b)(1), the Commandant may accept an appraisal or title documents prepared or adopted by a non-Federal entity as satisfying the applicable requirements of section 301 of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 ( 42 U.S.C. 4651 ) or section 3111 of title 40 if the Commandant finds that the appraisal or title documents substantially comply with the requirements of such sections and is reasonably accurate. (e) Minimal criteria for approval of agreements The Commandant may approve a cooperative agreement under subsection (b)(1) if the Commandant determines that— (1) the eligible entity has authority to carry out the project; (2) the project would be completed without unreasonable delay as determined by the Commandant; and (3) the project cannot be effectively completed without the cooperative agreement authority under subsection (b)(1). (f) Additional terms and conditions The Commandant may require such additional terms and conditions in an agreement under subsection (b)(1) as the Commandant considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States, in accordance with applicable Federal law. (g) Notification; availability of agreements to Congress (1) Notification The Commandant shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation or the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate when the eligible entity is a Tribe, Tribal Organization or Native Hawaiian organization, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives in writing not later than the date that is 3 full business days prior to any day on which the Commandant intends to enter into an agreement under subsection (b)(1), and include in such notification the anticipated costs of carrying out the agreement, to the extent practicable. (2) Availability of agreements A copy of an agreement entered into under subsection (b)(1) shall be provided to any member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation or the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate or the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives not later than 5 full business days after the date on which such request is submitted to the Commandant. (h) Consultation Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , the Commandant shall consult with Indian Tribes to improve opportunities for Indian Tribe participation in the development and execution of Coast Guard oil spill response and prevention activities. (i) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed to undermine the rights of any Indian Tribe to seek full and meaningful government-to-government consultation under this section or under any other law. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 7 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 721 the following: 722. Cooperation with eligible entities. . D Personnel 151. Direct hire authority for certain personnel (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 2517. Direct hire authority for certain personnel (a) In general The Commandant may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 (other than sections 3303 and 3328 of such chapter) of title 5, qualified candidates to any of the following positions in the competitive service (as defined in section 2102 of title 5) in the Coast Guard: (1) Any category of medical or health professional positions within the Coast Guard. (2) Any childcare services position. (3) Any position in the Coast Guard housing office of a Coast Guard installation, the primary function of which is supervision of Coast Guard housing covered by subchapter III of chapter 29 of this title. (4) Any nonclinical specialist position the purpose of which is the integrated primary prevention of harmful behavior, including suicide, sexual assault, harassment, domestic abuse, and child abuse. (5) Any special agent position of the Coast Guard Investigative Service. (6) The following positions at the Coast Guard Academy: (A) Any civilian faculty member appointed under section 1941. (B) A position involving the improvement of cadet health or well-being. (b) Limitation The Commandant shall only appoint qualified candidates under the authority provided by subsection (a) if the Commandant determines that there is a shortage of qualified candidates for the positions described in such subsection or a critical hiring need for such positions. (c) Briefing requirement Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , and annually thereafter for the following 5 years, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a written briefing which describes the use of the authority provided under this section on an annual basis, including the following: (1) The number of employees hired under the authority provided under this section within the year for which the briefing is provided. (2) The positions and grades for which employees were hired. (3) A justification for the Commandant’s determination that such positions involved a shortage of qualified candidates or a critical hiring need. (4) The number of employees who were hired under the authority provided under this section who have separated from the Coast Guard. (5) Steps the Coast Guard has taken to engage with the Office of Personnel Management under subpart B of part 337 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, for positions for which the Commandant determines a direct hire authority remains necessary. (d) Sunset The authority provided under subsection (a) shall expire on September 30, 2030. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 2516 the following: 2517. Direct hire authority for certain personnel. . 152. Temporary exemption from authorized end strength for enlisted members on active duty in Coast Guard in pay grades E–8 and E–9 Section 517(a) of title 10, United States Code, shall not apply with respect to the Coast Guard until October 1, 2027. 153. Additional available guidance and considerations for reserve selection boards Section 3740(f) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking section 2117 and inserting sections 2115 and 2117 . 154. Family leave policies for the Coast Guard (a) In general Section 2512 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the section heading by striking Leave and inserting Family leave ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking , United States Code, and inserting or, with respect to the reserve component of the Coast Guard, the Secretary of Defense promulgates a new regulation for members of the reserve component of the Coast Guard pursuant to section 711 of title 10, ; (B) by striking or adoption of a child and inserting or placement of a minor child with the member for adoption or long term foster care ; (C) by striking and enlisted members and inserting , enlisted members, and members of the reserve component ; and (D) by inserting or, with respect to members of the reserve component of the Coast Guard, the Secretary of Defense after provided by the Secretary of the Navy ; (3) in subsection (b)— (A) in the subsection heading by striking adoption of child and inserting placement of minor child with member for adoption or long term foster care ; (B) by striking and 704 and inserting , 704, and 711 ; (C) by striking and enlisted members and inserting , enlisted members, and members of the reserve component ; (D) by striking or adoption inserting , adoption, or long term foster care ; (E) by striking immediately ; (F) by striking or adoption and inserting , placement of a minor child with the member for long-term foster care or adoption, ; and (G) by striking enlisted member and inserting , enlisted member, or member of the reserve component ; (4) by adding at the end the following: (c) Period of leave (1) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, may authorize leave described under subparagraph (b) to be taken after the one-year period described in subparagraph (b) in the case of a member described in subsection (b) who, except for this subparagraph, would lose unused family leave at the end of the one-year period described in subparagraph (A) as a result of— (A) operational requirements; (B) professional military education obligations; or (C) other circumstances that the Secretary determines reasonable and appropriate. (2) Extended deadline The regulation, rule, policy, or memorandum prescribed under paragraph (a) shall require that any leave authorized to be taken after the one-year period described in subparagraph (c)(1)(A) shall be taken within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, after cessation of the circumstances warranting the extended deadline. (d) Member of the reserve component of the Coast Guard defined In this section, the term member of the reserve component of the Coast Guard means a member of the Coast Guard who is a member of— (1) the selected reserve who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of title 37; or (2) the individual ready reserve who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of title 37 when attending or participating in a sufficient number of periods of inactive-duty training during a year to count the year as a qualifying year of creditable service toward eligibility for retired pay. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 2512 and inserting the following: 2512. Family leave policies for the Coast Guard. . (c) Compensation Section 206(a)(4) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the period at the end or family leave under section 2512 of title 14 . 155. Authorization for maternity uniform allowance for officers Section 2708 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (c) The Coast Guard may provide a cash allowance, in such amount as the Secretary shall determine by policy, to be paid to pregnant officer personnel for the purchase of maternity-related uniform items, if such uniform items are not so furnished to the member by the Coast Guard. . 156. Housing (a) In general Subchapter III of chapter 29 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 2948. Authorization for acquisition of existing family housing in lieu of construction (a) In general In lieu of constructing any family housing units authorized by law to be constructed, the Commandant may acquire sole interest in existing family housing units that are privately owned or that are held by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, except that in foreign countries the Commandant may acquire less than sole interest in existing family housing units. (b) Acquisition of interests in land When authority provided by law to construct Coast Guard family housing units is used to acquire existing family housing units under subsection (a), the authority includes authority to acquire interests in land. (c) Limitation on net floor area The net floor area of a family housing unit acquired under the authority of this section may not exceed the applicable limitation specified in section 2826 of title 10. The Commandant may waive the limitation set forth in the preceding sentence for family housing units acquired under this section during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this section. 2949. Acceptance of funds to cover administrative expenses relating to certain real property transactions (a) Authority To accept In connection with a real property transaction referred to in subsection (b) with a non-Federal person or entity, the Commandant may accept amounts provided by the person or entity to cover administrative expenses incurred by the Commandant in entering into the transaction. (b) Covered transactions Subsection (a) applies to the following transactions involving real property under the control of the Commandant: (1) The exchange of real property. (2) The grant of an easement over, in, or upon real property of the United States. (3) The lease or license of real property of the United States. (4) The disposal of real property of the United States for which the Commandant will be the disposal agent. (5) The conveyance of real property under section 2945. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 29 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 2948. Authorization for acquisition of existing family housing in lieu of construction. 2949. Acceptance of funds to cover administrative expenses relating to certain real property transactions. . (c) Report on GAO recommendations on housing program Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Government Accountability Office titled Coast Guard: Better Feedback Collection and Information Could Enhance Housing Program , and issued February 5, 2024 (GAO–24–106388). 157. Uniform funding and management system for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and Coast Guard Exchange (a) In general Subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 565. Uniform funding and management of morale, well-being, and recreation programs and Coast Guard Exchange (a) Authority for uniform funding and management Under policies issued by the Commandant, funds appropriated to the Coast Guard and available for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and the Coast Guard Exchange may be treated as nonappropriated funds and expended in accordance with laws applicable to the expenditure of nonappropriated funds. When made available for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and the Coast Guard Exchange under such policies, appropriated funds shall be considered to be nonappropriated funds for all purposes and shall remain available until expended. (b) Conditions on availability Funds appropriated to the Coast Guard and subject to a policy described in subsection (a) shall only be available in amounts that are determined by the Commandant to be consistent with— (1) Coast Guard policy; and (2) Coast Guard readiness and resources. (c) Updated policy Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , the Commandant shall update the policies described in subsection (a) consistent with this section. (d) Briefing Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Commandant issues the updated policies required under subsection (c), the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on such policies. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 5 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 564 the following: 565. Uniform funding and management of morale, well-being, and recreation programs and Coast Guard Exchange. . 158. Coast Guard embedded behavioral health technician program (a) Establishment (1) In general Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in coordination with the Assistant Commandant for Health, Safety, and Work Life, shall establish and conduct a pilot program, to be known as the Coast Guard Embedded Behavioral Health Technician Program (referred to in this section as the Pilot Program ), to integrate behavioral health technicians serving at Coast Guard units for the purposes of— (A) facilitating, at the clinic level, the provision of integrated behavioral health care for members of the Coast Guard; (B) providing, as a force extender under the supervision of a licensed behavioral health care provider, at the clinic level— (i) psychological assessment and diagnostic services, as appropriate; (ii) behavioral health services, as appropriate; (iii) education and training related to promoting positive behavioral health and well-being; and (iv) information and resources, including expedited referrals, to assist members of the Coast Guard in dealing with behavioral health concerns; (C) improving resilience and mental health care among members of the Coast Guard who respond to extraordinary calls of duty, with the ultimate goals of preventing crises and addressing mental health concerns before such concerns evolve into more complex issues that require care at a military treatment facility; (D) increasing— (i) the number of such members served by behavioral health technicians; and (ii) the proportion of such members returning to duty after seeking behavioral health care; and (E) positively impacting the Coast Guard in a cost-effective manner by extending behavioral health services to the workforce and improving access to care. (2) Briefing Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing regarding a plan to establish and conduct the Pilot Program. (b) Selection of Coast Guard clinics The Commandant shall select, for participation in the Pilot Program, 3 or more Coast Guard clinics that support units that have significantly high operational tempos or other force resiliency risks, as determined by the Commandant. (c) Placement of staff at Coast Guard clinics (1) In general Under the Pilot Program, a Coast Guard health services technician with a grade of E–5 or higher, or an assigned civilian behavioral health specialist, shall be— (A) assigned to each selected Coast Guard clinic; and (B) located at a unit with high operational tempo. (2) Training (A) Health services technicians Before commencing an assignment at a Coast Guard clinic under paragraph (1), a Coast Guard health services technician shall complete behavioral health technician training and independent duty health services training. (B) Civilian behavioral health specialists To qualify for an assignment at a Coast Guard clinic under paragraph (1), a civilian behavioral health specialist shall have at least the equivalent behavioral health training as the training required for a Coast Guard behavioral health technician under subparagraph (A). (d) Administration The Commandant, in coordination with the Assistant Commandant for Health, Safety, and Work Life, shall administer the Pilot Program through the Health, Safety, and Work-Life Service Center. (e) Data collection (1) In general The Commandant shall collect and analyze data concerning the Pilot Program for purposes of— (A) developing and sharing best practices for improving access to behavioral health care; and (B) providing information to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives regarding the implementation of the Pilot Program and related policy issues. (2) Plan Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a plan for carrying out paragraph (1). (f) Annual report Not later than September 1 of each year until the date on which the Pilot Program terminates under subsection (g), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the Pilot Program that includes the following: (1) An overview of the implementation of the Pilot Program at each applicable Coast Guard clinic, including— (A) the number of members of the Coast Guard who received services on site by a behavioral health technician assigned to such clinic; (B) feedback from all members of the Coast Guard empaneled for their medical care under the Pilot Program; (C) an assessment of the deployability and overall readiness of members of the applicable operational unit; and (D) an estimate of potential costs and impacts on other Coast Guard health care services of supporting the Pilot Program at such units and clinics. (2) The data and analysis required under subsection (e)(1). (3) A list and detailed description of lessons learned from the Pilot Program as of the date of on which the report is submitted. (4) The feasibility, estimated cost, and impacts on other Coast Guard health care services of expanding the Pilot Program to all Coast Guard clinics, and a description of the personnel, fiscal, and administrative resources that would be needed for such an expansion. (g) Termination The Pilot Program shall terminate on September 30, 2028. 159. Expansion of access to counseling (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall hire, train, and deploy not fewer than 5 additional behavioral health specialists, in addition to the personnel required under section 11412(a) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( 14 U.S.C. 504 note). (b) Requirement The Commandant shall ensure that not fewer than 35 percent of behavioral health specialists required to be deployed under subsection (a) have experience in— (1) behavioral health care related to military sexual trauma; and (2) behavioral health care for the purpose of supporting members of the Coast Guard with needs for mental health care and counseling services for post-traumatic stress disorder and co-occurring disorders related to military sexual trauma. (c) Accessibility The support provided by the behavioral health specialists hired pursuant to subsection (a)— (1) may include care delivered via telemedicine; and (2) shall be made widely available to members of the Coast Guard. (d) Notification (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives if the Coast Guard has not completed hiring, training, and deploying— (A) the personnel referred to in subsections (a) and (b); and (B) the personnel required under section 11412(a) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( 14 U.S.C. 504 note). (2) Contents The notification required under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) the date of publication of the hiring opportunity for all such personnel; (B) the General Schedule grade level advertised in the publication of the hiring opportunity for all such personnel; (C) the number of personnel to whom the Coast Guard extended an offer of employment in accordance with the requirements of this section and section 11412(a) of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( 14 U.S.C. 504 note), and the number of such personnel who accepted or declined such offer of employment; (D) a summary of the efforts by the Coast Guard to publicize, advertise, or otherwise recruit qualified candidates in accordance with the requirements of this section and section 11412(a) of such Act; and (E) any recommendations and a detailed plan to ensure full compliance with the requirements of this section and section 11412(a) of such Act, which may include special payments discussed in the report of the Government Accountability Office titled Federal Pay: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Strategic Use of Special Payments , published on December 7, 2017 (GAO–18–91), which may be made available to help ensure full compliance with all such requirements in a timely manner. 160. Command sponsorship for dependents of members of Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska On request by a member of the Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska, the Commandant shall grant command sponsorship to the dependents of such member. 161. Travel allowance for members of Coast Guard assigned to Alaska (a) Establishment The Commandant shall implement a policy that provides for reimbursement to eligible members of the Coast Guard for the cost of airfare for such members to travel to the homes of record of such member during the period specified in subsection (e). (b) Eligible members A member of the Coast Guard is eligible for a reimbursement under subsection (a) if— (1) the member is assigned to a duty location in Alaska; and (2) an officer in a grade above O–5 in the chain of command of the member authorizes the travel of the member. (c) Treatment of time as leave The time during which an eligible member is absent from duty for travel reimbursable under subsection (a) shall be treated as leave for purposes of section 704 of title 10, United States Code. (d) Briefing required Not later than February 1, 2027, the Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing on— (1) the use and effectiveness of reimbursements under subsection (a); (2) the calculation and use of the cost of living allowance for a member assigned to a duty location in Alaska; and (3) the use of special pays and other allowances as incentives for cold weather proficiency or duty locations. (e) Period specified The period specified in this subsection is the period— (1) beginning on the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) ending on the later of— (A) December 31, 2026; or (B) the date on which the authority under section 352 of title 37, United States Code, to grant assignment or special duty pay to members of the uniform services terminates under subsection (g) of such section. 162. Consolidation of authorities for college student precommissioning initiative (a) In general Section 3710 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 3710. College student precommissioning initiative (a) In general There is authorized within the Coast Guard a college student precommissioning initiative program (in this section referred to as the Program ) for eligible undergraduate students to enlist in the Coast Guard Reserve and receive a commission as a Reserve officer. (b) Criteria for selection To be eligible for the Program an applicant shall meet the following requirements upon submitting an application: (1) Age The applicant shall be not less than 19 years old and not more than 31 years old as of September 30 of the fiscal year in which the Program selection panel selecting such applicant convenes, or an age otherwise determined by the Commandant. (2) Character (A) In general The applicant shall be of outstanding moral character and meet any other character requirement set forth by the Commandant. (B) Coast Guard applicants Any applicant serving in the Coast Guard may not be commissioned if in the 36 months prior to the first Officer Candidate School class convening date in the selection cycle, such applicant was convicted by a court-martial or assigned nonjudicial punishment, or did not meet performance or character requirements set forth by the Commandant. (3) Citizenship The applicant shall be a United States citizen. (4) Clearance The applicant shall be eligible for a secret clearance. (5) Education The applicant shall be enrolled in a college degree program at— (A) an institution of higher education described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1067q(a) ); (B) an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 )) that, at the time of the application has had for 3 consecutive years an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students (as defined in section 312(e) of such Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1058(e) )) that is a total of at least 50 percent Black American, Hispanic American, Asian American (as defined in section 371(c) of such Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1067q(c) )), Native American Pacific Islander (as defined in such section), or Native American (as defined in such section), among other criteria, as determined by the Commandant; or (C) an institution that meets the eligibility requirements for funding as a rural-serving institution of higher education under section 861 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1161q ). (6) Location The institution at which the applicant is an undergraduate shall be within 100 miles of a Coast Guard unit or Coast Guard Recruiting Office unless otherwise approved by the Commandant. (7) Records The applicant shall meet credit and grade point average requirements set forth by the Commandant. (8) Medical and administrative The applicant shall meet other medical and administrative requirements as set forth by the Commandant. (c) Financial assistance (1) In general The Commandant may provide financial assistance to enlisted members of the Coast Guard Reserve on active duty participating in the Program, for expenses of the enlisted member while the enlisted member is enrolled, on a full-time basis, in a college degree program approved by the Commandant at a college, university, or institution of higher education described in subsection (b)(5) that leads to— (A) a baccalaureate degree in not more than 5 academic years; or (B) a post-baccalaureate degree. (2) Written agreements To be eligible for financial assistance under this section, an enlisted member of the Coast Guard Reserve shall enter into a written agreement with the Coast Guard that notifies the Reserve enlisted member of the obligations of that member under this section, and in which the member agrees to the following: (A) The member shall complete an approved college degree program at a college, university, or institution of higher education described in subsection (b)(5). (B) The member shall satisfactorily complete all required Coast Guard training and participate in monthly military activities of the Program as required by the Commandant. (C) Upon graduation from the college, university, or institution of higher education described in subsection (b)(5), the member shall— (i) accept an appointment, if tendered, as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard Reserve; and (ii) serve a period of obligated active duty for a minimum of 3 years immediately after such appointment as follows: (I) Members participating in the Program shall be obligated to serve on active duty 3 months for each month of instruction for which they receive financial assistance pursuant to this section for the first 12 months and 1 month for each month thereafter, or 3 years, whichever is greater. (II) The period of obligated active duty service incurred while participating in the Program shall be in addition to any other obligated service a member may incur due to receiving other bonuses or other benefits as part of any other Coast Guard program. (III) If an appointment described in clause (i) is not tendered, the member will remain in the Reserve component until completion of the member’s enlisted service obligation. (D) The member shall agree to perform such duties or complete such terms under the conditions of service specified by the Coast Guard. (3) Expenses Expenses for which financial assistance may be provided under this section are the following: (A) Tuition and fees charged by the college, university, or institution of higher education at which a member is enrolled on a full-time basis. (B) The cost of books. (C) In the case of a program of education leading to a baccalaureate degree, laboratory expenses. (D) Such other expenses as the Commandant considers appropriate, which may not exceed $25,000 for any academic year. (4) Time limit Financial assistance may be provided to a member under this section for up to 5 consecutive academic years. (5) Breach of agreement (A) In general The Secretary may retain in the Coast Guard Reserve, and may order to active duty for such period of time as the Secretary prescribes (but not to exceed 4 years), a member who breaches an agreement under paragraph (2). The period of time for which a member is ordered to active duty under this paragraph may be determined without regard to section 651(a) of title 10. (B) Appropriate enlisted grade or rating A member who is retained in the Coast Guard Reserve under subparagraph (A) shall be retained in an appropriate enlisted grade or rating, as determined by the Commandant. (6) Repayment A member who does not fulfill the terms of the obligation to serve as specified under paragraph (2), or the alternative obligation imposed under paragraph (5), shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 303a(e) of title 37. (d) Briefing (1) In general Not later than August 15 of each year following the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the Program. (2) Contents The briefing required under paragraph (1) shall describe— (A) outreach and recruitment efforts over the previous year; and (B) demographic information of enrollees, including— (i) race; (ii) ethnicity; (iii) gender; (iv) geographic origin; and (v) educational institution. . (b) Repeal Section 2131 of title 14, United States Code, is repealed. (c) Clerical amendments (1) The analysis for chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 2131. (2) The analysis for chapter 37 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 3710 and inserting the following: 3710. College student precommissioning initiative. . 163. Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program (a) Establishment Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the Commandant, shall establish a tuition assistance pilot program for active-duty members of the Coast Guard, to be known as the Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program for Sea Duty (referred to in this section as the pilot program ). (b) Formal agreement A member of the Coast Guard participating in the pilot program shall enter into a formal agreement with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating that provides that, upon the successful completion of a sea duty tour by such member, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall, for a period equal to the length of the sea duty tour, beginning on the date on which the sea duty tour concludes— (1) reduce by 1 year the service obligation incurred by such member as a result of participation in the advanced education assistance program under section 2005 of title 10, United States Code, or the tuition assistance program under section 2007 of such title; and (2) increase the tuition assistance cost cap for such member to not more than double the amount of the standard tuition assistance cost cap set by the Commandant for the applicable fiscal year. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date on which the pilot program is established, and annually thereafter through the date on which the pilot program is terminated under subsection (d), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that— (1) evaluates and compares— (A) the Coast Guard’s retention, recruitment, and filling of sea duty billets for all members of the Coast Guard; and (B) the Coast Guard’s retention, recruitment, and filling of sea duty billets for all members of the Coast Guard participating in the pilot program; (2) includes the number of participants in the pilot program as of the date of the report, disaggregated by officer and enlisted billet type; and (3) assesses the progress made by such participants in their respective voluntary education programs, in accordance with their degree plans, during the period described in subsection (b). (d) Termination The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is 6 years after the date on which the pilot program is established. 164. Modifications to career flexibility program Section 2514 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (c)(3) by striking 2 months and inserting 30 days ; and (2) in subsection (h)— (A) in paragraph (1) by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (2) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (3) the entitlement of the member and of the survivors of the member to all death benefits under subchapter II of chapter 75 of title 10; (4) the provision of all travel and transportation allowances to family members of a deceased member to attend the repatriation, burial, or memorial ceremony of a deceased member as provided in section 453(f) of title 37; (5) the eligibility of the member for general benefits as provided in part II of title 38; and (6) in the case of a victim of an alleged sex-related offense (as such term is defined in section 1044e(h) of title 10) to the maximum extent practicable, maintaining access to— (A) Coast Guard behavioral health resources; (B) sexual assault prevention and response resources and programs of the Coast Guard; and (C) Coast Guard legal resources, including, to the extent practicable, special victims’ counsel. . 165. Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentive program for civilian firefighters employed by Coast Guard in remote locations (a) Identification of remote locations The Commandant shall identify locations to be considered remote locations for purposes of this section, which shall include, at a minimum, each Coast Guard fire station located in an area in which members of the Coast Guard and the dependents of such members are eligible for the TRICARE Prime Remote program. (b) Incentive program (1) In general To ensure uninterrupted operations by civilian firefighters employed by the Coast Guard in remote locations, the Commandant shall establish an incentive program for such firefighters consisting of— (A) recruitment and relocation bonuses consistent with section 5753 of title 5, United States Code; and (B) retention bonuses consistent with section 5754 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Eligibility criteria The Commandant, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel and Management, shall establish eligibility criteria for the incentive program established under paragraph (1), which shall include a requirement that a firefighter described in paragraph (1) may only be eligible for the incentive program under this section if, with respect to the applicable remote location, the Commandant has made a determination that incentives are appropriate to address an identified recruitment, retention, or relocation need. (c) Annual report Not less frequently than annually for the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that— (1) details the use and effectiveness of the incentive program established under this section; and (2) includes— (A) the number of participants in the incentive program; (B) a description of the distribution of incentives under such program; and (C) a description of the impact of such program on civilian firefighter recruitment and retention by the Coast Guard in remote locations. 166. Reinstatement of training course on workings of Congress; Coast Guard Museum (a) In general Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by— (1) transferring section 316 to appear after section 323 and redesignating such section as section 324; and (2) inserting after section 315 the following: 316. Training course on workings of Congress (a) In general The Commandant, and such other individuals and organizations as the Commandant considers appropriate, shall develop a training course on the workings of Congress and offer such training course at least once each year. (b) Course subject matter The training course required by this section shall provide an overview and introduction to Congress and the Federal legislative process, including— (1) the history and structure of Congress and the committee systems of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including the functions and responsibilities of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; (2) the documents produced by Congress, including bills, resolutions, committee reports, and conference reports, and the purposes and functions of such documents; (3) the legislative processes and rules of the House of Representatives and the Senate, including similarities and differences between the 2 processes and 2 sets of rules, including— (A) the congressional budget process; (B) the congressional authorization and appropriation processes; (C) the Senate advice and consent process for Presidential nominees; and (D) the Senate advice and consent process for treaty ratification; (4) the roles of Members of Congress and congressional staff in the legislative process; and (5) the concept and underlying purposes of congressional oversight within the governance framework of separation of powers. (c) Lecturers and panelists (1) Outside experts The Commandant shall ensure that not less than 60 percent of the lecturers, panelists, and other individuals providing education and instruction as part of the training course required under this section are experts on Congress and the Federal legislative process who are not employed by the executive branch of the Federal Government. (2) Authority to accept pro bono services In satisfying the requirement under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall seek, and may accept, educational and instructional services of lecturers, panelists, and other individuals and organizations provided to the Coast Guard on a pro bono basis. (d) Effect of law (1) In general The training required by this section shall replace the substantially similar training that was required by the Commandant on the day before the date of the enactment of this section. (2) Previous training recipients A Coast Guard flag officer or a Coast Guard Senior Executive Service employee who, not more than 3 years before the date of the enactment of this section, completed the training that was required by the Commandant on the day before such date of enactment, shall not be required to complete the training required by this section. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking the item relating to section 316 and inserting after the item relating to section 323 the following: 324. Training for congressional affairs personnel. . (2) by inserting after the item relating to section 315 the following: 316. Training course on workings of Congress. . (c) Services and use of funds for, and leasing of, the National Coast Guard Museum Section 324 of title 14, United States Code, as transferred and redesignated by subsection (a), is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1) by striking The Secretary and inserting Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary ; and (B) in paragraph (2) by striking on the engineering and design of a Museum. and inserting on— (A) the design of the Museum; and (B) engineering, construction administration, and quality assurance services for the Museum. ; (2) in subsection (e), by amending paragraph (2)(A) to read as follows: (2) (A) for the purpose of conducting Coast Guard operations, lease from the Association— (i) the Museum; and (ii) any property owned by the Association that is adjacent to the railroad tracks that are adjacent to the property on which the Museum is located; and ; and (3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows: (g) Services With respect to the services related to the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Museum, the Commandant may, from nonprofits entities including the Association,— (1) solicit and accept services; and (2) enter into contracts or memoranda of agreement to acquire such services. . 167. Modification of designation of Vice Admirals (a) In general Section 305(a)(1) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking may and inserting shall ; and (2) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking be the Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard and inserting oversee personnel management, workforce and dependent support, training, and related matters . (b) Reorganization Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by redesignating sections 312 through 324 as sections 314 through 326, respectively. (c) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by redesignating the items relating to sections 312 through 324 as relating to sections 314 through 326, respectively. 168. Commandant Advisory Judge Advocate (a) In general Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after section 311 the following: 312. Commandant Advisory Judge Advocate There shall be in the Coast Guard a Commandant Advisory Judge Advocate who is a judge advocate in a grade of O–6. The Commandant Advisory Judge Advocate shall be assigned to the staff of the Commandant in the first regularly scheduled O–6 officer assignment panel to convene following the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 and perform such duties relating to legal matters arising in the Coast Guard as such legal matters relate to the Commandant, as may be assigned. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 311 the following item: 312. Commandant Advisory Judge Advocate. . 169. Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian affairs (a) In general Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 312 the following: 313. Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs (a) In general In accordance with Federal trust responsibilities and treaty obligations, laws, and policies relevant to Indian Tribes and in support of the principles of self-determination, self-governance, and co-management with respect to Indian Tribes, and to support engagement with Native Hawaiians, there shall be in the Coast Guard a Special Advisor to the Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs (in this section referred to as the Special Advisor ), who shall— (1) be selected by the Secretary and the Commandant through a competitive search process; (2) have expertise in Federal Indian law and policy, including government-to-government consultation; (3) to the maximum extent practicable, have expertise in legal and policy issues affecting Native Hawaiians; and (4) have an established record of distinguished service and achievement working with Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (b) Career reserved position The position of Special Advisor shall be a career reserved position at the GS–15 level or greater. (c) Duties The Special Advisor shall— (1) ensure the Federal Government upholds the Federal trust responsibility and conducts consistent, meaningful, and timely government-to-government consultation and engagement with Indian Tribes, which shall meet or exceed the standards of the Federal Government and the Coast Guard; (2) ensure meaningful and timely engagement with— (A) Native Hawaiian organizations; and (B) Tribal organizations; (3) advise the Commandant on all policies of the Coast Guard that have Tribal implications in accordance with applicable law and policy, including Executive orders; (4) work to ensure that the policies of the Federal Government regarding consultation and engagement with Indian Tribes and engagement with Native Hawaiian organizations and Tribal organizations are implemented in a meaningful manner, working through Coast Guard leadership and across the Coast Guard, together with— (A) liaisons located within Coast Guard districts; (B) the Director of Coast Guard Governmental and Public Affairs; and (C) other Coast Guard leadership and programs and other Federal partners; and (5) support Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Tribal organizations in all matters under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard. (d) Direct access to Secretary and Commandant No officer or employee of the Coast Guard or the Department of Homeland Security may interfere with the ability of the Special Advisor to give direct and independent advice to the Secretary and the Commandant on matters related to this section. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Indian tribe The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (2) Native Hawaiian organization The term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7517 ) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. (3) Tribal organization The term Tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 312 the following: 313. Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs. . (c) Briefings (1) Initial briefing Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the manner in which the Special Advisor for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs will be incorporated into the governance structure of the Coast Guard, including a timeline for the incorporation that is completed not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Annual briefings on special advisor to the Commandant tor Tribal and Native Hawaiian affairs Not later than 1 year after the date of the establishment of the position of the Special Advisor to the Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs under section 313 of title 14, United States Code, and annually thereafter for 2 years, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing on the duties, responsibilities, and actions of the Special Advisor to the Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs, including management of best practices. (3) Briefing on collaboration with tribes on research consistent with Coast Guard mission requirements (A) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing on potential collaborations on and research and use of indigenous place-based knowledge and research. (B) Element In providing the briefing under subparagraph (A), the Commandant shall identify current and potential future opportunities to improve coordination with Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Tribal organizations to support— (i) Coast Guard mission needs, such as the potential for research or knowledge to enhance maritime domain awareness, including opportunities through the ADAC–ARCTIC Center of Excellence of the Department of Homeland Security; and (ii) Coast Guard efforts to protect indigenous place-based knowledge and research. (4) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Indian tribe The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (B) Native Hawaiian organization The term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7517 ) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. (C) Tribal organization The term Tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (d) Rule of construction Nothing in this section, or an amendment made by this section, shall be construed to impact— (1) the right of any Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ); or (2) any government-to-government consultation. (e) Conforming amendments (1) Section 11237 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is amended— (A) in subsection (a), by striking section 312 of title 14 and inserting section 315 of title 14 ; and (B) in subsection (b)(2)(A), by striking section 312 of title 14 and inserting section 315 of title 14 . (2) Section 807(a) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–282 ) is amended by striking section 313 of title 14 and inserting section 316 of title 14 . (3) Section 3533(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ) is amended by striking section 315 of title 14 and inserting section 318 of title 14 . (4) Section 311(j)(9)(D) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321(j)(9)(D) ) is amended by striking section 323 of title 14 each place it appears and inserting section 325 of title 14 each such place. 170. Notification (a) In general The Commandant shall provide to the appropriate committees of Congress notification as described in subsection (b)— (1) not later than the date that is 10 days before the final day of each fiscal year; or (2) in the case of a continuing resolution that, for a period of more than 10 days, provides appropriated funds in lieu of an appropriations Act, not later than the date that is 10 days before the final day of the period that such continuing resolution covers. (b) Elements Notification under subsection (a) shall include— (1) the status of funding for the Coast Guard during the subsequent fiscal year or at the end of the continuing resolution if other appropriations measures are not enacted, as applicable; (2) the status of the Coast Guard as a component of the Armed Forces; (3) the number of members currently serving overseas and otherwise supporting missions related to title 10, United States Code; (4) the fact that members of the Armed Forces have service requirements unlike those of other Federal employees, which require them to continue to serve even if unpaid; (5) the impacts of historical shutdowns of the Federal Government on members of the Coast Guard; and (6) other relevant matters, as determined by the Commandant. (c) Appropriate committees of Congress defined In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— (1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; (2) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; (3) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and (4) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. E Coast Guard Academy 171. Modification of Board of Visitors Section 1903 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 1903. Annual Board of Visitors (a) In general The Commandant shall establish a Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy to review and make recommendations on the operation of the Academy. (b) Membership (1) In general The membership of the Board shall consist of the following: (A) The chairperson of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, or a member of such Committee designated by such chairperson. (B) The chairperson of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, or a member of such Committee designated by such chairperson. (C) 3 Senators appointed by the Vice President. (D) 4 Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (E) 2 Senators appointed by the Vice President, each of whom shall be selected from among members of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate. (F) 2 Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall be selected from among members of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (G) 6 individuals designated by the President. (2) Timing of appointments of members (A) If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(C) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate with jurisdiction over the authorization of appropriations of the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die. (B) If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(D) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over the authorization of appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die. (C) If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(E) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate with jurisdiction over appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die. (D) If any member of the Board described in paragraph (1)(F) is not appointed by the date that is 180 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the chair and ranking member of the subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives with jurisdiction over appropriations for the Coast Guard shall be members of the Board until the date on which the second session of such Congress adjourns sine die. (3) Chairperson (A) In general On a biennial basis and subject to paragraph (4), the Board shall select from among the members of the Board a Member of Congress to serve as the Chair of the Board. (B) Rotation A Member of the House of Representatives and a Member of the Senate shall alternately be selected as the Chair of the Board. (C) Term An individual may not serve as Chairperson of the Board for consecutive terms. (4) Length of service (A) Members of congress A Member of Congress designated as a member of the Board under paragraph (1) shall be designated as a member in the first session of the applicable Congress and shall serve for the duration of such Congress. (B) Individuals designated by the president Each individual designated by the President under paragraph (1)(G) shall serve as a member of the Board for 3 years, except that any such member whose term of office has expired shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed by the President. (C) Death or resignation of a member If a member of the Board dies or resigns, a successor shall be designated for any unexpired portion of the term of the member by the official who designated the member. (c) Duties (1) Academy visits (A) Annual visit The Commandant shall invite each member of the Board, and any designee of a member of the Board, to visit the Coast Guard Academy at least once annually to review the operation of the Academy. (B) Additional visits With the approval of the Secretary, the Board or any members of the Board in connection with the duties of the Board may— (i) make visits to the Academy in addition to the visits described in subparagraph (A); or (ii) consult with— (I) the Superintendent of the Academy; or (II) the faculty, staff, or cadets of the Academy. (C) Access The Commandant shall ensure that the Board or any members of the Board who visits the Academy under this paragraph is provided reasonable access to the grounds, facilities, cadets, faculty, staff, and other personnel of the Academy for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the Board. (2) Oversight review In conducting oversight of the Academy under this section, the Board shall review, with respect to the Academy— (A) the state of morale and discipline, including with respect to prevention of, response to, and recovery from sexual assault and sexual harassment; (B) recruitment and retention, including diversity, inclusion, and issues regarding women specifically; (C) the curriculum; (D) instruction; (E) physical equipment, including infrastructure, living quarters, and deferred maintenance; (F) fiscal affairs; and (G) any other matter relating to the Academy the Board considers appropriate. (d) Administrative matters (1) Meetings (A) In general Not less frequently than annually, the Board shall meet at a location chosen by the Commandant, in consultation with the Board, to conduct the review required by subsection (c)(2). (B) Chairperson and charter The Federal officer designated under subsection (f)(1)(B) shall organize a meeting of the Board for the purposes of— (i) selecting a Chairperson of the Board under subsection (b)(3); (ii) adopting an official charter for the Board, which shall establish the schedule of meetings of the Board; and (iii) any other matter such designated Federal officer or the Board considers appropriate. (C) Scheduling In scheduling a meeting of the Board, such designated Federal officer shall coordinate, to the greatest extent practicable, with the members of the Board to determine the date and time of the meeting. (D) Notification Not less than 30 days before each scheduled meeting of the Board, such designated Federal officer shall notify each member of the Board of the time, date, and location of the meeting. (2) Staff (A) Designation The chairperson and the ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the chairperson and the ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives may each designate 1 staff member of each such Committees. (B) Role Staff designated under subparagraph (A)— (i) may attend and participate in visits and carry out consultations described under subsection (c)(1) and attend and participate in meetings described under paragraph (1); and (ii) may not otherwise carry out duties or take actions reserved to members of the Board under this section. (3) Advisors If approved by the Secretary, the Board may consult with advisors in carrying out the duties of the Board under this section. (4) Reports (A) In general Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Board conducts a meeting of the Board under paragraph (1), the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, in consultation with the Board, shall submit a report on the actions of the Board during the meeting and the recommendations of the Board pertaining to the Academy to— (i) the Secretary; (ii) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and (iii) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. (B) Publication Each report submitted under this paragraph shall be published on a publicly accessible website of the Coast Guard. (e) Disclosure The Commandant and the Superintendent of the Academy shall ensure candid and complete disclosure to the Board, consistent with applicable laws relating to disclosure of information, with respect to— (1) each issue described in subsection (c)(2); and (2) any other issue the Board or the Commandant considers appropriate. (f) Coast Guard support (1) In general The Commandant shall— (A) provide support to the Board, as Board considers necessary for the performance of the duties of the Board; (B) designate a Federal officer to support the performance of the duties of the Board; and (C) in cooperation with the Superintendent of the Academy, advise the Board of any institutional issues, consistent with applicable laws concerning the disclosure of information. (2) Reimbursement Each member of the Board and each advisor consulted by the Board under subsection (d)(3) shall be reimbursed, to the extent permitted by law, by the Coast Guard for actual expenses incurred while engaged in duties as a member or advisor. (g) Notification Not later than 30 days after the date on which the first session of each Congress convenes, the Commandant shall provide to the chairperson and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the chairperson and ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the President notification of the requirements of this section. . 172. Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight (a) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, shall enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center with relevant expertise under which such center shall conduct an assessment of the oversight and governance of the Coast Guard Academy, including— (1) examining the— (A) authorities regarding Coast Guard and Departmental oversight of the Coast Guard Academy, including considerations of how these may impact accreditation review at the academy; (B) roles and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees of such Academy; (C) Coast Guard roles and responsibilities with respect to management and facilitation of the Board of Trustees of such Academy; (D) advisory functions of the Board of Trustees of such Academy; and (E) membership of the Board of Trustees for the 10-year period preceding the date of the enactment of this Act, to include expertise, objectiveness, and effectiveness in conducting oversight of such Academy; and (2) an analysis of the involvement of the Board of Trustees during the Operation Fouled Anchor investigation, including to what extent the Board members were informed, involved, or made decisions regarding the governance of the academy based on that investigation. (b) Report Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Commandant enters into an agreement under subsection (a), the federally funded research and development center selected under such subsection shall submit to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Commandant, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that contains— (1) the results of the assessment required under subsection (a); and (2) recommendations to improve governance of the Coast Guard Academy and the Board of Trustees. 173. Electronic locking mechanisms to ensure Coast Guard Academy cadet room security (a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy (referred to in this section as the Superintendent ), shall— (1) install an electronic locking mechanism for each room at the Coast Guard Academy within which 1 or more Coast Guard Academy cadets reside overnight; (2) test each such mechanism not less than once every 6 months for proper function and maintained in proper working order; and (3) use a system that electronically records the date, time, and identity of each individual who accesses a cadet room using an electronic access token, code, card, or other electronic means, which shall be maintained in accordance with the general schedule for records retention, or a period of five years, whichever is later. (b) Electronic locking mechanisms (1) In general Each electronic locking mechanism described in subsection (a) shall be coded in a manner that provides access to a room described in such subsection only to— (A) the 1 or more cadets assigned to the room; and (B) such Coast Guard Academy officers, administrators, staff, or security personnel, including personnel of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, as are necessary to access the room in the event of an emergency. (2) Existing mechanisms Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Superintendent shall ensure that electronic locking mechanisms installed in academic buildings of the Coast Guard Academy, Chase Hall common spaces, and in any other location at the Coast Guard Academy are maintained in proper working order. (c) Access policy instruction Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Superintendent shall promulgate a policy regarding cadet room security policies and procedures, which shall include, at a minimum— (1) a prohibition on sharing with any other cadet, employee, or other individual electronic access tokens, codes, cards, or other electronic means of accessing a cadet room; (2) procedures for resetting electronic locking mechanisms in the event of a lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised electronic access token, code, card, or other electronic means of accessing a cadet room; (3) procedures to maintain the identity of each individual who accesses a cadet room using an electronic access token, code, card, or other electronic means, while ensuring the security of personally identifiable information and protecting the privacy of any such individual, as appropriate; (4) procedures by which cadets may report to the chain of command the malfunction of an electronic locking mechanism; and (5) a schedule of testing to ensure the proper functioning of electronic locking mechanisms. (d) Minimum training requirements The Superintendent shall ensure that each Coast Guard Academy cadet receives, not later than 1 day after the date of the initial arrival of the cadet at the Coast Guard Academy, an initial training session, and any other training the Superintendent considers necessary, on— (1) the use of electronic locking mechanisms installed under this section; and (2) the policy promulgated under subsection (c). 174. Coast Guard Academy student advisory board and access to timely and independent wellness support services for cadets and candidates (a) In general Subchapter I of Chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 1907. Coast Guard Academy Student and Women Advisory Board (a) Establishment The Commandant shall establish within the Coast Guard Academy an advisory board to be known as the Coast Guard Academy Student and Women Advisory Board (in this section referred to as the Advisory Board ). (b) Membership The Advisory Board shall be composed of not fewer than 12 cadets of the Coast Guard Academy who are enrolled at the Coast Guard Academy at the time of appointment, including not fewer than 3 cadets from each class. (c) Appointment (1) In general Cadets shall be appointed to the Advisory Board by the Provost, in consultation with the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy. (2) Application Cadets who are eligible for appointment to the Advisory Board shall submit an application for appointment to the Provost of the Coast Guard Academy, or a designee of the Provost, for consideration. (d) Selection The Provost shall select eligible applicants who— (1) are best suited to fulfill the duties described in subsection (g); and (2) best represent the student body makeup at the Coast Guard Academy. (e) Term (1) In general Appointments shall be made not later than 60 days after the date of the swearing in of a new class of cadets at the Coast Guard Academy. (2) Term The term of membership of a cadet on the Advisory Board shall be 1 academic year. (f) Meetings The Advisory Board shall meet in person with the Superintendent not less frequently than twice each academic year to discuss the activities of the Advisory Board. (g) Duties The Advisory Board shall— (1) identify challenges facing Coast Guard Academy cadets, including cadets who are women, relating to— (A) health and well-being; (B) cadet perspectives and information with respect to sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention, response, and recovery at the Coast Guard Academy; (C) the culture of, and leadership development and access to health care for, cadets at the Academy who are women; and (D) any other matter the Advisory Board considers important; (2) discuss and propose possible solutions to such challenges, including improvements to leadership development at the Coast Guard Academy; and (3) periodically review the efficacy of Coast Guard Academy academic, wellness, and other relevant programs and provide recommendations to the Commandant for improvement of such programs. (h) Working groups (1) In general The Advisory Board shall establish 2 working groups of which— (A) 1 working group shall be composed, at least in part, of Coast Guard Academy cadets who are not current members of the Advisory Board and members of the Cadets Against Sexual Assault, or any similar successor organization, to assist the Advisory Board in carrying out its duties under subsection (g)(1)(B); and (B) 1 working group shall be composed, at least in part, of Coast Guard Academy cadets who are not current members of the Advisory Board to assist the Advisory Board in carrying out its duties under subsection (g)(1)(C). (2) Other working groups The Advisory Board may establish such other working groups (which may be composed, at least in part, of Coast Guard Academy cadets who are not current members of the Advisory Board) as the Advisory Board finds to be necessary to carry out the Board’s duties other than the duties in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection (g)(1). (i) Reporting (1) Commandant and Superintendent The Advisory Board shall regularly submit a report or provide a briefing to the Commandant and the Superintendent on the results of the activities carried out in furtherance of the duties of the Advisory Board under subsection (g), including recommendations for actions to be taken based on such results, not less than once per academic semester. (2) Annual report The Advisory Board shall transmit to the Commandant, through the Provost and the Superintendent an annual report at the conclusion of the academic year, containing the information and materials that were presented to the Commandant or Superintendent, or both, during the regularly occurring briefings under paragraph (1). (3) Congress The Commandant shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives any report or other materials provided to the Commandant and Superintendent under paragraph (1) and any other information related to the Advisory requested by the Committees. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1906 the following: 1907. Coast Guard Academy Student and Women Advisory Board. . 175. Report on existing behavioral health and wellness support services facilities at Coast Guard Academy (a) In general Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on existing behavioral health and wellness support services facilities at the Coast Guard Academy in which Coast Guard Academy cadets and officer candidates, respectively, may receive timely and independent behavioral health and wellness support services, including via telemedicine. (b) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall include— (1) an identification of each building at the Coast Guard Academy that contains a dormitory or other overnight accommodations for cadets or officer candidates; and (2) (A) an identification of additional behavioral health or wellness support services that would be beneficial to cadets and officer candidates, such as additional facilities with secure access to telemedicine; (B) a description of the benefits that such services would provide to cadets and officer candidates, particularly to cadets and officer candidates who have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment; and (C) a description of the resources necessary to provide such services. 176. Required posting of information The Commandant shall ensure that, in each building at the Coast Guard Academy that contains a dormitory or other overnight accommodations for cadets or officer candidates, written information is posted in a visible location with respect to— (1) the methods and means by which a cadet or officer candidate may report a crime, including harassment, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and any other offense; (2) the contact information for the Coast Guard Investigative Service; (3) external resources for— (A) wellness support; (B) work-life; (C) medical services; and (D) support relating to behavioral health, civil rights, sexual assault, and sexual harassment; and (4) cadet and officer candidate rights with respect to reporting incidents to the Coast Guard Investigative Service, civilian authorities, the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and any other applicable entity. 177. Installation of behavioral health and wellness rooms (a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall install or construct at the Coast Guard Academy 2 rooms to be used for the purpose of supporting cadet and officer candidate behavioral health and wellness. (b) Standards of rooms Each room installed or constructed under this section— (1) shall be— (A) equipped— (i) in a manner that ensures the protection of the privacy of cadets and officer candidates, consistent with law and policy; (ii) with a telephone and computer to allow for the provision of behavioral health and wellness support or other services; and (iii) with an accessible and private wireless internet connection for the use of personal communications devices at the discretion of the cadet or officer candidate concerned; and (B) to the extent practicable and consistent with good order and discipline, accessible to cadets and officer candidates at all times; and (2) shall contain the written information described in section 176, which shall be posted in a visible location. 178. Coast Guard Academy room reassignment Section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Room reassignment Coast Guard Academy cadets may request room reassignment if experiencing discomfort due to Coast Guard Academy rooming assignments, consistent with policy. . 179. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 1908. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations (a) Authority Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary, with the concurrence of the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, may authorize a covered foundation to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis as determined by the Secretary, facilities or equipment of the Coast Guard Academy. (b) Prohibition The Secretary may not authorize any use of facilities or equipment under subsection (a) if such use may jeopardize the health, safety, or well-being of any member of the Coast Guard or cadet of the Coast Guard Academy. (c) Limitations The Secretary may only authorize the use of facilities or equipment under subsection (a) if such use— (1) is without any liability of the United States to the covered foundation; (2) does not— (A) affect the ability of any official or employee of the Coast Guard, or any member of the armed forces, to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner; (B) compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Coast Guard, or any individual involved in any such program; or (C) include the participation of any cadet of the Coast Guard Academy at an event of the covered foundation, other than participation of such a cadet in an honor guard; (3) complies with any applicable ethics regulation; and (4) has been reviewed and approved by an attorney of the Coast Guard. (d) Issuance of policies The Secretary shall issue Coast Guard policies to carry out this section. (e) Briefing For any fiscal year in which the Secretary exercises the authority under subsection (a), not later than the last day of such fiscal year, the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the number of events or activities of a covered foundation supported by such exercise of authority during the fiscal year. (f) Covered foundation defined In this section, the term covered foundation means an organization that— (1) is a charitable, educational, or civic nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and (2) the Secretary determines operates exclusively to support— (A) recruiting activities with respect to the Coast Guard Academy; (B) parent or alumni development in support of the Coast Guard Academy; (C) academic, leadership, or character development of Coast Guard Academy cadets; (D) institutional development of the Coast Guard Academy; or (E) athletics in support of the Coast Guard Academy. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to item 1907 the following: 1908. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations. . 180. Concurrent jurisdiction at Coast Guard Academy Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may establish concurrent jurisdiction between the Federal Government and the State of Connecticut over the lands constituting the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, as necessary to facilitate the ability of the State of Connecticut and City of New London to investigate and prosecute any crimes cognizable under Connecticut law that are committed on such Coast Guard Academy property. F Reports 181. Maritime domain awareness in Coast Guard sector for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing— (1) an overview of the maritime domain awareness in the area of responsibility of the Coast Guard sector responsible for Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands, including— (A) the average volume of known maritime traffic that transited the area during fiscal years 2020 through 2023; (B) current sensor platforms deployed by such sector to monitor illicit activity occurring at sea in such area; (C) the number of illicit activity incidents at sea in such area that the sector responded to during fiscal years 2020 through 2023; (D) an estimate of the volume of traffic engaged in illicit activity at sea in such area and the type and description of any vessels used to carry out illicit activities that such sector responded to during fiscal years 2020 through 2023; and (E) the maritime domain awareness requirements to effectively meet the mission of such sector; (2) a description of current actions taken by the Coast Guard to partner with Federal, regional, State, and local entities to meet the maritime domain awareness needs of such area; (3) a description of any gaps in maritime domain awareness within the area of responsibility of such sector resulting from an inability to meet the enduring maritime domain awareness requirements of the sector or adequately respond to maritime disorder; (4) an identification of current technology and assets the Coast Guard has to mitigate the gaps identified in paragraph (3); (5) an identification of capabilities needed to mitigate such gaps, including any capabilities the Coast Guard currently possesses that can be deployed to the sector; (6) an identification of technology and assets the Coast Guard does not currently possess and are needed to acquire in order to address such gaps; and (7) an identification of any financial obstacles that prevent the Coast Guard from deploying existing commercially available sensor technology to address such gaps. 182. Report on condition of Missouri River dayboards (a) Provision to Congress Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the condition of dayboards and the placement of buoys on the Missouri River. (b) Elements The report under paragraph (1) shall include— (1) a list of the most recent date on which each dayboard and buoy was serviced by the Coast Guard; (2) an overview of the plan of the Coast Guard to systematically service each dayboard and buoy on the Missouri River; and (3) assigned points of contact. (c) Limitation Beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant may not remove the aids to navigation covered in subsection (a), unless there is an imminent threat to life or safety, until a period of 180 days has elapsed following the date on which the Commandant submits the report required under subsection (a). 183. Study on Coast Guard missions (a) Study (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center with relevant expertise under which such center shall conduct an assessment of the operational capabilities and ability of the Coast Guard to conduct the primary duties of the Coast Guard under section 102 of title 14, United States Code, and missions under section 888 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 468 ). (2) Elements In carrying out the assessment required under paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development center selected under such subsection shall, with respect to the primary duties and missions described in paragraph (1), include the following: (A) An analysis of the extent to which the Coast Guard is able to effectively carry out such duties and missions. (B) An analysis of any budgetary, policy, and manpower factors that may constrain the Coast Guard’s ability to carry out such duties and missions. (C) An analysis of the impacts to safety, national security, and the economy, of any shortfalls in the Coast Guards ability to meet such missions. (D) Recommendations for the Coast Guard to more effectively carry out such duties and missions, in light of manpower and asset constraints. (E) Identification of any duties and missions that are being conducted by the Coast Guard on behalf of other Department of Homeland Security components, the Department of Defense, and other Federal agencies. (F) An analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of the Coast Guard conducting missions on behalf of other agencies identified in subparagraph (E), including— (i) the budgetary impact of the duties and missions identified in such subparagraph; (ii) data on the degree to which the Coast Guard is reimbursed for the costs of such missions; and (iii) recommendations to minimize the impact of the missions identified in such subparagraph to the Coast Guard budget, including improving reimbursements and budget autonomy of the Coast Guard. (b) Assessment to commandant Not later than 1 year after the date on which Commandant enters into an agreement under section (a), the federally funded research and development center selected under such subsection shall submit to the Commandant, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the assessment required under subsection (a). (c) Report to Congress (1) In general Not later than 90 days after receipt of the assessment under subsection (b), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that includes recommendations included in the assessment to strengthen the ability of the Coast Guard to carry out such duties and missions. (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) The assessment received by the Commandant under subsection (b). (B) For each recommendation included in the such assessment— (i) an assessment by the Commandant of the feasibility and advisability of implementing such recommendation; and (ii) if the Commandant considers the implementation of such recommendation feasible and advisable, a description of the actions taken, or to be taken, to implement such recommendation. 184. Annual report on progress of certain homeporting projects (a) Initial report (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall issue a report detailing the progress of all approved Coast Guard cutter homeporting projects within Coast Guard District 17 with respect to each of the following: (A) Fast Response Cutters. (B) Offshore Patrol Cutters. (C) The commercially available polar icebreaker procured pursuant to section 11223 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( 14 U.S.C. 561 note). (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to each homeporting project described in such paragraph, the following: (A) A description of— (i) the status of funds appropriated for the project; (ii) activities carried out toward completion of the project; and (iii) activities anticipated to be carried out during the subsequent 1-year period to advance completion of the project. (B) An updated timeline, including key milestones, for the project. (b) Subsequent reports (1) In general Not later than July 1 of the first calendar year after the year in which the report required under subsection (a) is submitted, and each July 1 thereafter until the date specified in paragraph (2), the Commandant shall issue an updated report containing, with respect to each Coast Guard cutter homeporting project described in subsection (a)(1) (including any such project approved on a date after the date of the enactment of this Act and before the submission of the applicable report), each element described in subsection (a)(2). (2) Date specified The date specified in this paragraph is the earlier of— (A) July 2, 2031; or (B) the date on which all projects described in subsection (a)(1) are completed. (c) Report on capacity of Coast Guard Base Ketchikan (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall complete a report detailing the cost of and time frame for expanding the industrial capacity of Coast Guard Base Ketchikan to do out of water repairs on Fast Response Cutters. (2) Report Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the report required under paragraph (1). (d) Public availability The Commandant shall publish each report issued under this section on a publicly accessible website of the Coast Guard. (e) Homeporting project defined In this section, the term homeporting project — (1) means the facility infrastructure modifications, upgrades, new construction, and real property and land acquisition associated with homeporting new or modified cutters; and (2) includes shoreside and waterfront facilities, cutter maintenance facilities, housing, child development facilities, and any other associated infrastructure directly required as a result of homeporting new or modified cutters. 185. Report on Bay class icebreaking tug fleet replacement Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives— (1) a report that describes the strategy of the Coast Guard with respect to the replacement of the Bay class icebreaking tug fleet; (2) in the case of such a strategy that results in the replacement of the last Bay class icebreaking tug on a date that is more than 15 years after such date of enactment, a plan to maintain the operational capabilities of the Bay class icebreaking tug fleet until the date on which such fleet is projected to be replaced; and (3) in the case of such a plan that does not include the replacement of the main propulsion engines and marine gear components of the Bay class icebreaking tug fleet, an assessment of the manner in which not replacing such engines and gear components will effect the future operational availability of such fleet. 186. Feasibility study on supporting additional port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall— (1) complete a study on the feasibility and advisability of supporting additional Coast Guard port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific, or any successor operation oriented toward Oceania; and (2) submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of such study. 187. Study and gap analysis with respect to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi aviation hangar (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall commence a study and gap analysis with respect to the aviation hangar at Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi and the capacity of such hangar to accommodate the aircraft currently assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi and any aircraft anticipated to be so assigned in the future. (b) Elements The study and gap analysis required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An identification of hangar infrastructure requirements needed— (A) to meet mission requirements for all aircraft currently assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi; and (B) to accommodate the assignment of an additional HC–144 Ocean Sentry aircraft to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi. (2) An assessment as to whether the aviation hangar at Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi is sufficient to accommodate all rotary-wing assets assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi. (3) In the case of an assessment that such hangar is insufficient to accommodate all such rotary-wing assets, a description of the facility modifications that would be required to do so. (4) An assessment of the facility modifications of such hangar that would be required to accommodate all aircraft assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi upon completion of the transition from the MH–65 rotary-wing aircraft to the MH–60T rotary-wing aircraft. (5) An evaluation with respect to which fixed-wing assets assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi should be enclosed in such hangar so as to most effectively mitigate the effects of corrosion while meeting mission requirements. (6) An evaluation as to whether, and to what extent, the storage of fixed-wing assets outside such hangar would compromise the material condition and safety of such assets. (7) An evaluation of the extent to which any material condition and safety issue identified under paragraph (6) may be mitigated through the use of gust locks, chocks, tie-downs, or related equipment. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the commencement of the study and gap analysis required under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the study and gap analysis. 188. Report on impacts of joint travel regulations on members of Coast Guard who rely on ferry systems (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the impacts of the Joint Travel Regulations on members of the Coast Guard who are commuting, on permanent change of station travel, or on other official travel to or from locations served by ferry systems. (b) Elements The report required under subsection (a) shall include an analysis of the impacts on such members of the Coast Guard of the following policies under the Joint Travel Regulations: (1) The one-vehicle shipping policy. (2) The unavailability of reimbursement of costs incurred by such members due to ferry schedule unavailability, sailing cancellations, and other sailing delays during commuting, permanent change of station travel, or other official travel. (3) The unavailability of local infrastructure to support vehicles or goods shipped to duty stations in locations outside the contiguous United States that are not connected by the road system, including locations served by the Alaska Marine Highway System. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Appropriate committees of congress The term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. (2) Joint travel regulations The term Joint Travel Regulations , with respect to official travel, means the terms, rates, conditions, and regulations maintained under section 464 of title 37, United States Code. 189. Report on Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. (b) Elements The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A description of the standards and criteria prescribed by the Coast Guard for educational institution participation in the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. (2) With respect to each educational institution offering a Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program— (A) a description of— (i) the training and course of military instruction provided to students; (ii) the facilities and drill areas used for the program; (iii) the type and amount of Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program resources provided by the Coast Guard; (iv) the type and amount of Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program resources provided by the educational institution; and (v) any other matter relating to program requirements the Commandant considers appropriate; (B) an assessment as to whether the educational institution is located in an educationally and economically deprived area (as described in section 2031 of title 10, United States Code); (C) beginning with the year in which the program was established at the educational institution, the number of students who have participated in the program, disaggregated by gender, race, and grade of student participants; and (D) an assessment of the participants in the program, including— (i) the performance of the participants in the program; (ii) the number of participants in the program who express an intent to pursue a commission or enlistment in the Coast Guard; and (iii) a description of any other factor or matter considered by the Commandant to be important in assessing the success of program participants at the educational institution. (3) With respect to any unit of the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps suspended or placed on probation pursuant to section 2031(h) of title 10, United States Code— (A) a description of the unit; (B) the reason for such suspension or placement on probation; (C) the year the unit was so suspended or placed on probation; and (D) with respect to any unit that was reinstated after previously being suspended or placed on probation, a justification for the reinstatement of such unit. (4) A description of the resources and personnel required to maintain, implement, and provide oversight for the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at each participating educational institution and within the Coast Guard, including the funding provided to each such educational institution, disaggregated by educational institution and year. (5) A recommendation with respect to— (A) whether the number of educational institutions participating in the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program should be increased; and (B) in the case of a recommendation that such number should be increased, additional recommendations relating to such an increase, including— (i) the number of additional educational institutions that should be included in the program; (ii) the locations of such institutions; (iii) any additional authorities or resources necessary for such an increase; and (iv) any other matter the Commandant considers appropriate. (6) Any other matter the Commandant considers necessary in order to provide a full assessment of the effectiveness of the Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. 190. Reports on United States collaboration with shipyards of Canada and Finland (a) Commandant report on icebreaker collaboration effort Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that analyzes the shipyards of Canada and Finland to assess future opportunities for collaboration on the construction of Coast Guard polar icebreakers, including the expansion of data and information sharing, workforce development, operational testing and evaluation, and other mechanisms that could support the Coast Guard in fulfilling its future mission needs in the Arctic and Antarctic, consistent with United States law. (b) Comptroller General study and report on international collaboration on shipbuilding and workforce development (1) Study The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the manner in which the Coast Guard could use expertise available at shipyards located in Canada and Finland for the purpose of polar icebreaker design and construction in the United States. (2) Elements The study required by paragraph (1) shall consider the following: (A) Best practices and methods for enhanced information exchange among the United States, Canada, and Finland regarding manufacturing processes for polar shipbuilding. (B) Best practices for international collaboration on workforce development and training. (C) Other best practices applicable to the goals of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort trilateral partnership. (3) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1). (4) Savings clause Nothing in this section shall be construed as waiving the requirements of section 1151 of title 14, United States Code. II Shipping and navigation A Merchant mariner credentials 201. Merchant mariner credentialing (a) Revising merchant mariner deck training requirements (1) General definitions Section 2101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (A) by redesignating paragraphs (20) through (56) as paragraphs (21), (22), (24), (25), (26), (27), (28), (29), (30), (31), (32), (33), (34), (35), (36), (37), (38), (39), (40), (41), (42), (43), (44), (45), (46), (47), (48), (49), (50), (51), (52), (53), (54), (55), (56), (57), and (58), respectively; and (B) by inserting after paragraph (19) the following: (20) merchant mariner credential means a merchant mariner license, certificate, or document that the Secretary is authorized to issue pursuant to this title. ; and (C) by inserting after paragraph (22), as so redesignated, the following: (23) nautical school program means a program that— (A) offers a comprehensive program of training that includes substantial sea service on nautical school vessels or merchant vessels of the United States primarily to train individuals for service in the merchant marine; and (B) is approved by the Secretary for purposes of section 7315, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary. . (2) Examinations Section 7116 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (c). (3) Merchant mariners documents (A) General requirements Section 7306 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments (a) In general The Secretary may issue a merchant mariner credential, to members of the deck department in the following classes: (1) Able Seaman-Unlimited. (2) Able Seaman-Limited. (3) Able Seaman-Special. (4) Able Seaman-Offshore Supply Vessels. (5) Able Seaman-Sail. (6) Able Seaman-Fishing Industry. (7) Ordinary Seaman. (b) Classification of credentials The Secretary may classify the merchant mariner credential issued under subsection (a) based on— (1) the tonnage and means of propulsion of vessels; (2) the waters on which vessels are to be operated; or (3) other appropriate standards. (c) Qualifications To qualify for a credential under this section, an applicant shall provide satisfactory proof that the applicant— (1) is at least 18 years of age; (2) has the service required by the applicable section of this part; (3) is qualified professionally as demonstrated by an applicable examination or educational requirements; (4) is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform the seafarer’s duties; and (5) has satisfied any additional requirements established by the Secretary, including career patterns and service appropriate to the particular service, industry, or job functions the individual is engaged. . (B) Implementation The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall implement the requirements under subsection (c) of section 7306 of title 46, United States Code (as amended by this section), without regard to chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 ( 5 U.S.C. 601 note). (C) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 7306 and inserting the following: 7306. General requirements and classifications for members of deck departments. . (b) General requirements for members of engine departments (1) In general Section 7313 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (A) in subsection (b) by striking and coal passer ; and (B) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: (c) Classification of credentials The Secretary may classify the merchant mariner credential issued under subsection (a) based on— (1) the tonnage and means of propulsion of vessels; (2) the waters on which vessels are to be operated; or (3) other appropriate standards. (d) Qualifications To qualify for an credential under this section, an applicant shall provide satisfactory proof that the applicant— (1) is at least 18 years of age; (2) has a minimum of 6-months service in the related entry rating; (3) is qualified professionally as demonstrated by an applicable examination or educational requirements; and (4) is qualified as to sight, hearing, and physical condition to perform the member’s duties. . (2) Repeal Section 7314 of title 46, United States Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 73 of such title, are repealed. (c) Training (1) In general Section 7315 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 7315. Training (a) Nautical School Program Graduation from a nautical school program may be substituted for the sea service requirements under sections 7307 through 7311a and 7313 of this title. (b) Other approved training programs The satisfactory completion of a training program approved by the Secretary may be substituted for not more than one-half of the sea service requirements under sections 7307 through 7311a and 7313 of this title in accordance with subsection (c). (c) Training days For purposes of subsection (b), training days undertaken in connection with training programs approved by the Secretary may be substituted for days of required sea service under sections 7307 through 7311a and 7313 of this title as follows: (1) Each shore-based training day in the form of classroom lectures may be substituted for 2 days of sea service requirements. (2) Each training day of laboratory training, practical demonstrations, and other similar training, may be substituted for 4 days of sea service requirements. (3) Each training day of full mission simulator training may be substituted for 6 days of sea service requirements. (4) Each training day underway on a vessel while enrolled in an approved training program may be substituted for 1 ½ days of sea service requirements, as long as— (A) the structured training provided while underway on a vessel is— (i) acceptable to the Secretary as part of the approved training program; and (ii) fully completed by the individual; and (B) the tonnage of such vessel is appropriate to the endorsement being sought. (d) Definition In this section, the term training day means a day that consists of not less than 7 hours of training. . (2) Implementation The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall implement the requirements of section 7315 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this subsection, without regard to chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code, and Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 ( 5 U.S.C. 601 note) and 14094 (88 Fed. Reg. 21879). (3) Technical and conforming amendments (A) Title 46 Title 46, United States Code, is amended— (i) in section 2113(3) by striking section 2101(53)(A) and inserting section 2101(55)(A) ; (ii) in section 3202(a)(1)(A) by striking section 2101(29)(A) and inserting section 2101(31)(A) ; (iii) in section 3507(k)(1) by striking section 2101(31) and inserting section 2101(33) ; (iv) in section 4105(d) by striking section 2101(53)(A) and inserting section 2101(55)(A) ; (v) in section 12119(a)(3) by striking section 2101(26) and inserting section 2101(28) ; and (vi) in section 51706(c)(6)(C)(ii) by striking section 2101(24) and inserting section 2101(26) . (B) Other laws (i) Section 3(3) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1802(3) ) is amended by striking 2101(30) of title 46 and inserting 2101 of title 46 . (ii) Section 1992(d)(7) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking section 2101(31) of title 46 and inserting section 2101 of title 46 . (iii) Section 311(a)(26)(D) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321(a)(26)(D) ) is amended by striking section 2101(23) and inserting section 2101 . (iv) Section 1101 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking Section 2101(23) and inserting Section 2101(24) . (d) Amendments (1) Merchant mariner Credentials The heading for part E of subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking MERCHANT SEAMEN LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND DOCUMENTS and inserting MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS . (2) Able seafarers—unlimited (A) In general The section heading for section 7307 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking seamen and inserting seafarers . (B) Reduction of length of certain period of service Section 7307 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 3 years and inserting 18 months . (C) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item relating to section 7307 by striking seamen and inserting seafarers . (3) Able seamen—limited (A) In general The section heading for section 7308 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking seamen and inserting seafarers . (B) Reduction of length of certain period of service Section 7308 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 18 months and inserting 12 months . (C) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item relating to section 7308 by striking seamen and inserting seafarers . (4) Able seafarers—special (A) In general The section heading for section 7309 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking seamen and inserting seafarers . (B) Reduction of length of certain period of service Section 7309 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 12 months and inserting 6 months . (C) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item relating to section 7309 by striking seamen and inserting seafarers . (5) Able seafarers—offshore supply vessels (A) In general The section heading for section 7310 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking seamen and inserting seafarers . (B) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item relating to section 7310 by striking seamen and inserting seafarers . (6) Able seafarers—sail (A) In general The section heading for section 7311 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking seamen and inserting seafarers . (B) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item relating to section 7311 by striking seamen and inserting seafarers . (7) Able seamen—fishing industry (A) In general The section heading for section 7311a of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking seamen and inserting seafarers . (B) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, is further amended in the item relating to section 7311a by striking seamen and inserting seafarers . (8) Parts E and F Parts E and F of subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (A) by striking seaman and inserting seafarer each place it appears; and (B) by striking seamen and inserting seafarers each place it appears. (9) Clerical amendments The analysis for subtitle II of title 46, United States Code, is amended in the item relating to part E by striking MERCHANT SEAMEN LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND DOCUMENTS and inserting MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS . (10) Temporary reduction of lengths of certain periods of service Section 3534(j) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ) is repealed. (11) Merchant mariner credentials Section 7510 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (d). (e) Renewal of merchant mariner licenses and documents Section 7507 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Renewal With respect to any renewal of an active merchant mariner credential issued under this part that is not an extension under subsection (a) or (b), such credential shall begin the day after the expiration of the active credential of the credential holder. . (f) Merchant seamen licenses, certificates, and documents; manning of vessels (1) Citizenship or noncitizen nationality (A) In general Section 7102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (i) in the section heading by inserting or noncitizen nationality after Citizenship ; and (ii) by inserting or noncitizen nationals (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 )) after citizens . (B) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 71 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 7102 and inserting the following: 7102. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality. . (2) Citizenship or noncitizen nationality notation on merchant mariners’ documents (A) In general Section 7304 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (i) in the section heading by inserting or noncitizen nationality after Citizenship ; and (ii) by inserting or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 )) after citizen . (B) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 73 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 7304 and inserting the following: 7304. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality notation on merchant mariners’ documents. . (3) Citizenship or noncitizen nationality (A) In general Section 8103 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (i) in the section heading by inserting or noncitizen nationality after Citizenship ; (ii) in subsection (a) by inserting or noncitizen national after citizen ; (iii) in subsection (b)— (I) in paragraph (1)(A)(i) by inserting or noncitizen national after citizen ; (II) in paragraph (3) by inserting or noncitizen nationality after citizenship ; and (III) in paragraph (3)(C) by inserting or noncitizen nationals after citizens ; (iv) in subsection (c) by inserting or noncitizen nationals after citizens ; (v) in subsection (d)— (I) in paragraph (1) by inserting or noncitizen nationals after citizens ; and (II) in paragraph (2) by inserting or noncitizen national after citizen each place it appears; (vi) in subsection (e) by inserting or noncitizen national after citizen each place it appears; (vii) in subsection (i)(1)(A) by inserting or noncitizen national after citizen ; (viii) in subsection (k)(1)(A) by inserting or noncitizen national after citizen ; and (ix) by adding at the end the following: (l) Noncitizen national defined In this section, the term noncitizen national means an individual described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 ). . (B) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 81 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 8103 and inserting the following: 8103. Citizenship or noncitizen nationality and Navy Reserve requirements. . (4) Command of documented vessels Section 12131(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 )) after citizen . (5) Invalidation of certificates of documentation Section 12135(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting or noncitizen national (as such term is described in section 308 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1408 )) after citizen . 202. Nonoperating individual Section 8313(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) is amended by striking 2025 and inserting 2027 . 203. Merchant mariner licensing and documentation system requirements (a) In general Chapter 75 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 7512. Requirements of electronic merchant mariner credentialing system (a) Definition of merchant mariner credential In this section, the term merchant mariner credential means a merchant mariner license, certificate, or document that the Secretary is authorized to issue pursuant to this title. (b) Necessary considerations In implementing any electronic merchant mariner credentialing system for purposes of this chapter, the Secretary shall consider how to allow, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) the electronic submission of the components of merchant mariner credential applications (such as sea service documentation, professional qualifications, course completion certificates, safety and suitability documents, and medical records) and course approval requests; (2) the direct electronic and secure submission of— (A) sea service verification documentation from employers; (B) course completion certificates from training providers; and (C) necessary documentation from other stakeholders; and (3) the electronic processing and evaluation of information for the issuance of merchant mariner credentials and course approvals, including the capability for the Secretary to complete remote evaluation of information submitted through the system. (c) Access to data The Secretary shall ensure that the Maritime Administration and other Federal agencies, as authorized by the Secretary, have access to anonymized and aggregated data from the electronic system described in subsection (b) and that such data include, at a minimum— (1) the total amount of sea service for individuals with a valid merchant mariner credential; (2) the number of mariners with valid merchant mariner credentials for each rating, including the capability to filter data based on credential endorsements; (3) demographic information including age, gender, and region or address; (4) the estimated times for the Coast Guard to process merchant mariner credential applications, mariner medical certificates, and course approvals; (5) the number of providers approved to provide training for purposes of this part and, for each such training provider, the number of classes taken by individuals with, or applying for, a merchant mariner credential; and (6) if applicable, the branch of the uniformed services (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10) and duty status of applicants for a merchant mariner credential. (d) Privacy requirements The Secretary shall collect the information required under subsection (b) in a manner that protects the privacy rights of individuals who are the subjects of such information. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 75 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 7512. Requirements of electronic merchant mariner credentialing system. . B Vessel safety 211. Grossly negligent operations of a vessel Section 2302(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (b) Grossly negligent operation (1) Misdemeanor A person operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of a person commits a class A misdemeanor. (2) Felony A person operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner that results in serious bodily injury, as defined in section 1365(h)(3) of title 18— (A) commits a class E felony; and (B) may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $35,000. . 212. Administrative procedure for security risks (a) Security risk Section 7702(d)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iv) as subclauses (I) through (IV), respectively (and by conforming the margins accordingly); (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively (and by conforming the margins accordingly); (3) by striking an individual if— and inserting the following: an individual— (A) if— ; (4) in subparagraph (A)(ii)(IV), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (5) by adding at the end the following: (B) if there is probable cause to believe that the individual has violated company policy and is a security risk that poses a threat to other individuals on the vessel. . (b) Technical amendment Section 2101(47)(B) of title 46, United States Code (as so redesignated), is amended by striking ; and and inserting ; or . 213. Study of amphibious vessels (a) In general The Commandant shall conduct a study to determine the applicability of current safety regulations that apply to commercial amphibious vessels. (b) Elements The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An overview and analysis that identifies safety regulations that apply to commercial amphibious vessels; (2) An evaluation of whether safety gaps and risks exist associated with the application of regulations identified in subsection (b)(1) to the operation of commercial amphibious vessels; (3) An evaluation of whether aspects of the regulations established in section 11502 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( 46 U.S.C. 3306 note) should apply to amphibious commercial vessels; and (4) Recommendations on whether potential regulations that should apply to commercial amphibious vessels. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations from the study required under subsection (a). (d) Definition of amphibious vessel In this section, the term amphibious vessel means a vessel which is operating as a small passenger vessel in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as defined in section 2.38 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation) and is operating as a motor vehicle as defined in section 216 of the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7550 ) that is not a DUKW amphibious passenger vessel as defined in section 11502 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( 46 U.S.C. 3306 note). 214. Performance driven examination schedule (a) Amendments Section 3714 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(1) by striking The Secretary and inserting Except as provided in subsection (c), the Secretary ; (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Performance-Driven examination schedule (1) In general With respect to examinations of foreign vessels to which this chapter applies, and subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary may adopt a performance-driven examination schedule to which such vessels are to be examined and the frequency with which such examinations occur, including the frequency of examinations for each vessel. Such schedule shall be consistent with the Secretary’s assessment of the safety performance of such vessels, including each vessel participating in the performance-driven examination schedule, in accordance with paragraph (2). (2) Considerations In developing an examination schedule under paragraph (1) and subject to paragraph (3), with respect to each vessel in determining eligibility to participate in the performance-based examination schedule— (A) the Secretary shall consider— (i) certificate of compliance and examination history, to include those conducted by foreign countries; (ii) history of violations, vessel detentions, incidents, and casualties; (iii) history of notices of violation issued by the Coast Guard; (iv) safety related information provided by the flag state of the vessel; (v) owner and operator history; (vi) historical classification society data, which may include relevant surveys; (vii) cargo-specific documentation; (viii) data from port state control safety exams; and (ix) relevant repair and maintenance history; and (B) the Secretary may consider— (i) data from relevant vessel quality assurance and risk assessment programs including Quality Shipping for the 21st Century (QUALSHIP 21); (ii) data from industry inspection regimes; (iii) data from vessel self assessments submitted to the International Maritime Organization or other maritime organizations; and (iv) other safety relevant data or information as determined by the Secretary. (3) Eligibility In developing an examination schedule under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall not consider a vessel eligible to take part in a performance-driven examination schedule under paragraph (1) if, within the last 36 months, the vessel has— (A) been detained by the Coast Guard; (B) a record of a violation issued by the Coast Guard against the owners or operators with a finding of proved; or (C) suffered a marine casualty that, as determined by the Secretary, involves the safe operation of the vessel and overall performance of the vessel. (4) Restrictions The Secretary may not adopt a performance-driven examination schedule under paragraph (1) until the Secretary has— (A) conducted the assessment recommended in the Government Accountability Office report submitted under section 8254(a) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ); (B) concluded through such assessment that a performance-driven examination schedule provides not less than the level of safety provided by the annual examinations required under subsection (a)(1); and (C) provided the results of such assessment to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. . (b) Career incentive pay for marine inspectors Subsection (a) of section 11237 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ) is amended as follows: (a) Authority To provide assignment pay or special duty pay For the purposes of addressing an identified shortage of marine inspectors, the Secretary may provide assignment pay or special duty pay under section 352 of title 37, United States Code, to a member of the Coast Guard serving in a prevention position that— (1) is assigned in support of or is serving as a marine inspector pursuant to section 312 of title 14, United States Code; and (2) is assigned to a billet that is difficult to fill due to geographic location, requisite experience or certifications, or lack of sufficient candidates, as determined by the Commandant, in an effort to address inspector workforce gaps. . (c) Briefing Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually for 2 years after the implementation of a performance-driven examination schedule program under section 3714(c) of title 46, United States Code, the Commandant shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on— (1) the status of utilizing the performance-driven examination schedule program, including the quantity of examinations conducted and duration between examinations for each individual vessel examined under the performance-driven examination schedule; (2) an overview of the size of the Coast Guard marine inspector workforce, including any personnel shortages assessed by the Coast Guard, for inspectors that conduct inspections under section 3714 of such title; and (3) recommendations for the inspection, governance, or oversight of vessels inspected under section 3714 of such title. 215. Ports and waterways safety (a) Waterfront safety Section 70011(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by inserting , including damage or destruction resulting from cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats after adjacent to such waters ; and (2) in paragraph (2) by inserting or harm resulting from cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats after loss . (b) Regulation of anchorage and movement of vessels during national emergency Section 70051 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting or cyber incidents, or transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats, after threatened war, or invasion, or insurrection, or subversive activity, . (c) Facility visit by state sponsor of terrorism Section 70011(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (3) by striking and at the end; (2) in paragraph (4) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (5) prohibiting a representative of a government of country that the Secretary of State has determined has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism under section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2371 ) from visiting a facility for which a facility security plan is required under section 70103(c). . 216. Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and emergency response posture at ports of the United States (a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the United States Committee on the Marine Transportation System, and in coordination with the Commandant, shall— (1) complete an analysis regarding commercial vessel traffic, at the time of the study, that transits through the Bering Strait and projections for the growth of such traffic over the next decade; and (2) assess the adequacy of emergency response capabilities and infrastructure at the ports of the United States that are in proximity to the vessel traffic that transits the Bering Strait, including the port facilities at Point Spencer, Alaska, Nome, Alaska, and Kotzebue, Alaska, to— (A) address future navigation safety risks; and (B) conduct emergency maritime response operations in the Arctic environment. (b) Elements The study under this section shall include the following: (1) An analysis of the volume and types of commercial vessel traffic, including— (A) oil and gas tankers, cargo vessels, barges, fishing vessels, and cruise lines, both domestic and international; (B) projected growth of such traffic through the Bering Strait; (C) the seasonality of vessel transits of the Bering Strait; and (D) a summation of the sizes, ages, and the country of registration or documentation of such vessels transiting the Arctic, including oil and product tankers either documented in transit to or from Russia or China or owned or operated by a Russian or Chinese entity. (2) An assessment of the state and adequacy of vessel traffic services and oil spill and emergency response capabilities in the vicinity of the Bering Strait and its southern and northern approaches in the Chukchi Sea and the Bering Sea. (3) A risk assessment of the projected growth in commercial vessel traffic in the Bering Strait and potential of increased frequency in the number of maritime accidents, including spill events, and the potential impacts to the Arctic maritime environment and Native Alaskan village communities in the vicinity of the vessel traffic in Western Alaska, including the Bering Strait. (4) An evaluation of the extent to which Point Spencer can serve as a port of refuge and as a staging, logistics, and operations center from which to conduct and support maritime emergency and spill response activities. (5) Recommendations for practical actions that can be taken by Congress, Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, vessel carriers and operators, the marine salvage and emergency response industry, and other relevant stakeholders to mitigate risks identified in the study carried out under this section. (c) Consultation In the preparation of the study under this section, the United States Committee on the Marine Transportation System shall consult with— (1) the Maritime Administration; (2) the Coast Guard; (3) the Army Corps of Engineers; (4) the Department of State; (5) the National Transportation Safety Board; (6) the Government of Canada, as appropriate; (7) the Port Coordination Council for the Port of Point Spencer; (8) State and local governments; (9) other maritime industry participants, including carriers, shippers, ports, labor, fishing, or other entities; and (10) nongovernmental entities with relevant expertise monitoring and characterizing vessel traffic or the environment in the Arctic. (d) Tribal consultation In addition to the entities described in subsection (c), in preparing the study under this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall consult with Indian Tribes, including Alaska Native Corporations, and Alaska Native communities. (e) Report Not later than 1 year after initiating the study under this section, the United States Committee on the Marine Transportation System shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the findings and recommendations of the study. (f) Definitions In this section: (1) Arctic The term Arctic has the meaning given such term in section 112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 ( 15 U.S.C. 4111 ). (2) Port Coordination Council for the Port of Point Spencer The term Port Coordination Council for the Port of Point Spencer means the Council established under section 541 of Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 ( Public Law 114–120 ). 217. Underwater inspections brief Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, or a designated individual, shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the underwater inspection in lieu of drydock program established under section 176.615 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). 218. St. Lucie River railroad bridge Regarding Docket Number USCG–2022–0222, before adopting a final rule, the Commandant shall conduct an independent boat traffic study at mile 7.4 of the St. Lucie River. 219. Authority to establish safety zones for special activities in exclusive economic zone (a) Special activities in exclusive economic zone Subchapter I of chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 70008. Special activities in exclusive economic zone (a) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may establish safety zones to address special activities in the exclusive economic zone. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Safety zone The term safety zone — (A) means a water area, shore area, or water and shore area to which, for safety or environmental purposes, access is limited to authorized persons, vehicles, or vessels; and (B) may be stationary and described by fixed limits or may be described as a zone around a vessel in motion. (2) Special activities The term special activities includes— (A) space activities, including launch and reentry (as such terms are defined in section 50902 of title 51) carried out by United States citizens; and (B) offshore energy development activities, as described in section 8(p)(1)(C) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(1)(C) ), on or near fixed platforms. (3) United States citizen The term United States citizen has the meaning given the term eligible owners in section 12103. (4) Fixed platform The term fixed platform means an artificial island, installation, or structure permanently attached to the sea-bed for the purpose of exploration or exploitation of resources or for other economic purposes. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 70007 the following: 70008. Special activities in exclusive economic zone. . (c) Repeal Section 8343 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) is repealed. (d) Retroactive effective date The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall take effect as if enacted on February 1, 2024. 220. Improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring (a) Proximity of anchorages to pipelines (1) Implementation of restructuring plan Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall implement the November 2021 proposed plan of the Vessel Traffic Service Los Angeles-Long Beach for restructuring the Federal anchorages in San Pedro Bay described on page 54 of the Report of the National Transportation Safety Board titled Anchor Strike of Underwater Pipeline and Eventual Crude Oil Release and issued January 2, 2024. (2) Study The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall conduct a study to identify any anchorage grounds other than the San Pedro Bay Federal anchorages in which the distance between the center of an approved anchorage ground and a pipeline is less than 1 mile. (3) Report (A) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study required under paragraph (2). (B) Contents The report under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i) a list of the anchorage grounds described under paragraph (2); (ii) whether it is possible to move each such anchorage ground to provide a minimum distance of 1 mile; and (iii) a recommendation of whether to move any such anchorage ground and explanation for the recommendation. (b) Proximity to pipeline alerts (1) Audible and visual alarms The Commandant shall consult with the providers of vessel monitoring systems to add to the monitoring systems for vessel traffic services audible and visual alarms that alert the watchstander when an anchored vessel is encroaching on a pipeline. (2) Notification procedures Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall develop procedures for all vessel traffic services to notify pipeline and utility operators following potential incursions on submerged pipelines within the vessel traffic service area of responsibility. (3) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually for the subsequent 3 years, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the implementation of paragraphs (1) and (2). 221. Designating pilotage waters for the Straits of Mackinac (a) In general Section 9302(a)(1)(A) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking in waters and inserting in the Straits of Mackinac and in all other waters . (b) Definition of the Straits of Mackinac Section 9302 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Definition of the Straits of Mackinac In this section, the term Straits of Mackinac includes all of the United States navigable waters bounded by longitudes 84 degrees 20 minutes west and 85 degrees 10 minutes west and latitudes 45 degrees 39 minutes north and 45 degrees 54 minutes north, including Gray’s Reef Passage, the South Channel, and Round Island Passage, and approaches thereto. . 222. Receipts; international agreements for ice patrol services Section 80301(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting and shall remain available until expended for the purpose of the Coast Guard international ice patrol program under this chapter. . 223. Requirements for certain fishing vessels and fish tender vessels (a) Exceptions to regulations for towing vessels (1) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the relevant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, may grant temporary waivers from the towing vessel requirements of chapters 33 and 89 of title 46, United States Code, including the regulations issued under such chapters, for fishing vessels and fish tender vessels. (2) Application A temporary waiver issued under paragraph (1) shall be issued at the discretion of the relevant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, to a fishing vessel or fish tender vessel that— (A) performs towing operations of net pens, and associated work platforms, to or from aquaculture or hatchery worksites; (B) is less than 200 gross tons; (C) does not tow a net pen, or associated work platform, that is carrying cargo or hazardous material, including oil, on board; (D) is operating shoreward of the Boundary Line in either— (i) Southeast Alaska; or (ii) Prince William Sound; and (E) complies with all applicable laws for its use in the usual purpose for which it is normally and substantially operated, including any applicable inspection requirements under section 3301 of title 46, United States Code, and exemptions under section 3302 of such title. (3) Implementation (A) Request process The owner or operator of a fishing vessel or fish tender vessel seeking a waiver under paragraph (1) shall submit a request to the relevant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. (B) Contents The request submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i) a description of the intended towing operations; (ii) the time periods and frequency of the intended towing operations; (iii) the location of the intended operations; (iv) a description of the manning of the fishing vessel or fish tender vessel during the intended operations; and (v) any additional safety, operational, or other relevant information requested by the relevant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. (4) Policy The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may issue policy to facilitate the implementation of this subsection. (5) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Boundary line The term Boundary Line has the meaning given such term in section 103 of title 46, United States Code. (B) Fishing vessel The term fishing vessel has the meaning given such term in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code. (C) Fish tender vessel The term fish tender vessel has the meaning given such term in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code. (D) Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection The term Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection has the meaning given such term in section 3305 of title 46, United States Code. (E) Prince William Sound The term Prince William Sound means all State and Federal waters within Prince William Sound, Alaska, including the approach to Hinchenbrook Entrance out to, and encompassing, Seal Rocks. (F) Southeast Alaska The term Southeast Alaska means the area along the coast of the State of Alaska from latitude 5440′00″ N to 6018′24″ N. (6) Sunset The authorities under this section shall expire on January 1, 2027. (b) Load lines Section 11325(a) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ; 136 Stat. 4095) is amended by striking 3 and inserting 5 . C Matters involving uncrewed systems 231. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems (a) In general Chapter 151 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 15110. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems (a) Establishment There is established a National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems (in this section referred to as the Committee ). (b) Function The Committee shall advise the Secretary on matters relating to the regulation and use of Autonomous Systems within the territorial waters of the United States. (c) Membership (1) In general The Committee shall consist of 15 members appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section and section 15109. (2) Expertise Each member of the Committee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters relating to the function of the Committee. (3) Representation Each of the following groups shall be represented by at least 1 member on the Committee: (A) Marine safety or security entities. (B) Vessel design and construction entities. (C) Entities engaged in the production or research of uncrewed vehicles, including drones, autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, or any other product or service integral to the provision, maintenance, or management of such products or services. (D) Port districts, authorities, or terminal operators. (E) Vessel operators. (F) National labor unions representing merchant mariners. (G) Maritime pilots. (H) Commercial space transportation operators. (I) Academic institutions. . (b) Clerical amendments The analysis for chapter 151 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 15110. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems. . (c) Establishment Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall establish the Committee under section 15110 of title 46, United States Code (as added by this section). 232. Pilot program for governance and oversight of small uncrewed maritime systems (a) Limitation Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date that is 2 years after such date of enactment, small uncrewed maritime systems owned, operated, or chartered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or that are performing specified oceanographic surveys on behalf of and pursuant to a contract or other written agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall not be subject to any vessel inspection, design, operations, navigation, credentialing, or training requirement, law, or regulation, that the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration determines will harm real-time operational extreme weather oceanographic and atmospheric data collection and predictions. (b) Other authority Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, acting through the Commandant, if there is an immediate safety or security concern regarding small uncrewed maritime systems. 233. Coast Guard training course (a) In general For the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date that is 3 years after such date of enactment, the Commandant, or such other individual or organization as the Commandant considers appropriate, shall develop a training course on small uncrewed maritime systems and offer such training course at least once each year for Coast Guard personnel working with or regulating small uncrewed maritime systems. (b) Course subject matter The training course developed under subsection (a) shall— (1) provide an overview and introduction to small uncrewed maritime systems, including examples of those used by the Federal Government, in academic settings, and in commercial sectors; (2) address the benefits and disadvantages of use of small uncrewed maritime systems; (3) address safe navigation of small uncrewed maritime systems, including measures to ensure collision avoidance; (4) address the ability of small uncrewed maritime systems to communicate with and alert other vessels in the vicinity; (5) address the ability of small uncrewed maritime systems to respond to system alarms and failures to ensure control commensurate with the risk posed by the systems; (6) provide present and future capabilities of small uncrewed maritime systems; and (7) provide an overview of the role of the International Maritime Organization in the governance of small uncrewed maritime systems. 234. NOAA membership on Autonomous Vessel Policy Council Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, with the concurrence of the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall establish the permanent membership of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employee to the Automated and Autonomous Vessel Policy Council of the Coast Guard. 235. Technology pilot program Section 319(b)(1) of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 2 or more existing Coast Guard small boats deployed at operational units and inserting 2 or more Coast Guard small boats deployed at operational units and 2 or more existing Coast Guard small boats . 236. Uncrewed systems capabilities report and briefing (a) In general (1) Report Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that outlines a plan for establishing an uncrewed systems capabilities office within the Coast Guard responsible for the acquisition and development of uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies and to expand the capabilities of the Coast Guard with respect to such technologies. (2) Contents The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A management strategy for the acquisition, development, and deployment of uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies. (B) A service-wide coordination strategy to synchronize and integrate efforts across the Coast Guard in order to— (i) support the primary duties of the Coast Guard pursuant to section 102 of title 14, United States Code; and (ii) pursue expanded research, development, testing, and evaluation opportunities and funding to expand and accelerate identification and transition of uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies. (C) The identification of contracting and acquisition authorities needed to expedite the development and deployment of uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies. (D) A detailed list of commercially available uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies with capabilities determined to be useful for the Coast Guard. (E) A cross-agency collaboration plan to engage with the Department of Defense and other relevant agencies to identify common requirements and opportunities to partner in acquiring, contracting, and sustaining uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system capabilities. (F) Opportunities to obtain and share uncrewed system data from government and commercial sources to improve maritime domain awareness. (G) The development of a concept of operations for a data system that supports and integrates uncrewed system and counter-uncrewed system technologies with key enablers, including enterprise communications networks, data storage and management, artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, and information sharing and dissemination capabilities. (b) Briefings Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for a period of 3 years, the Commandant, in coordination with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Executive Director of the Office of Naval Research, the Director of the National Science Foundation, and the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, on the future operation and governance of small uncrewed maritime systems. 237. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Counter-uncrewed system The term counter-uncrewed system means a system or device capable of lawfully and safely disabling, disrupting, or seizing control of an uncrewed system, including a counter-UAS system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code). (2) Small uncrewed maritime systems The term small uncrewed maritime systems means unmanned maritime systems (as defined in section 2 of the CENOTE Act of 2018 ( 33 U.S.C. 4101 )), that— (A) are not greater than 35 feet overall in length; (B) are operated remotely or autonomously; and (C) exclusively perform oceanographic surveys or scientific research. (3) Uncrewed system The term uncrewed system means an uncrewed surface, undersea, or aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the uncrewed system) that are required for the operator to operate the system safely and efficiently, including an unmanned aircraft system (as such term is defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code). D Other matters 241. Controlled substance onboard vessels Section 70503(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking While on board a covered vessel, an and inserting An ; (2) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) manufacture or distribute, possess with intent to manufacture or distribute, or place or cause to be placed with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance on board a covered vessel; ; (3) in paragraph (2) by inserting on board a covered vessel before the semicolon; and (4) in paragraph (3) by inserting while on board a covered vessel after such individual . 242. Information on type approval certificates (a) In general Title IX of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–282 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: 904. Information on type approval certificates Unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall, upon request by any State, the District of Columbia, any Indian Tribe, or any territory of the United States, provide all data possessed by the Coast Guard for a ballast water management system with a type approval certificate approved by the Coast Guard pursuant to subpart 162.060 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 pertaining to— (1) challenge water (as defined in section 162.060–3 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 ) quality characteristics; (2) post-treatment water quality characteristics; (3) challenge water (as defined in section 162.060–3 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 ) biologic organism concentrations data; and (4) post-treatment water biologic organism concentrations data. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents for the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–282 ) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 903 the following: Sec. 904. Information on type approval certificates. . 243. Clarification of authorities (a) In general Section 5(a) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 ( 33 U.S.C. 1504(a) ) is amended by striking the first sentence and inserting Notwithstanding section 888(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 468(b) ), the Secretary shall have the authority to issue regulations to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Act, in accordance with the provisions of section 553 of title 5, United States Code, without regard to subsection (a) thereof. . (b) NEPA compliance Section 5 of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 ( 33 U.S.C. 1504 ) is amended by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following: (f) NEPA compliance (1) Definition of lead agency In this subsection, the term lead agency has the meaning given the term in section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4336e ). (2) Lead agency (A) In general For all applications, the Maritime Administration shall be the Federal lead agency for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ). (B) Effect of compliance Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) in accordance with subparagraph (A) shall fulfill the requirement of the Federal lead agency in carrying out the responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) pursuant to this Act. . (c) Regulations (1) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall transfer the authorities provided to the Coast Guard in part 148 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act), except as provided in paragraph (2), to the Secretary of Transportation. (2) Retention of authority The Commandant shall retain responsibility for authorities pertaining to design, construction, equipment, and operation of deepwater ports and navigational safety. (3) Updates to authority As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue such regulations as are necessary to reflect the updates to authorities prescribed by this subsection. (d) Rule of construction Nothing in this section, or the amendments made by this section, may be construed to limit the authorities of other governmental agencies previously delegated authorities of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 ( 33 U.S.C. 1501 et seq. ) or any other law. (e) Applications Nothing in this section, or the amendments made by this section, shall apply to any application submitted before the date of enactment of this Act. 244. Anchorages Section 8437 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ) is amended— (1) by striking subsections (d) and (e); (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Prohibition The Commandant shall prohibit any vessel anchoring on the reach of the Hudson River described in subsection (a) unless such anchoring is within any anchorage established before January 1, 2021. . 245. Amendments to passenger vessel security and safety requirements (a) Maintenance of supplies that prevent sexually transmitted diseases Section 3507(d)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting (taking into consideration the length of the voyage and the number of passengers and crewmembers that the vessel can accommodate) after a sexual assault . (b) Crew access to passenger staterooms; procedures and restrictions Section 3507 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A) by striking and at the end; and (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: (C) a system that electronically records the date, time, and identity of each crew member accessing each passenger stateroom; and ; and (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) ensure that the procedures and restrictions are— (A) fully and properly implemented; (B) reviewed annually; and (C) updated as necessary. . 246. Cyber-incident training Section 70103(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (9) The Secretary may conduct no-notice exercises in Captain of the Port Zones (as described in part 3 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 ) involving a facility or vessel required to maintain a security plan under this subsection. . 247. Extension of pilot program to establish a cetacean desk for Puget Sound region Section 11304(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Don Young Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2022 (division K of Public Law 117–263 ; 16 U.S.C. 1390 note) is amended by striking 4 years and inserting 6 years . 248. Suspension of enforcement of use of devices broadcasting on AIS for purposes of marking fishing gear Section 11320 of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117–263 ; 136 Stat. 4092) is amended by striking during the period and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting until December 31, 2029. . 249. Classification societies Section 3316(d) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by amending paragraph (2)(B)(i) to read as follows: (i) the government of the foreign country in which the foreign society is headquartered— (I) delegates that authority to the American Bureau of Shipping; or (II) does not delegate that authority to any classification society; or ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (5) Clarification on authority Nothing in this subsection authorizes the Secretary to make a delegation under paragraph (2) to a classification society from the People’s Republic of China. . 250. Abandoned and derelict vessel removals (a) In general Chapter 47 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in the chapter heading by striking Barges and inserting Vessels ; (2) by inserting before section 4701 the following: I Barges ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: II Non-Barge Vessels 4710. Definitions In this subchapter: (1) Abandon The term abandon means to moor, strand, wreck, sink, or leave a covered vessel unattended for longer than 45 days. (2) Covered vessel The term covered vessel means a vessel that is not a barge to which subchapter I applies. (3) Indian Tribe The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5304 ). (4) Native Hawaiian organization The term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7517 ) except the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. 4711. Abandonment of vessels prohibited (a) In general An owner or operator of a covered vessel may not abandon such vessel on the navigable waters of the United States. (b) Determination of abandonment (1) Notification (A) In general With respect to a covered vessel that appears to be abandoned, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall— (i) attempt to identify the owner using the vessel registration number, hull identification number, or any other information that can be reasonably inferred or gathered; and (ii) notify such owner— (I) of the penalty described in subsection (c); and (II) that the vessel will be removed at the expense of the owner if the Commandant determines that the vessel is abandoned and the owner does not remove or account for the vessel. (B) Form The Commandant shall provide the notice required under subparagraph (A)— (i) if the owner can be identified, via certified mail or other appropriate forms determined by the Commandant; or (ii) if the owner cannot be identified, via an announcement in a local publication and on a website maintained by the Coast Guard. (2) Determination The Commandant shall make a determination not earlier than 45 days after the date on which the Commandant provides the notification required under paragraph (1) of whether a covered vessel described in such paragraph is abandoned. (c) Penalty (1) In general The Commandant may assess a civil penalty of not more than $500 against an owner or operator of a covered vessel determined to be abandoned under subsection (b) for a violation of subsection (a). (2) Liability in rem The owner or operator of a covered vessel shall also be liable in rem for a penalty imposed under paragraph (1). (3) Limitation The Commandant shall not assess a penalty if the Commandant determines the vessel was abandoned due to major extenuating circumstances of the owner or operator of the vessel, including long term medical incapacitation of the owner or operator. (d) Vessels not abandoned The Commandant may not determine that a covered vessel is abandoned under this section if— (1) such vessel is located at a federally approved or State approved mooring area; (2) such vessel is located on private property with the permission of the owner of such property; (3) the owner or operator of such vessel provides a notification to the Commandant that— (A) indicates the location of the vessel; (B) indicates that the vessel is not abandoned; and (C) contains documentation proving that the vessel is allowed to be in such location; or (4) the Commandant determines that such an abandonment determination would not be in the public interest. 4712. Inventory of abandoned vessels (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , the Commandant, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and relevant State agencies, shall establish and maintain a national inventory of covered vessels that are abandoned. (b) Contents The inventory established and maintained under subsection (a) shall include data on each vessel, including geographic information system data related to the location of each such vessel. (c) Publication The Commandant shall make the inventory established under subsection (a) publicly available on a website of the Coast Guard. (d) Reporting of potentially abandoned vessels In carrying out this section, the Commandant shall develop a process by which— (1) a State, Indian Tribe, Native Hawaiian organization, or person may report a covered vessel that may be abandoned to the Commandant for potential inclusion in the inventory established under subsection (a); (2) the Commandant shall review any such report and add such vessel to the inventory if the Commandant determines that the reported vessel is abandoned pursuant to section 4711. (e) Clarification Except in a response action carried out under section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321 ) or in the case of imminent threat to life and safety, the Commandant shall not be responsible for removing any covered vessels listed on the inventory established and maintained under subsection (a). . (b) Rulemaking The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, and the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall issue regulations with respect to the procedures for determining that a vessel is abandoned for the purposes of subchapter II of chapter 47 of title 46, United States Code (as added by this section). (c) Conforming amendments Chapter 47 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in section 4701— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking chapter and inserting subchapter ; and (B) in paragraph (2) by striking chapter and inserting subchapter ; (2) in section 4703 by striking chapter and inserting subchapter ; (3) in section 4704 by striking chapter each place it appears and inserting subchapter ; and (4) in section 4705 by striking chapter and inserting subchapter . (d) Clerical amendments The analysis for chapter 47 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by inserting before the item relating to section 4701 the following: Subchapter I—Barges ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: Subchapter II—Non-Barge Vessels 4710. Definitions. 4711. Abandonment of vessels prohibited. 4712. Inventory of abandoned vessels. . III Oil pollution response 301. Salvage and marine firefighting response capability (a) Salvage and marine firefighting response capability Section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321(j) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (10) Salvage and marine firefighting response capability (A) In general The President, acting through the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating unless otherwise delegated by the President, may require— (i) periodic inspection of vessels and salvage equipment, firefighting equipment, and other major marine casualty response equipment on or associated with vessels; (ii) periodic verification of capabilities to appropriately, and in a timely manner, respond to a marine casualty, including— (I) drills, with or without prior notice; (II) review of contracts and relevant third-party agreements; (III) testing of equipment; (IV) review of training; and (V) other evaluations of marine casualty response capabilities, as determined appropriate by the President; and (iii) carrying of appropriate response equipment for responding to a marine casualty that employs the best technology economically feasible and that is compatible with the safe operation of the vessel. (B) Definitions In this paragraph: (i) Marine casualty The term marine casualty means a marine casualty that is required to be reported pursuant to paragraph (3), (4), or (5) of section 6101 of title 46, United States Code. (ii) Salvage equipment The term salvage equipment means any equipment that is capable of being used to assist a vessel in potential or actual danger in order to prevent loss of life, damage or destruction of the vessel or its cargo, or release of its contents into the marine environment. . (b) Report to Congress (1) In general Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on— (A) the state of marine firefighting authorities, jurisdiction, and plan review; and (B) other considerations with respect to fires at waterfront facilities (including vessel fires) and vessel fires on the navigable waters (as such term is defined in section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1362 )). (2) Contents In carrying out paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall— (A) examine— (i) collaboration among Federal and non-Federal entities for purposes of reducing the risks to local communities of fires described in paragraph (1); (ii) the prevalence and frequency of such fires; and (iii) the extent to which firefighters and marine firefighters are aware of the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires, including lithium-ion batteries used for vehicles, and how to respond to such fires; (B) review methods of documenting and sharing best practices throughout the maritime community for responding to vessel fires; and (C) make recommendations for— (i) preparing for, responding to, and training for such fires; (ii) clarifying roles and responsibilities of Federal and non-Federal entities in preparing for, responding to, and training for such fires; and (iii) other topics for consideration. 302. Use of marine casualty investigations Section 6308 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a) by striking initiated and inserting conducted ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (e) For purposes of this section, an administrative proceeding conducted by the United States includes proceedings under section 7701 and claims adjudicated under section 1013 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2713 ). . 303. Timing of review Section 1017 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2717 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Timing of review Before the date of completion of a removal action, no person may bring an action under this Act, section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1321 ), or chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code, challenging any decision relating to such removal action that is made by an on-scene coordinator appointed under the National Contingency Plan. . 304. Online incident reporting system (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the National Response Center shall submit to Congress a plan to design, fund, and staff the National Response Center to develop and maintain a web-based application by which the National Response Center may receive notifications of oil discharges or releases of hazardous substances. (b) Development of application Not later than 2 years after the date on which the plan is submitted under subsection (a), the National Response Center shall— (1) complete development of the application described in such subsection; and (2) allow notifications described in such subsection that are required under Federal law or regulation to be made online using such application. (c) Use of application In carrying out subsection (b), the National Response Center may not require the notification of an oil discharge or release of a hazardous substance to be made using the application developed under such subsection. 305. Investment of Exxon Valdez oil spill court recovery in high yield investments and marine research Section 350 of Public Law 106–113 ( 43 U.S.C. 1474b note) is amended— (1) by striking paragraph (5); (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (6), and (7) as subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively, and indenting the subsections appropriately; (3) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to the provisions of paragraphs (5) and (7) and inserting the following: (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Consent decree The term Consent Decree means the consent decree issued in United States v. Exxon Corporation, et al. (No. A91–082 CIV) and State of Alaska v. Exxon Corporation, et al. (No. A91–083 CIV). (2) Fund The term Fund means the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Fund established pursuant to title I of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992 ( 43 U.S.C. 1474b ). (3) Outside account The term outside account means any account outside the United States Treasury. (4) Trustee The term Trustee means a Federal or State natural resource trustee for the Exxon Valdez oil spill. (b) Deposits (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subsection (g) ; (4) in subsection (b)(1) (as so designated)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking issued in United States v. Exxon Corporation, et al. (No. A91–082 CIV) and State of Alaska v. Exxon Corporation, et al. (No. A91–083 CIV) (hereafter referred to as the Consent Decree ), ; (B) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following: (A) the Fund; (B) an outside account; or ; and (C) in the undesignated matter following subparagraph (C)— (i) by striking the Federal and State natural resource trustees for the Exxon Valdez oil spill ( trustees ) and inserting the Trustees ; and (ii) by striking Any funds and inserting the following: (2) Requirement for deposits in outside accounts Any funds ; (5) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)) by striking (c) Joint and inserting the following: (c) Transfers Any joint ; (6) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)) by striking (d) The transfer and inserting the following: (d) No effect on jurisdiction The transfer ; (7) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))— (A) by striking (e) Nothing herein shall affect and inserting the following: (e) Effect on other law Nothing in this section affects ; and (B) by striking trustees and inserting Trustees ; (8) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))— (A) by striking (f) The Federal trustees and the State trustees and inserting the following: (f) Grants The Trustees ; and (B) by striking this program and inserting this section, prioritizing the issuance of grants to facilitate habitat protection and habitat restoration programs ; and (9) in subsection (g) (as redesignated by paragraph (2))— (A) in the second sentence, by striking Upon the expiration of the authorities granted in this section all and inserting the following: (2) Return of funds On expiration of the authority provided in this section, all ; and (B) by striking (g) The authority and inserting the following: (g) Expiration (1) In general The authority . IV Sexual assault and sexual harassment response 401. Independent review of Coast Guard reforms (a) Government Accountability Office report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the efforts of the Coast Guard to mitigate cases of sexual assault and sexual harassment within the service. (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall— (A) evaluate— (i) the efforts of the Commandant to implement the directed actions from enclosure 1 of the memorandum titled Commandant's Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency dated November 27, 2023; (ii) whether the Commandant met the reporting requirements under section 5112 of title 14, United States Code; and (iii) the effectiveness of the actions of the Coast Guard, including efforts outside of the actions described in the memorandum titled Commandant's Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency dated November 27, 2023, to mitigate instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment and improve the enforcement relating to such instances within the Coast Guard, and how the Coast Guard is overcoming challenges in implementing such actions; (B) make recommendations to the Commandant for improvements to the efforts of the service to mitigate instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment and improve the enforcement relating to such instances within the Coast Guard; and (C) make recommendations to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate to mitigate instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Coast Guard and improve the enforcement relating to such instances within the Coast Guard, including proposed changes to any legislative authorities. (b) Report by Commandant Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Comptroller General completes all actions under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that includes the following: (1) A plan for Coast Guard implementation, including interim milestones and timeframes, of any recommendation made by the Comptroller General under subsection (a)(2)(B) with which the Commandant concurs. (2) With respect to any recommendation made under subsection (a)(2)(B) with which the Commandant does not concur, an explanation of the reasons why the Commandant does not concur. 402. Comprehensive policy and procedures on retention and access to evidence and records relating to sexual misconduct and other misconduct (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 9 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 955. Comprehensive policy and procedures on retention and access to evidence and records relating to sexual misconduct and other misconduct (a) Issuance of policy Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , the Secretary, in consultation with the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, shall issue a comprehensive policy for the Coast Guard on the retention of and access to evidence and records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard. (b) Objectives The comprehensive policy required by subsection (a) shall revise existing policies and procedures, including systems of records, as necessary to ensure preservation of such evidence and records for periods sufficient— (1) to ensure that members of the Coast Guard who were victims of covered misconduct are able to pursue claims for veterans benefits; (2) to support administrative processes, criminal proceedings, and civil litigation conducted by military or civil authorities; and (3) for such other purposes relating to the documentation of an incident of covered misconduct in the Coast Guard as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) Elements (1) In general In developing the comprehensive policy required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall, at a minimum— (A) identify records relating to an incident of covered misconduct that shall be retained; (B) with respect to records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard that are not records of the Coast Guard, identify such records known to or in the possession of the Coast Guard, and set forth procedures for Coast Guard coordination with the custodian of such records for proper retention of the records; (C) set forth criteria for the collection and retention of records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard; (D) identify physical evidence and nondocumentary forms of evidence relating to covered misconduct that shall be retained; (E) set forth the period for which evidence and records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard, including Coast Guard Form 6095, shall be retained, except that— (i) any physical or forensic evidence relating to rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall be retained not less than 50 years, and for other covered misconduct not less than the statute of limitations of the alleged offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice; and (ii) documentary evidence relating to rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall be retained not less than 50 years; (F) consider locations in which such records shall be stored; (G) identify media and methods that may be used to preserve and ensure access to such records, including electronic systems of records; (H) ensure the protection of privacy of— (i) individuals named in records and status of records under section 552 of title 5 (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act ) and section 552a of title 5 (commonly referred to as the Privacy Act ); and (ii) individuals named in restricted reporting cases; (I) designate the 1 or more positions within the Coast Guard that shall have the responsibility for such record retention by the Coast Guard; (J) require education and training for members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard on record retention requirements under this section; (K) set forth criteria for access to such records relating to covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard, including whether the consent of the victim should be required, by— (i) victims of covered misconduct; (ii) law enforcement authorities; (iii) the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (iv) other individuals and entities, including alleged assailants; (L) require uniform collection of data on— (i) the incidence of covered misconduct in the Coast Guard; and (ii) disciplinary actions taken in substantiated cases of covered misconduct in the Coast Guard; and (M) set forth standards for communications with, and notifications to, victims, consistent with— (i) the requirements of any applicable Department of Defense policy; and (ii) to the extent practicable, any applicable policy of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (2) Retention of certain forms and evidence in connection with restricted reports and unrestricted reports of sexual assault involving members of the Coast Guard (A) In general The comprehensive policy required by subsection (a) shall require all unique or original copies of Coast Guard Form 6095 filed in connection with a restricted or unrestricted report on an alleged incident of rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), involving a member of the Coast Guard to be retained for the longer of— (i) 50 years commencing on the date of signature of the covered person on Coast Guard Form 6095; or (ii) the time provided for the retention of such form in connection with unrestricted and restricted reports on incidents of sexual assault involving members of the Coast Guard under Coast Guard policy. (B) Protection of confidentiality Any Coast Guard form retained under subparagraph (A) shall be retained in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the member of the Coast Guard concerned in accordance with Coast Guard policy. (3) Retention of case notes in investigations of covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard (A) Required retention of all investigative records The comprehensive policy required by subsection (a) shall require, for all criminal investigations relating to an alleged incident of covered misconduct involving a member of the Coast Guard, the retention of all elements of the case file. (B) Elements The elements of the case file to be retained under subparagraph (A) shall include, at a minimum— (i) the case activity record; (ii) the case review record; (iii) investigative plans; and (iv) all case notes made by any investigating agent. (C) Retention period All elements of the case file shall be retained for not less than 50 years for cases involving rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), and not less than the statute of limitations of the alleged offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for other covered misconduct, and no element of any such case file may be destroyed until the expiration of such period. (4) Return of personal property upon completion of related proceedings in unrestricted reporting cases Notwithstanding the records and evidence retention requirements described in paragraphs (1)(E) and (2), personal property retained as evidence in connection with an incident of rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), involving a member of the Coast Guard may be returned to the rightful owner of such property after the conclusion of all legal, adverse action, and administrative proceedings related to such incident, as determined by the Commandant. (5) Return of personal property in restricted reporting cases (A) In general The Secretary shall prescribe procedures under which a victim who files a restricted report of an incident of sexual assault may request, at any time, the return of any personal property of the victim obtained as part of the sexual assault forensic examination. (B) Requirements The procedures required by subparagraph (A) shall ensure that— (i) a request by a victim for the return of personal property described under subparagraph (A) may be made on a confidential basis and without affecting the restricted nature of the restricted report; and (ii) at the time of the filing of the restricted report, a Special Victims’ Counsel, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, or Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate— (I) informs the victim that the victim may request the return of personal property as described in such subparagraph; and (II) advises the victim that such a request for the return of personal property may negatively impact a subsequent case adjudication if the victim later decides to convert the restricted report to an unrestricted report. (C) Rule of construction Except with respect to personal property returned to a victim under this paragraph, nothing in this paragraph may be construed to affect the requirement to retain a sexual assault forensic examination kit for the period specified in paragraph (2). (6) Victim access to records With respect to victim access to records after all final disposition actions and any appeals have been completed, as applicable, the comprehensive policy required by subsection (a) shall provide that, to the maximum extent practicable, and in such a manner that will not jeopardize an active investigation or an active case— (A) a victim of covered misconduct in a case in which either the victim or alleged perpetrator is a covered person shall have access to all records that are directly related to the victim’s case, or related to the victim themselves, in accordance with the policy issued under subsection (a) and subject to required protections under sections 552 and 552a of title 5; (B) a victim of covered misconduct who requests access to records under section 552 or 552a of title 5 concerning the victim’s case shall be determined to have a compelling need, and the records request shall be processed under expedited processing procedures, if in the request for such records the victim indicates that the records concerned are related to the covered misconduct case; (C) in applying sections 552 and 552a of title 5 to the redaction of information related to a records request by a victim of covered misconduct made under such sections after all final disposition actions and any appeals have been completed— (i) any such redaction shall be applied to the minimum extent possible so as to ensure the provision of the maximum amount of unredacted information to the victim that is permissible by law; and (ii) any such redaction shall not be applied to— (I) receipt by the victim of the victim’s own statement; or (II) the victim’s information from an investigation; and (D) in the case of such a records request for which the timelines for expedited processing are not met, the Commandant shall provide to the Secretary, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a briefing that explains the reasons for the denial or the delay in processing, as applicable. (d) Definition of covered person In this section, the term covered person includes— (1) a member of the Coast Guard on active duty; (2) a member of the Coast Guard Reserve with respect to crimes investigated by or reported to the Secretary on any date on which such member is in a military status under section 802 of title 10 (article 2 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (3) a former member of the Coast Guard with respect to crimes investigated by or reported to the Secretary; and (4) in the case of an investigation of covered misconduct conducted by, or an incident of covered misconduct reported to, the Coast Guard involving a civilian employee of the Coast Guard, any such civilian employee of the Coast Guard. (e) Savings clause Nothing in this section authorizes or requires, or shall be construed to authorize or require, the discovery, inspection, or production of reports, memoranda, or other internal documents or work product generated by counsel, an attorney for the Government, or their assistants or representatives. . (b) In general Subchapter II of chapter 9 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 956. Requirement to maintain certain records (a) In general The Commandant shall maintain all work product related to documenting a disposition decision on an investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service or other law enforcement entity investigating a Coast Guard member accused of an offense against chapter 47 of title 10. (b) Record retention period Work product documents and the case action summary described in subsection (c) shall be maintained for a period of not less than 7 years from the date of the disposition decision. (c) Case action summary Upon a final disposition action for cases described in subsection (a), except for offenses of wrongful use or possession of a controlled substance under section 912a of title 10 (article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), where the member accused is an officer of pay grade O–4 and below or an enlisted member of pay grade E–7 and below, a convening authority shall sign a case action summary that includes the following: (1) The disposition actions. (2) The name and command of the referral authority. (3) Records documenting when a referral authority consulted with a staff judge advocate or special trial counsel, as applicable, before a disposition action was taken, to include the recommendation of the staff judge advocate or special trial counsel. (4) A reference section listing the materials reviewed in making a disposition decision. (5) The Coast Guard Investigative Service report of investigation. (6) The completed Coast Guard Investigative Service report of adjudication included as an enclosure. (d) Definition In this section, the term work product includes— (1) a prosecution memorandum; (2) emails, notes, and other correspondence related to a disposition decision; and (3) the contents described in paragraphs (1) through (6) of subsection (c). (e) Savings clause Nothing in this section authorizes or requires, or shall be construed to authorize or require, the discovery, inspection, or production of reports, memoranda, or other internal documents or work product generated by counsel, an attorney for the Government, or their assistants or representatives. . (c) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 9 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: Sec. 955. Comprehensive policy and procedures on retention and access to evidence and records relating to sexual misconduct and other misconduct. Sec. 956. Requirement to maintain certain records. . 403. Consideration of request for transfer of a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense Section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: (g) Consideration of request for transfer of cadet who is the victim of sexual assault or related offense (1) In general The Commandant shall provide for timely consideration of and action on a request submitted by a cadet appointed to the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of an alleged sexual assault or other offense covered by section 920, 920c, or 930 of title 10 (article 120, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) for transfer to another military service academy or to enroll in a Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program affiliated with another institution of higher education. (2) Regulations The Commandant, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall establish policies to carry out this subsection that— (A) provide that the Superintendent shall ensure that any cadet who has been appointed to the Coast Guard Academy is informed of the right to request a transfer pursuant to this subsection, and that any formal request submitted by a cadet who alleges an offense referred to in paragraph (1) is processed as expeditiously as practicable through the chain of command for review and action by the Superintendent; (B) direct the Superintendent, in coordination with the Superintendent of the military service academy to which the cadet requests to transfer— (i) to take action on a request for transfer under this subsection not later than 72 hours after receiving the formal request from the cadet; (ii) to approve such request for transfer unless there are exceptional circumstances that require denial of the request; (iii) upon approval of such request for transfer, to take all necessary and appropriate action to effectuate the transfer of the cadet to the military service academy concerned as expeditiously as possible, subject to the considerations described in clause (iv); and (iv) in determining the transfer date of the cadet to the military service academy concerned, to take into account— (I) the preferences of the cadet, including any preference to delay transfer until the completion of any academic course in which the cadet is enrolled at the time of the request for transfer; and (II) the well-being of the cadet; and (C) direct the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, in coordination with the Secretary of the military department that sponsors the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at the institution of higher education to which the cadet requests to transfer— (i) to take action on a request for transfer under this subsection not later than 72 hours after receiving the formal request from the cadet; (ii) subject to the cadet’s acceptance for admission to the institution of higher education to which the cadet wishes to transfer, to approve such request for transfer unless there are exceptional circumstances that require denial of the request; (iii) to take all necessary and appropriate action to effectuate the cadet’s enrollment in the institution of higher education to which the cadet wishes to transfer and to process the cadet for participation in the relevant Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program as expeditiously as possible, subject to the considerations described in clause (iv); and (iv) in determining the transfer date of the cadet to the institution of higher education to which the cadet wishes to transfer, to take into account— (I) the preferences of the cadet, including any preference to delay transfer until the completion of any academic course in which the cadet is enrolled at the time of the request for transfer; and (II) the well-being of the cadet. (3) Review If the Superintendent denies a request for transfer under this subsection, the cadet may request review of the denial by the Secretary, who shall take action on such request for review not later than 72 hours after receipt of such request. (4) Confidentiality The Secretary shall ensure that all records of any request, determination, transfer, or other action under this subsection remain confidential, consistent with applicable law and regulation. (5) Effect of other law A cadet who transfers under this subsection may retain the cadet’s appointment to the Coast Guard Academy or may be appointed to the military service academy to which the cadet transfers without regard to the limitations and requirements set forth in sections 7442, 8454, and 9442 of title 10. (6) Commission as officer in the Coast Guard (A) In general Upon graduation, a graduate of the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Naval Academy who transferred to that academy under this subsection is entitled to be accepted for appointment as a permanent commissioned officer in the Regular Coast Guard in the same manner as graduates of the Coast Guard Academy, as set forth in section 2101 of this title. (B) Commission as officer in other armed force (i) In general A cadet who transfers under this subsection to the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Naval Academy and indicates a preference pursuant to clause (ii) may be appointed as a commissioned officer in an armed force associated with the academy from which the cadet graduated. (ii) Statement of preference A cadet seeking appointment as a commissioned officer in an armed force associated with the academy from which the cadet graduated under clause (i) shall, before graduating from that academy, indicate to the Commandant that the cadet has a preference for appointment to that armed force. (iii) Consideration by Coast Guard The Commandant shall consider a preference of a cadet indicated pursuant to clause (ii), but may require the cadet to serve as a permanent commissioned officer in the Regular Coast Guard instead of being appointed as a commissioned officer in an armed force associated with the academy from which the cadet graduated. (iv) Treatment of service agreement With respect to a service agreement entered into under section 1925 of this title by a cadet who transfers under this subsection to the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the United States Naval Academy and is appointed as a commissioned officer in an armed force associated with that academy, the service obligation undertaken under such agreement shall be considered to be satisfied upon the completion of 5 years of active duty service in the service of such armed force. (C) Senior reserve officers’ training corps program A cadet who transfers under this subsection to a Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program affiliated with another institution of higher education is entitled upon graduation from the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training program to commission into the Coast Guard, as set forth in section 3738a of this title. . 404. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code is amended by adding at the end the following: 2132. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare (a) Secretary designation The Secretary may designate a limited number of officers of the Coast Guard as having particular expertise in— (1) military justice; or (2) healthcare. (b) Promotion and grade An individual designated under this section— (1) shall not be included on the active duty promotion list; (2) shall be promoted under section 2126; and (3) may not be promoted to a grade higher than captain. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2131 the following: 2132. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare. . (c) Conforming amendments (1) Section 2102(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended, in the second sentence by striking and officers of the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy and inserting officers of the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy, and officers designated by the Secretary pursuant this section . (2) Subsection (e) of section 2103 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (e) Secretary To prescribe numbers for certain officers The Secretary shall prescribe the number of officers authorized to be serving on active duty in each grade of— (1) the permanent commissioned teaching staff of the Coast Guard Academy; (2) the officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to this section; and (3) the officers of the Reserve serving in connection with organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components. . (3) Section 2126 of title 14, United States Code, is amended, in the second sentence, by inserting and as to officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to this section after reserve components . (4) Section 3736(a) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) in the first sentence by striking promotion list and the and inserting promotion list, officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to this section, and the officers on the ; and (B) in the second sentence by striking promotion list or the and inserting promotion list, officers designated by the Secretary pursuant to this section, or the officers on the . 405. Safe-to-Report policy for Coast Guard (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 1909. Safe-to-Report policy for Coast Guard (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , the Commandant shall, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, establish and maintain a safe-to-report policy described in subsection (b) that applies with respect to all members of the Coast Guard (including members of the reserve and auxiliary components of the Coast Guard), cadets at the Coast Guard Academy, and any other individual undergoing training at an accession point of the Coast Guard. (b) Safe-to-Report policy The safe-to-report policy described in this subsection is a policy that— (1) prescribes the handling of minor collateral misconduct, involving a member of the Coast Guard who is the alleged victim or reporting witness of a sexual assault; and (2) applies to all such individuals, regardless of— (A) to whom the victim makes the allegation or who receives the victim’s report of sexual assault; or (B) whether the report, investigation, or prosecution is handled by military or civilian authorities. (c) Mitigating and aggravating circumstances In issuing the policy under subsection (a), the Commandant shall specify mitigating circumstances that decrease the gravity of minor collateral misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline and aggravating circumstances that increase the gravity of minor collateral misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline for purposes of the safe-to-report policy. (d) Tracking of collateral misconduct incidents In conjunction with the issuance of the policy under subsection (a), the Commandant shall develop and implement a process to anonymously track incidents of minor collateral misconduct that are subject to the safe-to-report policy. (e) Minor collateral misconduct defined In this section, the term minor collateral misconduct means any minor misconduct that is potentially punishable under chapter 47 of title 10 that— (1) is committed close in time to or during a sexual assault and directly related to the incident that formed the basis of the allegation of sexual assault allegation; (2) is discovered as a direct result of the report of sexual assault or the ensuing investigation into such sexual assault; and (3) does not involve aggravating circumstances (as specified in the policy issued under subsection (a)) that increase the gravity of the minor misconduct or the impact of such misconduct on good order and discipline. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1908 (as added by this Act) the following: 1909. Safe-to-Report policy for Coast Guard. . 406. Modification of reporting requirements on covered misconduct in Coast Guard (a) Assessment of policy on covered misconduct Section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended— (1) in the section heading by striking Policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence and inserting Academy policy and report on covered misconduct ; and (2) by striking subsections (c) through (e) and inserting the following: (c) Assessment (1) In general The Commandant shall direct the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy to conduct at the Coast Guard Academy during each Academy program year an assessment to determine the effectiveness of the policies of the Academy with respect to covered misconduct involving cadets or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy. (2) Biennial survey For the assessment at the Academy under paragraph (1) with respect to an Academy program year that begins in an odd-numbered calendar year, the Superintendent shall conduct a survey of cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy— (A) to measure the incidence, during such program year— (i) of covered misconduct events, on or off the Academy campus, that have been reported to an official of the Academy; (ii) of covered misconduct events, on or off the Academy campus, that have not been reported to an official of the Academy; and (iii) of retaliation related to a report of a covered misconduct event, on or off the Academy campus; and (B) to assess the perceptions of the cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy with respect to— (i) the Academy’s policies, training, and procedures on covered misconduct involving cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy; (ii) the enforcement of such policies; (iii) the incidence of covered misconduct involving cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy; and (iv) any other issues relating to covered misconduct involving cadets and other military and civilian personnel of the Academy. (d) Report (1) In general Not earlier than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , and each March 1 thereafter through March 1, 2031, the Commandant shall direct the Superintendent to submit to the Commandant a report on incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation for reporting of covered misconduct involving cadets or other military and civilian personnel of the Academy. (2) Elements (A) In general Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (i) Information and data on all incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation described in paragraph (1) reported to the Superintendent or any other official of the Academy during the preceding Academy program year (referred to in this subsection as a reported incident ), (ii) The number of reported incidents committed against a cadet or any other military or civilian personnel of the Academy. (iii) The number of reported incidents committed by a cadet or any other military or civilian personnel of the Academy. (iv) Information on reported incidents, in accordance with the policy prescribed under section 549G(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note), to the maximum extent practicable. (v) The number of reported incidents that were entered into the Catch a Serial Offender system, including the number of such incidents that resulted in the identification of a potential or confirmed match. (vi) The number of reported incidents that were substantiated (referred to in this subsection as a substantiated reported incident ). (vii) A synopsis of each substantiated reported incident that includes— (I) a brief description of the nature of the incident; (II) whether the accused cadet or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy had previously been convicted of sexual assault; and (III) whether alcohol or other controlled or prohibited substances were involved in the incident, and a description of the involvement. (viii) The type of case disposition associated with each substantiated reported incident, such as— (I) conviction and sentence by court-martial, including charges and specifications for which convicted; (II) acquittal of all charges at court-martial; (III) as appropriate, imposition of a nonjudicial punishment under section 815 of title 10 (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (IV) as appropriate, administrative action taken, including a description of each type of such action imposed; (V) dismissal of all charges, including a description of each reason for dismissal and the stage at which dismissal occurred; and (VI) whether the accused cadet or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy was administratively separated or, in the case of an officer, allowed to resign in lieu of court-martial, and the characterization (honorable, general, or other than honorable) of the service of the military member upon separation or resignation. (ix) With respect to any incident of covered misconduct involving cadets or other military and civilian personnel of the Academy reported to the Superintendent or any other official of the Academy during the preceding Academy program year that involves a report of retaliation relating to the incident— (I) a narrative description of the retaliation claim; (II) the nature of the relationship between the complainant and the individual accused of committing the retaliation; and (III) the nature of the relationship between the individual accused of committing the covered misconduct and the individual accused of committing the retaliation. (x) With respect to any investigation of a reported incident— (I) whether the investigation is in open or completed status; (II) an identification of the investigating entity; (III) whether a referral has been made to outside law enforcement entities; (IV) in the case of an investigation that is complete, a description of the results of such an investigation and information with respect to whether the results of the investigation were provided to the complainant; and (V) whether the investigation substantiated an offense under chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice). (B) Format With respect to the information and data required under subparagraph (A), the Commandant shall report such information and data separately for each type of covered misconduct offense, and shall not aggregate the information and data for multiple types of covered misconduct offenses. (3) Trends Subject to subsection (f), beginning on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , each report required under paragraph (1) shall include an analysis of trends in incidents described in paragraph (1), as applicable, since the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 ). (4) Response Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include, for the preceding Academy program year, a description of the policies, procedures, processes, initiatives, investigations (including overarching investigations), research, or studies implemented by the Commandant in response to any incident described in paragraph (1) involving a cadet or any other military or civilian personnel of the Academy. (5) Plan Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include a plan for actions to be taken during the year following the Academy program year covered by the report to enhance the prevention of and response to incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation for reporting of covered misconduct involving cadets or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy. (6) Covered misconduct prevention and response activities Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of the adequacy of covered misconduct prevention and response carried out by the Academy during the preceding Academy program year. (7) Contributing factors Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include, for incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation for reporting of covered misconduct involving cadets or other military or civilian personnel of the Academy— (A) an analysis of the factors that may have contributed to such incidents; (B) an assessment of the role of such factors in contributing to such incidents during such Academy program year; and (C) recommendations for mechanisms to eliminate or reduce such contributing factors. (8) Biennial survey Each report under paragraph (1) for an Academy program year that begins in an odd-numbered calendar year shall include the results of the survey conducted under subsection (c)(2) in such Academy program year. (9) Focus groups For each Academy program year with respect to which the Superintendent is not required to conduct a survey at the Academy under subsection (c)(2), the Commandant shall require focus groups to be conducted at the Academy for the purpose of ascertaining information relating to covered misconduct issues at the Academy. (10) Submission of report; briefing (A) Submission Not later than 270 days after the date on which the Commandant receives a report from the Superintendent under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, as an enclosure or appendix to the report required by section 5112— (i) the report of the Superintendent; (ii) the comments of the Commandant with respect to the report; and (iii) relevant information gathered during a focus group under subparagraph (A) during the Academy program year covered by the report, as applicable. (B) Briefing Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Commandant submits a report under subparagraph (A), the Commandant shall provide a briefing on the report submitted under subparagraph (A) to— (i) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and (ii) the Secretary of Homeland Security. (e) Victim confidentiality To the extent that information collected or reported under the authority of this section, such information shall be provided in a form that is consistent with applicable privacy protections under Federal law and does not jeopardize the confidentiality of victims. (f) Continuity of data and reporting In carrying out this section, the Commandant shall ensure the continuity of data collection and reporting such that the ability to analyze trends is not compromised. . (b) Covered misconduct in Coast Guard Section 5112 of title 14, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 5112. Covered misconduct in Coast Guard (a) In general Not later than March 1 each year, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on incidents of covered misconduct involving members of the Coast Guard, including recruits and officer candidates, and claims of retaliation related to the reporting of any such incident. (b) Continuity of data and reporting In carrying out this section, the Commandant shall ensure the continuity of data collection and reporting such that the ability to analyze trends is not compromised. (c) Contents (1) Incidents involving members (A) Information and data (i) In general Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, information and data on— (I) incidents of covered misconduct; and (II) incidents of retaliation against a member of the Coast Guard related to the reporting of covered misconduct, disaggregated by type of retaliation claim. (ii) Inclusions The information and data on the incidents described in clause (i) shall include the following: (I) All incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation described in clause (i) reported to the Commandant or any other official of the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year (referred to in this subsection as a reported incident ). (II) The number of reported incidents committed against members of the Coast Guard. (III) The number of reported incidents committed by members of the Coast Guard. (IV) Information on reported incidents, in accordance with the policy prescribed under section 549G(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note), to the maximum extent practicable. (V) The number of reported incidents that were entered into the Catch a Serial Offender system, including the number of such incidents that resulted in the identification of a potential or confirmed match. (VI) The number of reported incidents that were substantiated (referred to in this subsection as a substantiated reported incident ). (VII) A synopsis of each substantiated reported incident that includes— (aa) a brief description of the nature of the incident; (bb) whether the accused member has previously been convicted of sexual assault; and (cc) whether alcohol or other controlled or prohibited substances were involved in the incident, and a description of the involvement. (VIII) The type of case disposition associated with each substantiated reported incident, such as— (aa) conviction and sentence by court-martial, including charges and specifications for which convicted; (bb) acquittal of all charges at court-martial; (cc) as appropriate, imposition of a nonjudicial punishment under section 815 of title 10 (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (dd) as appropriate, administrative action taken, including a description of each type of such action imposed; (ee) dismissal of all charges, including a description of each reason for dismissal and the stage at which dismissal occurred; and (ff) whether the accused member was administratively separated or, in the case of an officer, allowed to resign in lieu of court-martial, and the characterization (honorable, general, or other than honorable) of the service of the member upon separation or resignation. (IX) With respect to any incident of covered misconduct reported to the Commandant or any other official of the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year that involves a report of retaliation relating to the incident— (aa) a narrative description of the retaliation claim; (bb) the nature of the relationship between the complainant and the individual accused of committing the retaliation; and (cc) the nature of the relationship between the individual accused of committing the covered misconduct and the individual accused of committing the retaliation. (X) The disposition of or action taken by the Coast Guard or any other Federal, State, local, or Tribal entity with respect to a substantiated reported incident. (XI) With respect to any investigation of a reported incident— (aa) the status of the investigation or information relating to any referral to outside law enforcement entities; (bb) the official or office of the Coast Guard that received the complaint; (cc) a description of the results of such an investigation or information with respect to whether the results of the investigation were provided to the complainant; or (dd) whether the investigation substantiated an offense under chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice). (iii) Format With respect to the information and data required under clause (i), the Commandant shall report such information and data separately for each type of covered misconduct offense, and shall not aggregate the information and data for multiple types of covered misconduct offenses. (B) Trends Subject to subsection (b), beginning on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , each report required by subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, an analysis or assessment of trends in the occurrence, as applicable, of incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i), since the date of enactment of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 ). (C) Response Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, a description of the policies, procedures, processes, initiatives, investigations (including overarching investigations), research, or studies implemented by the Commandant in response to any incident described in subparagraph (A)(i) involving a member of the Coast Guard. (D) Plan Each report required under subsection (a) shall include a plan for actions to be taken during the year following the year covered by the report to enhance the prevention of and response to incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i) involving members of the Coast Guard. (E) Covered misconduct prevention and response activities Each report required under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of the adequacy of covered misconduct prevention and response activities related to incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i) carried out by the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year. (F) Contributing factors Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i)— (i) an analysis of the factors that may have contributed to such incidents; (ii) an assessment of the role of such factors in contributing to such incidents during such year; and (iii) recommendations for mechanisms to eliminate or reduce such contributing factors. (2) Incidents involving recruits and officer candidates (A) Information and data (i) In general Subject to subsection (b), each report required under subsection (a) shall include, as a separate appendix or enclosure, for the preceding calendar year, information and data on— (I) incidents of covered misconduct involving a recruit of the Coast Guard at Training Center Cape May or an officer candidate at the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School; and (II) incidents of retaliation against such a recruit or officer candidate related to the reporting of covered misconduct, disaggregated by type of retaliation claim. (ii) Inclusions (I) In general The information and data on the incidents described in clause (i) shall include the following: (aa) All incidents of covered misconduct and retaliation described in clause (i) reported to the Commandant or any other official of the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year (referred to in this subsection as a reported incident ). (bb) The number of reported incidents committed against recruits and officer candidates described in clause (i)(I). (cc) The number of reported incidents committed by such recruits and officer candidates. (dd) Information on reported incidents, in accordance with the policy prescribed under section 549G(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note), to the maximum extent practicable. (ee) (AA) The number of reported incidents that were entered into the Catch a Serial Offender system. (BB) Of such reported incidents entered into such system, the number that resulted in the identification of a potential or confirmed match. (ff) The number of reported incidents that were substantiated (referred to in this subsection as a substantiated reported incident ). (gg) A synopsis of each substantiated reported incident that includes— (AA) a brief description of the nature of the incident; and (BB) whether alcohol or other controlled or prohibited substances were involved in the incident, and a description of the involvement. (hh) The type of case disposition associated with each substantiated reported incident, such as— (AA) conviction and sentence by court-martial, including charges and specifications for which convicted; (BB) acquittal of all charges at court-martial; (CC) as appropriate, imposition of a nonjudicial punishment under section 815 of title 10 (article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (DD) as appropriate, administrative action taken, including a description of each type of such action imposed; (EE) dismissal of all charges, including a description of each reason for dismissal and the stage at which dismissal occurred; and (FF) whether the accused member was administratively separated or, in the case of an officer, allowed to resign in lieu of court-martial, and the characterization (honorable, general, or other than honorable) of the service of the member upon separation or resignation. (ii) With respect to any incident of covered misconduct involving recruits or officer candidates reported to the Commandant or any other official of the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year that involves a report of retaliation relating to the incident— (AA) a narrative description of the retaliation claim; (BB) the nature of the relationship between the complainant and the individual accused of committing the retaliation; and (CC) the nature of the relationship between the individual accused of committing the covered misconduct and the individual accused of committing the retaliation. (jj) The disposition of or action taken by the Coast Guard or any other Federal, State, local, or Tribal entity with respect to a substantiated reported incident. (kk) With respect to any investigation of a reported incident— (AA) the status of the investigation or information relating to any referral to outside law enforcement entities; (BB) the official or office of the Coast Guard that received the complaint; (CC) a description of the results of such an investigation or information with respect to whether the results of the investigation were provided to the complainant; or (DD) whether the investigation substantiated an offense under chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice). (II) Format With respect to the information and data required under clause (i), the Commandant shall report such information and data separately for each type of covered misconduct offense, and shall not aggregate the information and data for multiple types of covered misconduct offenses. (B) Trends Subject to subsection (b), beginning on the date of enactment of Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , each report required by subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, an analysis or assessment of trends in the occurrence, as applicable, of incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i), since the date of enactment of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 ). (C) Response Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for the preceding calendar year, a description of the policies, procedures, processes, initiatives, investigations (including overarching investigations), research, or studies implemented by the Commandant in response to any incident described in subparagraph (A)(i) involving— (i) a recruit of the Coast Guard at Training Center Cape May; or (ii) an officer candidate at the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. (D) Plan Each report required under subsection (a) shall include a plan for actions to be taken during the year following the year covered by the report to enhance the prevention of and response to incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i) involving a recruit of the Coast Guard at Training Center Cape May or an officer candidate at the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. (E) Covered misconduct prevention and response activities Each report required under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of the adequacy of covered misconduct prevention and response activities related to incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i) of this paragraph carried out by the Coast Guard during the preceding calendar year. (F) Contributing factors Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for incidents described in subparagraph (A)(i)— (i) an analysis of the factors that may have contributed to such incidents; (ii) an assessment of the role of such factors in contributing to such incidents during such year; and (iii) recommendations for mechanisms to eliminate or reduce such contributing factors. (3) Implementation status of accountability and transparency review directed actions Each report required under subsection (a) submitted during the 5-year period beginning on March 1, 2025, shall include information on the implementation by the Commandant of the directed actions described in the memorandum of the Coast Guard titled Commandant’s Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency , issued on November 27, 2023, including— (A) a description of actions taken to address each directed action during the year covered by the report; (B) the implementation status of each directed action; (C) in the case of any directed action that has not been implemented— (i) a detailed action plan for implementation of the recommendation; (ii) an estimated timeline for implementation of the recommendation; (iii) description of changes the Commandant intends to make to associated Coast Guard policies so as to enable the implementation of the recommendation; and (iv) any other information the Commandant considers appropriate; (D) a description of the metrics and milestones used to measure completion, accountability, and effectiveness of each directed action; (E) a description of any additional actions the Commandant is taking to mitigate instances of covered misconduct within the Coast Guard; (F) any legislative change proposal necessary to implement the directed actions; and (G) a detailed list of funding necessary to implement the directed actions in a timely and effective manner, including a list of personnel needed for such implementation. (d) Victim confidentiality To the extent that information collected under the authority of this section is reported or otherwise made available to the public, such information shall be provided in a form that is consistent with applicable privacy protections under Federal law and does not jeopardize the confidentiality of victims. (e) Substantiated defined In this section, the term substantiated has the meaning given the term under section 1631(c) of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note). . (c) Clerical amendments (1) Chapter 19 The table of sections for chapter 19 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 1902 and inserting the following new item: 1902. Academy policy and report on covered misconduct. . (2) Chapter 51 The table of sections for chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 5112 and inserting the following new item: 5112. Covered misconduct in the Coast Guard. . 407. Modifications to the officer involuntary separation process (a) Review of records Section 2158 of title 14, United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking may at any time convene a board of officers and inserting shall prescribe, by regulation, procedures . (b) Boards of inquiry Section 2159(c) of such title is amended by striking send the record of its proceedings to a board of review and inserting recommend to the Secretary that the officer not be retained on active duty . (c) Repeal of boards of review Section 2160 of title 14, United States Code, is repealed. (d) Technical and conforming amendments (1) Title 14, United States Code, is amended— (A) in section 2161 by striking section 2158, 2159, or 2160 each place it appears and inserting section 2158 or 2159 ; (B) in section 2163, in the first sentence by striking board of review under section 2160 of this title and inserting board of inquiry under section 2159 of this title ; and (C) in section 2164(a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking or 2160 . (2) The analysis at the beginning of chapter 21 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 2160. 408. Review of discharge characterization (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 2518. Review of discharge characterization (a) Downgrade (1) In general The decision to conduct a case review under this section shall be at the discretion of the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (2) Board of review In addition to the requirements of section 1553 of title 10, a board of review for a former member of the Coast Guard established pursuant to such section and under part 51 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 ), may upon a motion of the board and subject to review by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, downgrade an honorable discharge to a general (under honorable conditions) discharge upon a finding that a former member of the Coast Guard, while serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces, committed sexual assault or sexual harassment in violation of section 920, 920b, or 934 of title 10 (article 120, 120b, or 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). (3) Evidence Any downgrade under paragraph (2) shall be supported by clear and convincing evidence. (4) Limitation The review board under paragraph (2) may not downgrade a discharge of a former member of the Coast Guard if the same action described in paragraph (2) was considered prior to separation from active duty by an administrative board in determining the characterization of discharge as otherwise provided by law and in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. (b) Procedural rights (1) In general A review by a board established under section 1553 of title 10 and under part 51 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 ), shall be based on the records of the Coast Guard, and with respect to a member who also served in another one of the Armed Forces, the records of the Armed Forces concerned and such other evidence as may be presented to the board. (2) Evidence by witness A witness may present evidence to the board in person or by affidavit. (3) Appearance before board A person who requests a review under this section may appear before the board in person or by counsel or an accredited representative of an organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under chapter 59 of title 38. (4) Notification A former member of the Coast Guard who is subject to a downgrade in discharge characterization review under subsection (b)(3) shall be notified in writing of such proceedings, afforded the right to obtain copies of records and documents relevant to the proceedings, and the right to appear before the board in person or by counsel or an accredited representative of an organization recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under chapter 59 of title 38. . (b) Rulemaking (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall initiate a rulemaking to implement this section. (2) Deadline for regulations The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall take effect not later than 180 days after the date on which the Commandant promulgates a final rule pursuant to such paragraph. (c) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2517 (as added by this Act) the following: 2518. Review of discharge characterization. . 409. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial Section 7511(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking or ; (2) in paragraph (2) by striking State, local, or Tribal law and inserting Federal, State, local, or Tribal law ; (3) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) section 920 or 920b of title 10 (article 120 and 120b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); or . 410. Definition of covered misconduct (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 2519. Covered misconduct defined In this title, the term covered misconduct means— (1) rape and sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (2) sexual harassment, as described in Executive Order 14062 dated January 26, 2022, and enumerated under section 934 of title 10 (article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (3) abusive sexual contact and aggravated sexual contact, as described in sections 920(c) and 920(d) of title 10 (articles 120(c) and 120(d) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (4) wrongful broadcast, dissemination, or creation of content as described in sections 917 and 920c of title 10 (articles 117a and 120c of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (5) the child pornography offenses as described in section 934 of title 10 (article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); (6) rape and sexual assault of a child, other sexual misconduct, and stalking, as described in sections 920b, 920c(a), and 930 of title 10 (articles 120b, 120c, and 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); and (7) domestic violence, as described in section 928b of title 10 (article 128b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2518 the following: 2519. Covered misconduct defined. . 411. Notification of changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice or Manual for Courts Martial relating to covered misconduct (a) In general Chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 5116. Notification of changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice or Manual for Courts Martial relating to covered misconduct Beginning on March 30, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Commandant shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with respect to each of the following: (1) Whether the Uniform Code of Military Justice ( chapter 47 of title 10) has been amended— (A) to add any sex-related offense as a new article; or (B) to remove an article relating to covered misconduct described in any of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 301. (2) Whether the Manual for Courts Martial has been modified— (A) to add any sex-related offense as an offense described under an article of the Uniform Code of Military Justice; or (B) to remove as an offense described under an article of the Uniform Code of Military Justice covered misconduct described in any of paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 301. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 51 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 5116. Notification of changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice Or Manual for Courts Martial relating to covered misconduct. . 412. Complaints of retaliation by victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment and related persons Section 1562a of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking The Secretary of Defense shall and inserting the following: (1) In general The Secretary of Defense shall ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (2) Coast Guard The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall designate the Commandant of the Coast Guard to be responsible for carrying out the requirements of this section with respect to members of the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy. ; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting and the Commandant of the Coast Guard after Secretary ; (B) in paragraph (8) by inserting before the period at the end or with respect to the Coast Guard, the component designated by the Commandant of the Coast Guard ; and (C) in paragraph (4) by striking Department of Defense ; and (3) in subsection (c)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting , the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security, before or any other inspector general ; (B) in subparagraph (D) by striking military and inserting armed force ; and (C) in subparagraph (E) by inserting or department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy for members of the Coast Guard after Department of Defense . 413. Development of policies on military protective orders (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall issue updated policies of the Coast Guard relating to military protective orders that are consistent with the law and policies of the Department of Defense. (2) Elements The policies developed under paragraph (1) shall require— (A) that any denial of a request for a military protective order shall include a written explanation for the denial, which shall be— (i) forwarded to the next flag officer in the chain of command of the commanding officer or other approving authority who denied the request; and (ii) provided to the member who submitted the request; and (B) the recusal of an approving authority from participating in the granting or denying of a military protective order, if such authority was, at any time— (i) the subject of a complaint of any form of assault, harassment, or retaliation filed by the member requesting the military protective order or the member who is the subject of the military protective order; or (ii) associated with the member requesting the military protective order or the member who is the subject of the military protective order in a manner that presents as an actual or apparent conflict of interest. (3) Notification requirement The Commandant shall develop a policy to ensure that sexual assault response coordinators, victim advocates, and other appropriate personnel shall inform victims of the process by which the victim may request an expedited transfer, a no-contact order, or a military or civilian protective order. 414. Coast Guard implementation of independent review commission recommendations on addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall review the report of the Independent Review Commission titled Hard Truths and the Duty to Change: Recommendations from the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military referred to in the memorandum of the Department of Defense titled Memorandum for Senior Pentagon Leadership Commanders of the Combatant Commands Defense Agency and DoD Field Activity Directors , dated September 22, 2021, (relating to commencing Department of Defense actions and implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review Commission to address sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military). (b) Strategy and action plan On completion of the review required under subsection (a), and not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a strategy and action plan that— (1) (A) identifies any recommendation set forth in the report by the Independent Review Commission described in subsection (a) that addresses a matter that is not within the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard, does not apply to the Coast Guard, or otherwise would not be beneficial to members of the Coast Guard, as determined by the Commandant; and (B) includes a brief rationale for such determination; and (2) with respect to each recommendation set forth in such report that is not identified under paragraph (1), includes— (A) (i) a detailed action plan for implementation of the recommendation; (ii) a description of changes the Commandant will make to associated Coast Guard policies so as to enable the implementation of the recommendation; (iii) an estimated timeline for implementation of the recommendation; (iv) the estimated cost of the implementation; (v) legislative proposals for such implementation, as appropriate; and (vi) any other information the Commandant considers appropriate; or (B) in the case of such a recommendation that the Commandant is unable to implement, an explanation of the reason the recommendation cannot be implemented. (c) Briefing Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter through 2028, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing on the status of the implementation of this section and any modification to the strategy and plan submitted under subsection (b). 415. Policy relating to care and support of victims of covered misconduct (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall issue Coast Guard policy relating to the care and support of members of the Coast Guard who are alleged victims of covered misconduct. (b) Elements The policy required by subsection (a) shall require, to the maximum extent practicable, that— (1) a member of the Coast Guard who is an alleged victim of covered misconduct and discloses such covered misconduct to the appropriate individual of the Coast Guard responsible for providing victim care and support— (A) shall receive care and support from such individual; and (B) such individual shall not deny or unreasonably delay providing care and support; and (2) in the case of such an alleged victim to whom care and support cannot be provided by the appropriate individual contacted by the alleged victim based on programmatic eligibility criteria or any other reason that affects the ability of such appropriate individual to provide care and support (such as being stationed at a remote unit or serving on a vessel currently underway) the alleged victim shall receive, with the permission of the alleged victim— (A) an in-person introduction to appropriate service providers, for which the alleged victim is physically present, which shall occur at the discretion of the alleged victim; and (B) access to follow-up services from the appropriate 1 or more service providers. (c) Applicability The policy issued under subsection (a) shall apply to— (1) all Coast Guard personnel responsible for the care and support of victims of covered misconduct; and (2) any other Coast Guard personnel the Commandant considers appropriate. (d) Revision of policy relating to domestic abuse Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall issue or revise any Coast Guard policy or process relating to domestic abuse so as to define the term intimate partner to have the meaning given such term in section 930 of title 10, United States Code. (e) Training (1) In general All Coast Guard personnel responsible for the care and support of members of the Coast Guard who are alleged victims of covered misconduct shall receive training in accordance with professional standards of practice to ensure that such alleged victims receive adequate care that is consistent with the policy issued under subsection (a). (2) Elements The training required by paragraph (1)— (A) shall include— (i) instructions on specific procedures for implementing the policy issued under subsection (a); and (ii) information on resources and personnel critical for the implementation of such policy; and (B) to the maximum extent practicable, shall be provided in person. (f) Covered misconduct In this section, the term covered misconduct shall have the meaning given such term in section 2519 of title 14, United States Code (as added by this Act). 416. Establishment of special victim capabilities to respond to allegations of certain special victim offenses (a) In general Section 573 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting or the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy after Secretary of Defense ; and (B) by striking Secretary of each military department and inserting Secretary concerned ; (2) in subsection (b) by striking or Air Force Office of Special Investigations and inserting , Air Force Office of Special Investigations, or Coast Guard Investigative Services ; (3) in subsection (c) by inserting or the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy after Secretary of Defense ; (4) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by inserting or the Commandant of the Coast Guard after Secretary of a military department ; and (ii) by inserting or the Coast Guard after within the military department ; (B) in paragraph (2) by inserting or the Coast Guard after within a military department ; and (5) by adding at the end the following: (h) Time for establishment for Coast Guard Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report containing all the items described in subsections (e) and (f) as applied to the Coast Guard. . (b) Briefing Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives with a briefing on the Commandant’s assessment and implementation, as appropriate, of the recommendations included in the Center for Naval Analyses report titled Assessing the USCG’s Special Victims’ Counsel Program , issued in June 2024, including— (1) the implementation status of each adopted recommendation, as appropriate; (2) for each adopted recommendation, a description of actions taken to implement such recommendation; (3) in the case of an adopted recommendation that has not been fully implemented— (A) a description of actions taken or planned to address such recommendation; (B) an estimated completion date; and (C) a description of the milestones necessary to complete the recommendation; (4) a description of any recommendation that will not be adopted and an explanation of the reason the recommendation will not be adopted; (5) a description of the metrics and milestones used to ensure completion and effectiveness of each adopted recommendation; (6) a description of any additional actions the Commandant is taking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Special Victims’ Counsel program of the Coast Guard; (7) any legislative change proposal necessary to implement the adopted recommendations; and (8) an overview of any funding or resource necessary to implement each adopted recommendation in a timely and effective manner, including a list of personnel needed for such implementation. 417. Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual assault, or traumatic brain injury Section 2516 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking or has been sexually assaulted during the preceding 2-year period ; and (ii) by striking or based on such sexual assault, the influence of and inserting the signs and symptoms of either ; (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as paragraphs (3) through (5), respectively; (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) Mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder A member of the Coast Guard who has been sexually assaulted during the preceding 5-year period and who alleges, based on such sexual assault, the signs and symptoms of a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder described within the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association— (A) is provided the opportunity to request a medical examination to clinically evaluate such signs and symptoms; and (B) receives such a medical examination to evaluate a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder described within the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association. ; (D) in paragraph (3) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting this subsection ; and (E) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated— (i) by inserting or a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder before under this subsection ; (ii) by inserting performed by after shall be ; and (iii) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following: (A) a board-certified psychiatrist; (B) a licensed doctorate-level psychologist; (C) any other appropriate licensed or certified healthcare professional designated by the Commandant; or (D) a psychiatry resident or board-eligible psychologist who— (i) has completed a 1-year internship or residency; and (ii) is under the close supervision of a board-certified psychiatrist or licensed doctorate-level psychologist. ; (2) in subsection (b) by inserting or a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder after traumatic brain injury ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (e) Notification of right To request medical examination (1) In general Any member of the Coast Guard who receives a notice of involuntary administrative separation shall be advised at the time of such notice of the right of the member to request a medical examination under subsection (a) if any condition described in such subsection applies to the member. (2) Policy The Commandant shall— (A) develop and issue a clear policy for carrying out the notification required under paragraph (1) with respect to any member of the Coast Guard described in that paragraph who has made an unrestricted report of sexual assault; and (B) provide information on such policy to sexual assault response coordinators of the Coast Guard for the purpose of ensuring that such policy is communicated to members of the Coast Guard who may be eligible for a medical examination under this section. . 418. Participation in CATCH a Serial Offender program (a) In general The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy, acting through the Commandant, shall ensure the participation of the Coast Guard in the Catch a Serial Offender program (referred to in this section as the CATCH program ) of the Department of Defense established in accordance with section 543 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. Buck McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 ( Public Law 113–291 ). (b) Memorandum of understanding Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating and the Secretary of Defense shall finalize a memorandum of agreement to facilitate Coast Guard access to and participation in the CATCH program. 419. Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders (a) In general Subchapter I of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: 2520. Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , the Secretary shall establish a policy to improve oversight, investigations, accountability, and public transparency regarding alleged misconduct of senior leaders of the Coast Guard. (b) Elements The policy required by subsection (a)— (1) shall require that— (A) any allegation of alleged misconduct made against a senior leader of the Coast Guard shall be reported to the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating not later than 72 hours after the allegation is reported to the Coast Guard or the department in which the Coast Guard is operating; and (B) the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall notify the head of the Coast Guard office in which the senior leader is serving with respect to the receipt of such allegation, or, in a case where the senior leader is the head of such Coast Guard office, the next in the chain of command, as appropriate, except in a case in which the Inspector General determines that such notification would risk impairing an ongoing investigation, would unnecessarily compromise the anonymity of the individual making the allegation, or would otherwise be inappropriate; and (2) to the extent practicable, shall be consistent with Department of Defense directives, including Department of Defense Directive 5505.06. (c) First right to exclusive investigation The Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating— (1) shall have the first right to investigate an allegation described in subsection (b)(1)(A); and (2) in cases with concurrent jurisdiction involving an allegation described in subsection (b)(1)(A), may investigate such an allegation to the exclusion of any other Coast Guard criminal or administrative investigation if the Inspector General determines that an exclusive investigation is necessary to maintain the integrity of the investigation. (d) Public availability and broad dissemination The policy established under subsection (a) shall be made available to the public and incorporated into training and curricula across the Coast Guard at all levels to ensure broad understanding of the policy among members and personnel of the Coast Guard. (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Alleged misconduct The term alleged misconduct — (A) means a credible allegation that, if proven, would constitute a violation of— (i) a provision of criminal law, including the Uniform Code of Military Justice ( chapter 47 of title 10); or (ii) a recognized standard, such as the Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulation or other Federal regulation, including any other Department of Defense regulation and any Department of Homeland Security regulation; or (B) could reasonably be expected to be of significance to the Secretary or the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, particularly in a case in which there is an element of misuse of position or of unauthorized personal benefit to the senior official, a family member, or an associate. (2) Senior leader of the Coast Guard The term senior leader of the Coast Guard means— (A) an active duty, retired, or reserve officer of the Coast Guard in the grade of O–7 or higher; (B) an officer of the Coast Guard selected for promotion to the grade of O–7; (C) a current or former civilian member of the Senior Executive Service employed by the Coast Guard; or (D) any civilian member of the Coast Guard whose position is deemed equivalent to that of a member of the Senior Executive Service, as determined by the Office of the Inspector General of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in concurrence with the Secretary acting through the Commandant. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2519 (as added by this Act) the following: 2520. Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders. . 420. Confidential reporting of sexual harassment Section 1561b of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy after Secretary of Defense ; and (B) by inserting or the Commandant after Secretary of a military department ; (2) in subsection (c)— (A) by inserting or the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy after Secretary of Defense ; and (B) in paragraph (1) by inserting departments or the Commandant after Secretaries of the military ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (e) Reports for the Coast Guard (1) In general Not later than April 30, 2025, and April 30 every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report containing data on the complaints of sexual harassment alleged pursuant to the process under subsection (a) during the previous 2 calendar years. (2) Personally identifiable information Any data on complaints described in paragraph (1) shall not contain any personally identifiable information. . 421. Report on policy on whistleblower protections (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit to the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the policy of the Coast Guard on whistleblower protections. (b) Elements The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A discussion of the policy of the Coast Guard as of the date of enactment of this Act with respect to— (A) whistleblower protections; (B) accountability measures for reprisal against whistleblowers; (C) the applicable professional standards and potential types of support provided to whistleblowers by members of the Coast Guard personnel, such as the members in the Coast Guard Investigative Service; and (D) the content and frequency of training provided to members of the Coast Guard on active duty, members of the Coast Guard Reserve, and civilian personnel of the Coast Guard with respect to the applicable professional standards and potential types of support offered to whistleblowers. (2) A description of the responsibilities of commanders and equivalent civilian supervisors with respect to whistleblower complaints and measures used by the Coast Guard to ensure compliance with such responsibilities, such as— (A) the mechanisms to ensure that— (i) any such commander complies with section 1034 of title 10, United States Code, including subsection (a)(1) of that section; (ii) any such equivalent civilian supervisor complies with section 2302 of title 5, United States Code; and (iii) any such commander or supervisor protects the constitutional right of whistleblowers to speak with Members of Congress; (B) actions to be taken against any commander or equivalent civilian supervisor who fails to act on a whistleblower complaint or improperly interferes with a whistleblower after a complaint is filed or during the preparation of a complaint; (C) the role of Coast Guard attorneys in ensuring that such commanders comply with responsibilities under section 1034 of title 10, United States Code; and (D) the role of Coast Guard civilian attorneys and administrative law judges in ensuring that such civilian supervisors comply with responsibilities under section 2302 of title 5, United States Code. (3) A discussion of the availability of Coast Guard staff, including civilian staff, assigned to providing, in accordance with professional standards or practice, behavioral health care to whistleblowers, including— (A) the number and type of such staff; (B) a description of the specific care responsibilities of such staff; (C) an identification of any limitation existing as of the date of enactment of this Act to the provision of such care; (D) a description of any plan to increase capacity of such staff to provide such care, as applicable; and (E) a description of any additional resources necessary to provide such care. (4) An assessment of the manner in which the policies discussed in paragraph (1), the responsibilities of commanders and civilian supervisors described in paragraph (2), and the availability of Coast Guard staff as discussed in paragraph (3) apply specifically to cadets and leadership at the Coast Guard Academy. (5) Recommendations (including, as appropriate, proposed legislative changes and a plan to publish in the Federal Register not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act a request for information seeking public comment and recommendations) of the Commandant regarding manners in which Coast Guard policies and procedures may be strengthened— (A) to prevent whistleblower discrimination and harassment; (B) to better enforce prohibitions on retaliation, including reprisal, restriction, ostracism, and maltreatment, set forth in section 1034 of title 10, United States Code, and section 2302 of title 5, United States Code; and (C) to hold commanding officers and civilian supervisors accountable for enforcing and complying with prohibitions on any form of retaliation described in such section. 422. Review and modification of Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence (a) In general The Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy (referred to in this section as the Superintendent ) shall— (1) not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, commence a review of the Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence established in accordance with section 1902 of title 14, United States Code, that includes an evaluation as to whether any long-standing Coast Guard Academy tradition, system, process, or internal policy impedes the implementation of necessary evidence-informed best practices followed by other military service academies in prevention, response, and recovery relating to sexual harassment and sexual violence; and (2) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act— (A) complete such review; and (B) modify such policy in accordance with subsection (b). (b) Modifications to policy In modifying the Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence referred to in subsection (a), the Superintendent shall ensure that such policy includes the following: (1) Each matter required to be specified by section 1902(b) of title 14, United States Code. (2) Updates to achieve compliance with chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (Uniform Code of Military Justice). (3) A description of the roles and responsibilities of staff of the Coast Guard Academy Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery program, including— (A) the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator; (B) the Victim Advocate Program Specialist; (C) the Volunteer Victim Advocate; and (D) the Primary Prevention Specialist, as established under subsection (c). (4) A description of the role of the Coast Guard Investigative Service with respect to sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention, response, and recovery at the Coast Guard Academy. (5) A description of the role of support staff at the Coast Guard Academy, including chaplains, with respect to sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention, response, and recovery. (6) Measures to promote awareness of dating violence. (7) A delineation of the relationship between— (A) cadet advocacy groups organized for the prevention of, response to, and recovery from sexual harassment and sexual violence, including Cadets Against Sexual Assault; and (B) the staff of the Coast Guard Academy Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery program. (8) A provision that requires cadets and Coast Guard Academy personnel to participate in not fewer than one in-person training each academic year on the prevention of, responses to, and resources relating to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence, to be provided by the staff of the Coast Guard Academy Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery program. (9) The establishment, revision, or expansion, as necessary, of an anti-retaliation Superintendent’s Instruction for cadets who— (A) report incidents of sexual harassment or sexual violence; (B) participate in cadet advocacy groups that advocate for the prevention of, response to, and recovery from sexual harassment and sexual violence; or (C) seek assistance from a company officer, company senior enlisted leader, athletic coach, or other Coast Guard Academy staff member with respect to a mental health or other medical emergency. (10) A provision that explains the purpose of and process for issuance of a no-contact order at the Coast Guard Academy, including a description of the manner in which such an order shall be enforced. (11) A provision that explains the purpose of and process for issuance of a military protective order at the Coast Guard Academy, including a description of— (A) the manner in which such an order shall be enforced; and (B) the associated requirement to notify the National Criminal Information Center of the issuance of such an order. (c) Primary prevention specialist Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Superintendent shall hire a Primary Prevention Specialist, to be located and serve at the Coast Guard Academy. (d) Temporary leave of absence To receive medical services and mental health and related support services The Superintendent shall ensure that the Academy’s policy regarding a cadet who has made a restricted or unrestricted report of sexual harassment to request a leave of absence from the Coast Guard Academy is consistent with other military service academies. 423. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Academy access to defense sexual assault incident database (a) Memorandum of understanding Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to enable the criminal offender case management and analytics database of the Coast Guard to have system interface access with the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database (referred to in this section as the Database ) established by section 563 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 ( 10 U.S.C. 1561 note). (b) Plan (1) In general Not later than 60 days after entering into the memorandum of understanding required under subsection (a), the Commandant, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a plan to carry out the terms of such memorandum. (2) Elements The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) Measures to ensure that authorized staff of the Coast Guard have system interface access to the Database, and a description of any barrier to such access. (B) Measures to ensure that authorized staff of the Coast Guard Academy have system interface access to the Database, and a description of any barrier to such access that is unique to the Coast Guard Academy. (C) Measures to facilitate formal or informal communication between the Coast Guard and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office of the Department of Defense, or any other relevant Department of Defense component, to identify or seek a resolution to barriers to Database access. (D) A description of the steps, measures, and improvements necessary to remove any barrier encountered by staff of the Coast Guard or the Coast Guard Academy in accessing the Database, including any failure of system interface access necessitating manual entry of investigative data. (E) An assessment of the technical challenges, timeframes, and costs associated with providing authorized staff of the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Academy with system interface access for the Database that is substantially similar to such system interface access possessed by other branches of the Armed Forces. (3) Appropriate committees of congress defined In this subsection, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. 424. Director of Coast Guard Investigative Service (a) In general Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 325. Director of Coast Guard Investigative Service (a) In general There shall be a Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service. (b) Chain of command The Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service shall report directly to and be under the general supervision of the Commandant, acting through the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for Chapter 3 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 324 the following: 325. Director of Coast Guard Investigative Service. . 425. Modifications and revisions relating to reopening retired grade determinations (a) In general Section 2501(d)(2) of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (B) by inserting a before competent authority ; (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (E) as subparagraphs (F) through (H), respectively; and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: (C) substantial evidence comes to light that, during the commissioned service of the officer, the officer failed to carry out applicable laws, with an intent to deceive or defraud; (D) substantial evidence comes to light after the retirement that the officer committed rape or sexual assault, as described in sections 920(a) and 920(b) of title 10 (articles 120(a) and 120(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) at any time during the commissioned service of the officer; (E) substantial evidence comes to light after the retirement that the commissioned officer knew of and failed to report through proper channels, in accordance with existing law at the time of the alleged incident, any known instances of sexual assault by a member of the Coast Guard under the command of the officer during the officer’s service; . (b) Issuance and revision of regulations relating to good cause To reopen retired grade determinations Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue or revise, as applicable, and at the discretion of the Secretary consistent with this section, regulations of the Coast Guard to do the following: (1) Define what constitutes good cause to reopen a retired grade determination referred to in subparagraph (H) of section 2501(d)(2) of title 14, United States Code, as redesignated by subsection (a), to ensure that the following shall be considered good cause for such a reopening: (A) Circumstances that constitute a failure to carry out applicable laws regarding a report of sexual assault with an intent to deceive by a commissioned officer, that relate to a response made to a report of sexual assault, during the commissioned service of the officer. (B) Substantial evidence of sexual assault by the commissioned officer concerned, at any time during the commissioned service of such officer, or such evidence that was not considered by the Coast Guard in a manner consistent with law. (2) Identify the standard for making, and the evidentiary showing required to support, an adverse determination on the retired grade of a commissioned officer. (c) Revision of limitations on reopening retired grade determinations Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall revise applicable guidance in section K.10 of chapter 3 of Commandant Instruction 1000.4A to remove any restriction that limits the ability to reopen the retired grade of a commissioned officer based on— (1) whether new evidence is discovered contemporaneously with or within a short time period after the date of retirement of the officer concerned; and (2) whether the misconduct concerned was not discoverable through due diligence. (d) Savings clause No provision of this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to permit a review of conduct that was not in violation of law or policy at the time of the alleged conduct. 426. Inclusion and command review of information on covered misconduct in personnel service records (a) In general Chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subchapter II, by redesignating section 2521 as section 2531; and (2) in subchapter I, as amended by this Act, by adding at the end the following: 2521. Inclusion and command review of information on covered misconduct in personnel service records (a) Information on reports on covered misconduct (1) In general If a complaint of covered misconduct is made against a member of the Coast Guard and the member is convicted by court-martial or receives nonjudicial punishment or punitive administrative action for such covered misconduct, a notation to that effect shall be placed in the personnel service record of the member, regardless of the grade of the member. (2) Purpose The purpose of the inclusion of information in personnel service records under paragraph (1) is to alert supervisors and commanders to any member of their command who has received a court-martial conviction, nonjudicial punishment, or punitive administrative action for covered misconduct in order— (A) to reduce the likelihood that repeat offenses will escape the notice of supervisors and commanders; and (B) to help inform commissioning or promotability of the member; (3) Limitation on placement A notation under paragraph (1) may not be placed in the restricted section of the personnel service record of a member. (4) Construction Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit or limit the capacity of a member of the Coast Guard to challenge or appeal the placement of a notation, or location of placement of a notation, in the personnel service record of the member in accordance with procedures otherwise applicable to such challenges or appeals. (b) Command review of history of covered misconduct (1) In general Under policy to be prescribed by the Secretary, the commanding officer of a unit or facility to which a covered member is assigned or transferred shall review the history of covered misconduct as documented in the personnel service record of a covered member in order to become familiar with such history of the covered member. (2) Covered member defined In this subsection, the term covered member means a member of the Coast Guard who, at the time of assignment or transfer as described in paragraph (1), has a history of 1 or more covered misconduct offenses as documented in the personnel service record of such member or such other records or files as the Commandant shall specify in the policy prescribed under subparagraph (A). (c) Review of personnel service record To determine suitability for civilian employment Under policy to be prescribed by the Secretary, the Commandant shall establish procedures that are consistent with the law, policies, and practices of the Department of Defense in effect on the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 to consider and review the personnel service record of a former member of the Armed Forces to determine the suitability of the individual for civilian employment in the Coast Guard. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking the item relating to section 2521 and inserting the following: 2531. Advisory Board on Women in the Coast Guard. ; and (2) by inserting after the item relating to section 2520 (as added by this Act) the following: 2521. Inclusion and command review of information on covered misconduct in personnel service records. . 427. Flag officer review of, and concurrence in, separation of members who have reported sexual misconduct (a) Policy To require review of certain proposed involuntary separations Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall establish, with respect to any proposed involuntary separation under chapter 59 of title 10, United States Code, a Coast Guard policy to review the circumstances of, and grounds for, such a proposed involuntary separation of any member of the Coast Guard who— (1) made a restricted or unrestricted report of covered misconduct (as such term is defined in section 2519 of title 14, United States Code); (2) within 2 years after making such a report, is recommended for involuntary separation from the Coast Guard; and (3) requests the review on the grounds that the member believes the recommendation for involuntary separation from the Coast Guard was initiated in retaliation for making the report. (b) Recusal (1) In general The policy established under subsection (a) shall set forth a process for the recusal of commanding officers and the flag officer described in subsection (c)(2) from making initial or subsequent decisions on proposed separations or from reviewing proposed separations. (2) Criteria The recusal process established under paragraph (1) shall specify criteria for recusal, including mandatory recusal from making a decision on a proposed separation, and from reviewing a proposed separation, if the commanding officer or the flag officer described in subsection (c)(2) was, at any time— (A) the subject of a complaint of any form of assault, harassment, or retaliation, filed by the member of the Coast Guard described in subsection (a) who is the subject of a proposed involuntary separation or whose proposed separation is under review; or (B) associated with the individual suspected or accused of perpetrating the incident of covered misconduct reported by such member. (c) Concurrence of flag officer required (1) In general The policy established under subsection (a) shall require the concurrence of the flag officer described in paragraph (2) in order to separate the member of the Coast Guard described in such subsection. (2) Flag officer described (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the flag officer described in this paragraph is— (i) the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support or the successor Vice Admiral who oversees personnel policy; or (ii) a designee of the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (or the successor Vice Admiral who oversees personnel policy) who is in a grade not lower than O–7. (B) Chain of command exception In the case of a member of the Coast Guard described in subsection (a) who is in the immediate chain of command of the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support or the successor Vice Admiral who oversees personnel policy or the designee of the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support or the successor Vice Admiral who oversees personnel policy, the flag officer described in this paragraph is a flag officer outside the chain of command of such member, as determined by the Commandant consistent with the policy established under subsection (a). (d) Notification required Any member of the Coast Guard who has made a report of covered misconduct and who receives a proposal for involuntary separation shall be notified at the time of such proposal of the right of the member to a review under this section. 428. Expedited transfer in cases of sexual misconduct or domestic violence (a) Expedited transfer policy update Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall update Coast Guard policy as necessary to implement— (1) an expedited transfer process for covered individuals consistent with— (A) Department of Defense policy on expedited transfers of victims of sexual assault or domestic violence in place on the date of enactment of this Act; and (B) subsection (b); and (2) a process by which— (A) a covered individual, the commanding officer of a covered individual, or any other Coast Guard official may initiate a request that a subject be administratively assigned to another unit in accordance with military assignments and authorized absence policy for the duration of the investigation and, if applicable, prosecution of such subject; (B) the Coast Guard shall ensure that any administrative assignment action in response to a request under subparagraph (A) will be taken not as a punitive measure, but solely for the purpose of maintaining good order and discipline within the unit of the covered individual or the subject; and (C) protection of due process for the subject is preserved. (b) Recusal The expedited transfer process implemented under this section shall require the recusal of any official involved in the approval or denial of an expedited transfer request if the official was, at any time— (1) the subject of a complaint of any form of assault, harassment, or retaliation, or any other type of complaint, filed by the covered individual; or (2) associated, beyond workplace interactions, with the subject in a manner that may present an actual or apparent conflict of interest. (c) Notification requirement With respect to a member of the Coast Guard who makes an unrestricted report of sexual assault or a report of domestic violence, the updated policy required under subsection (a) shall specify the appropriate officials of the Coast Guard who shall provide such member with information regarding expedited transfer authority. (d) Report (1) Initial report Not later than March 1 of the year that is not less than 1 year after the date on which the updates required under subsection (a) are completed, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, as an enclosure or appendix to the report required by section 5112 of title 14, United States Code, a report on such updates that includes— (A) a copy of the updated policies of the Coast Guard relating to expedited transfers; (B) a summary of such updated policies; (C) for the preceding year, the number of covered individuals who have requested an expedited transfer, disaggregated by gender of the requester and whether the request was granted or denied; (D) for each denial of an expedited transfer request during the preceding year, a description of the rationale for the denial; and (E) any other matter the Commandant considers appropriate. (2) Subsequent reports Not later than 1 year after the Commandant submits the report required under paragraph (1), and annually thereafter for 3 years, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, as an enclosure or appendix to the report required by section 5112 of title 14, United States Code, a report on the updates required under subsection (a) that includes— (A) any policies of the Coast Guard relating to expedited transfers that have been updated since the previous report submitted under this subsection; (B) a summary of any such updated policies; and (C) the information described under subparagraphs (C) through (E) of paragraph (1). (e) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered individual The term covered individual means— (A) a member of the Coast Guard who is a victim of sexual assault in a case handled under the Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery Program or the Family Advocacy Program; (B) a member of the Coast Guard who is a victim of domestic violence (as defined by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating in the policies prescribed under this section) committed by the spouse or intimate partner of the member, regardless of whether the spouse or intimate partner is a member of the Coast Guard; and (C) a member of the Coast Guard whose dependent is a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence. (2) Subject The term subject means a member of the Coast Guard who is the subject of an investigation related to alleged incidents of sexual assault or domestic violence and is stationed at the same installation as, or in close proximity to, the covered individual involved. 429. Access to temporary separation program for victims of alleged sex-related offenses (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall update the Coast Guard policy relating to temporary separation of members of the Coast Guard who are victims of alleged sex-related offenses as required under subsection (b). (b) Eligibility The updated policy required under subsection (a) shall include— (1) a provision that allows a member of the Coast Guard to request to participate in the temporary separation program if the member has reported, in an unrestricted format or to the greatest extent practicable, a restricted format, being the victim of an alleged sex-related offense on a date that is during— (A) the 5-year period preceding the requested date of separation; and (B) the military service of the member; (2) a provision that provides eligibility for a member of the Coast Guard to request temporary separation if the member has reported being the victim of an alleged sex-related offense, even if— (A) the member has had a previous temporary separation including a previous temporary separation as the victim of a previous unrelated alleged sex-related offense; or (B) the enlistment period of the member is not nearing expiration or the tour or contract of the member is not nearing completion; (3) an updated standard of review consistent with the application of, and purposes of, this section; and (4) the establishment of a process— (A) for eligible members to make requests for temporary separation under this section; and (B) that allows the Commandant to consider whether to allow a member granted temporary separation under this section to fulfill the enlistment period or tour or contract obligation of the member after the end of the temporary separation period. (c) Exception from repayment of bonuses, incentive pay, or similar benefits and termination of remaining payments For any temporary separation granted under the updated policy required under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may conduct a review to determine whether to exercise discretion in accordance with section 373(b)(1) of title 37, United States Code. (d) Definitions In this section: (1) Secretary concerned The term Secretary concerned has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 37, United States Code. (2) Sex-related offense The term sex-related offense has the meaning given such term in section 1044e(h) of title 10, United States Code. 430. Policy and program to expand prevention of sexual misconduct (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall develop and issue a comprehensive policy for the Coast Guard to reinvigorate the prevention of misconduct involving members and civilians of the Coast Guard that contains the policy elements described in section 1561 of title 10, United States Code. (b) Programs required Not later than 180 days after the issuance of the policy required under paragraph (1), the Commandant shall develop and implement for the Coast Guard a program to reinvigorate the prevention of misconduct involving members and civilians of the Coast Guard. 431. Continuous vetting of security clearances Section 1564(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by inserting , and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall conduct an investigation or adjudication under subsection (a) of any individual described in paragraph (3), after paragraph (2) ; and (B) in subparagraph (A)(iv) by striking the Secretary and inserting the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as the case may be, ; (2) in paragraph (2) by inserting (other than an individual described in paragraph (3)) after is an individual ; (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; (4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: (3) An individual described in this paragraph is an individual who has a security clearance and is— (A) a flag officer of the Coast Guard; or (B) an employee of the Coast Guard in the Senior Executive Service. ; and (5) in paragraph (4), as redesignated by paragraph (3), by striking Secretary and all that follows through paragraph (2) and inserting the following: Secretary of Defense, in the case of an individual described in paragraph (2), and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in the case of an individual described in paragraph (3), shall ensure that relevant information on the conviction or determination described in paragraph (1) of such an individual . 432. Training and education programs for covered misconduct prevention and response (a) Modification of curriculum (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall revise the curriculum of the Coast Guard with respect to covered misconduct prevention and response training— (A) to include— (i) information on procedures and responsibilities with respect to reporting requirements, investigations, survivor health and safety (including expedited transfers, no-contact orders, military and civilian protective orders, and temporary separations), and whistleblower protections; (ii) information on Department of Veterans Affairs resources available to veterans, active-duty personnel, and reserve personnel; (iii) information on the right of any member of the Coast Guard to seek legal resources outside the Coast Guard; (iv) general information regarding the availability of legal resources provided by civilian legal services organizations, presented in an organized and consistent manner that does not endorse any particular legal services organization; and (v) information on the capability, operations, reporting structure, and requirements with respect to the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard; and (B) to address the workforce training recommendations set forth in the memorandum of the Coast Guard titled Commandant’s Directed Actions—Accountability and Transparency , issued on November 27, 2023. (2) Collaboration In revising the curriculum under this subsection, the Commandant shall solicit input from individuals outside the Coast Guard who are experts in sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response training. (b) Covered misconduct prevention and response training and education (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall ensure that all members and civilian employees of the Coast Guard are provided with annual covered misconduct prevention and response training and education for the purpose of strengthening individual knowledge, skills, and capacity relating to the prevention of and response to covered misconduct. (2) Scope The training and education referred to in paragraph (1)— (A) shall be provided as part of— (i) initial entry and accession training; (ii) annual refresher training; (iii) initial and recurring training courses for covered first responders; (iv) new and prospective commanding officer and executive officer training; and (v) specialized leadership training; and (B) shall be tailored for specific leadership levels, positions, pay grades, and roles. (3) Content The training and education referred to in paragraph (1) shall include the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A). (c) Covered first responder training (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall ensure that— (A) training for covered first responders includes the covered misconduct prevention and response training described in subsection (b); and (B) such covered misconduct prevention and response training is provided to covered first responders on a recurring basis. (2) Requirements In addition to the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A), the initial and recurring covered misconduct prevention and response training for covered first responders shall include information on procedures and responsibilities with respect to— (A) the provision of care to a victim of covered misconduct, in accordance with professional standards or practice, that accounts for trauma experienced by the victim and associated symptoms or events that may exacerbate such trauma; and (B) the manner in which such a victim may receive such care. (d) Training for prospective commanding officers and executive officers (1) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall ensure that training for prospective commanders and executive officers at all levels of command includes the covered misconduct prevention and response training described in subsection (b). (2) Requirements In addition to the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A), the covered misconduct prevention and response training for prospective commanding officers and executive officers shall be— (A) tailored to the responsibilities and leadership requirements of members of the Coast Guard as they are assigned to command positions; and (B) revised, as necessary, to include information on— (i) fostering a command climate— (I) that does not tolerate covered misconduct; (II) in which individuals assigned to the command are encouraged to intervene to prevent potential incidents of covered misconduct; and (III) that encourages victims of covered misconduct to report any incident of covered misconduct; (ii) the possible variations in the effect of trauma on individuals who have experienced covered misconduct; (iii) potential differences in the procedures and responsibilities, Department of Veterans Affairs resources, and legal resources described in subsection (a)(1)(A) depending on the operating environment in which an incident of covered misconduct occurred; (iv) the investigation of alleged incidents of covered misconduct, including training on understanding evidentiary standards; (v) available disciplinary options, including administrative action and deferral of discipline for collateral misconduct, and examples of disciplinary options in civilian jurisdictions; and (vi) the capability, operations, reporting structure, and requirements with respect to the Chief Prosecutor of the Coast Guard. (e) Entry and accession trainings (1) Initial training (A) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall provide for the inclusion of an initial covered misconduct prevention and response training module in the training for each new member of the Coast Guard, which shall be provided not later than 14 duty days after the date of accession. (B) Requirement In addition to the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A), the initial training module referred to in subparagraph (A) shall include a comprehensive explanation of Coast Guard— (i) policy with respect to covered misconduct; and (ii) procedures for reporting covered misconduct. (2) Subsequent training (A) In general The Commandant shall provide for the inclusion of a detailed covered misconduct prevention and response training module in the training for each new member of the Coast Guard, which shall be provided not later than 60 duty days after the date on which the initial training module described in paragraph (1)(A) is provided. (B) Content The detailed training module referred to in subparagraph (A) shall include the information described in subsection (a)(1)(A). (f) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered first responder The term covered first responder includes sexual assault response coordinators, victim advocates, Coast Guard medical officers, Coast Guard security forces, Coast Guard Investigative Service agents, judge advocates, special victims’ counsel, chaplains, and related personnel. (2) Covered misconduct The term covered misconduct has the meaning given such term in section 2519 of title 14, United States Code. V Comptroller General reports 501. Comptroller General report on Coast Guard research, development, and innovation program (a) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the state of the research, development, and innovation program of the Coast Guard during the 5-year period ending on such date of enactment. (b) Elements The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An evaluation and description of the process for selecting projects to be carried out under the research, development, and innovation program of the Coast Guard. (2) An analysis of the manner in which funding needs are determined and requested for such program, and for the activities and projects of such program, in alignment with the appropriate fiscal year. (3) An assessment of the manner in which the Coast Guard determines desired outcomes, and measures the impact, of successful projects on the execution of the operations and mission of the Coast Guard. (4) An assessment of the manner in which the Coast Guard evaluates impacts and benefits of partnerships between the Coast Guard and the Department of Defense and other entities, and a description of the extent to which and manner in which the Coast Guard is leveraging such benefits and identifying and managing any potential challenge. (5) An analysis of the manner in which the Commandant is working with partners to accelerate project transition from research, testing, evaluation, and prototype to production. (6) An assessment of the manner in which the authority to enter into transactions other than contracts and grants pursuant to sections 719 and 1158 of title 14, United States Code, has been exercised by the Commandant, and a description of any training or resources necessary (including additional agreements for officers and training) to more fully exercise such authority. (7) An evaluation of the role of the Blue Tech Center of Expertise established in section 302 of the Coast Guard Blue Technology Center of Expertise Act ( Public Law 115–265 ). (8) Recommendations regarding authorization, personnel, infrastructure, and other requirements necessary for the expeditious transition of technologies developed under such program from prototype to production in the field. (c) Consultation In developing the report required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General may consult with— (1) the maritime and aviation industries; (2) the Secretary of Defense; (3) the intelligence community; and (4) any relevant— (A) federally funded research institutions; (B) nongovernmental organizations; and (C) institutions of higher education. 502. Comptroller General study on vessel traffic service center employment, compensation, and retention (a) Definition of vessel traffic service center In this section, the term vessel traffic service center has the meaning given the term in section 70001(m) of title 46, United States Code. (b) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a study on employment compensation, competitiveness, assignment, and retention of civilian and military personnel assigned to or otherwise employed at vessel traffic service centers in the United States. (c) Elements The study required under subsection (b) shall include the following: (1) An assessment of the extent to which the classification, assignment, selection, and pay rates of personnel assigned to or otherwise employed at vessel traffic service centers are commensurate with the required experience, duties, safety functions, and responsibilities of such positions. (2) An assessment of the appropriate classification, assignment, selection, and pay rate, as well as nonmonetary employment incentives, that would foster a robust and competitive civilian candidate pool for employment opportunities in civilian positions at vessel traffic service centers. (3) An analysis of the average civilian employment retention rate and average term of employment of civilian personnel, by position, at vessel traffic service centers. (4) An analysis of existing special payments, as discussed in the report by the Government Accountability Office entitled Federal Pay: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Strategic Use of Special Payments (published December 7, 2017; GAO–18–91), that may be available to personnel assigned to or otherwise employed at vessel traffic service centers. (5) An evaluation of all assignment parameters and civilian hiring authority codes used by the Coast Guard in assigning and hiring personnel assigned to or otherwise employed at vessel traffic service centers. (6) An analysis of whether opportunities exist to refine, consolidate, or expand Coast Guard civilian hiring authorities for purposes of hiring personnel at the vessel traffic service centers. (7) An assessment of the ability of the composition, as in effect on the first day of the study, of military and civilian personnel assigned to or otherwise employed at vessel traffic service centers to ensure safety on the waterways and to manage increasing demand for vessel traffic services, taking into account the ranks and grades of such personnel, the respective experience levels and training of such personnel, and the respective duties, safety functions, and responsibilities of such personnel. (8) An assessment of, and recommendations to improve, the Coast Guard’s efforts to support the career progression of and advancement opportunities for officers and enlisted members of the Coast Guard assigned to vessel traffic service centers. (d) Report Not later than 1 year after commencing the study required under subsection (b), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the study. 503. Comptroller General review of quality and availability of Coast Guard behavioral health care and resources for personnel wellness (a) In general Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a review of the quality and availability of behavioral health care and related resources for Coast Guard personnel at the locations described in subsection (b). (b) Locations To be reviewed In conducting the review under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall— (1) first review the practices and policies relating to the availability of behavioral health care and related resources at Training Center Cape May; and (2) review such practices and policies at— (A) the Coast Guard Academy, including Officer Candidate School; and (B) other Coast Guard training locations, as applicable. (c) Elements The review conducted under subsection (a) shall include, for each location described in subsection (b), an assessment, and a description of available trend information (as applicable) for the 10-year period preceding the date of the review, with respect to each of the following: (1) The nature of Coast Guard resources directed toward behavioral health services at the location. (2) The manner in which the Coast Guard has managed treatment for recruits, cadets, officer candidates, or other personnel who may be experiencing a behavioral health crisis at the location (including individuals who have transferred to other buildings or facilities within the location). (3) The extent to which the Coast Guard has identified the resources, such as physical spaces and facilities, necessary to manage behavioral health challenges and crises that Coast Guard personnel may face at the location. (4) The behavioral health screenings required by the Coast Guard for recruits, cadets, officer candidates, or other personnel at the location, and the manner in which such screenings compare with screenings required by the Department of Defense for military recruits, service academy cadets, officer candidates, or other personnel at military service accession points. (5) Whether the Coast Guard has assessed the adequacy of behavioral health resources and services for recruits, cadets, officer candidates, and other personnel at the location, and if so, the additional services and resources (such as resilience and life skills coaching), if any, needed to address any potential gaps. (6) The manner in which the Coast Guard manages care transfers related to behavior health at the location, including command and other management input and privacy policies. (7) The extent to which the Coast Guard has evaluated contributing factors or reasons for behavioral health crises experienced by newly enlisted personnel, cadets, officer candidates, or other personnel at the location. (8) The extent to which the Coast Guard has addressed, at the location, provider care staffing standards and credentialing deficiencies identified in the report of the Comptroller General titled Coast Guard Health Care: Improvements Needed for Determining Staffing Needs and Monitoring Access to Care , issued on February 4, 2022. (d) Reports The Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives— (1) as soon as practicable but not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, a report relating to the results of the review conducted under subsection (a) relating to Training Center Cape May, including any recommendations the Comptroller General considers appropriate; and (2) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act— (A) a report on the results of the review conducted under subsection (a) relating to— (i) the Coast Guard Academy, including Officer Candidate School; and (ii) other Coast Guard training locations, as applicable; and (B) any recommendations the Comptroller General considers appropriate. 504. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard efforts to reduce prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records and sharing of medical data with Department of Veterans Affairs and other entities (a) Study Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a study assessing the efforts of the Commandant— (1) to reduce the prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records; (2) to share medical data of members of the Coast Guard with the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (3) to ensure that electronic health records are provided in a format that is user friendly and easy to access. (b) Elements In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall review the following: (1) The steps the Commandant has taken to reduce the prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records of members of the Coast Guard. (2) How implementation of an electronic health record system has affected the ability of the Commandant to manage health records of members of the Coast Guard, including— (A) how the Commandant adds records from private medical providers to the electronic health record system; (B) the progress of the Commandant toward implementing the electronic health record system in shipboard sick bays of the Coast Guard; (C) how the Coast Guard shares medical records with the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (D) any other matter the Comptroller General considers appropriate with respect to medical record storage, use, and sharing and the associated consequences for member health and well-being. (3) The ability of members of the Coast Guard, medical professionals of the Coast Guard and of the Department of Defense, personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other personnel to access and search, as appropriate, the electronic health records of individuals, including the ability to search or quickly find information within electronic health records. (c) Report Upon completion of the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report containing the results of the study under subsection (a). 505. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard training facility infrastructure (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a study on Coast Guard training facility infrastructure, including the specific needs of the Coast Guard training facilities described in subsection (c). (b) Elements The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) With respect to each Coast Guard training facility described in subsection (c)— (A) a summary of capital needs, including construction and repair; (B) a summary of equipment upgrade backlogs; (C) an assessment of necessary improvements, including improvements to essential training equipment (including swimming pools, operational simulators, and marksmanship training ranges) to enable the Coast Guard to achieve all operational training objectives; (D) a description of the resources necessary to fully address all training needs; (E) an assessment of any security deficiency, including with respect to base access, training facility access, and trainee berthing area access; (F) an identification of any exposed hazard that does not serve a training purpose; (G) an identification of the presence of hazardous or toxic materials, including— (i) lead-based paint; (ii) asbestos or products that contain asbestos; (iii) black mold; (iv) radon; and (v) contaminated drinking water; and (H) an assessment of the need for, and estimated cost of, remediation of such toxic materials. (2) An evaluation of the process used by the Coast Guard to identify, monitor, and construct Coast Guard training facilities. (c) Coast Guard training facilities described The Coast Guard training facilities described in this subsection are the following: (1) The Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. (2) The Leadership Development Center in New London, Connecticut. (3) Training Center Cape May, New Jersey. (4) Training Center Petaluma, California. (5) Training Center Yorktown, Virginia. (6) The Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, South Carolina. (7) The Special Missions Training Center at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. (8) The Gulf Regional Fisheries Training Center (GRFTC) in New Orleans, Louisiana. (9) The North Pacific Regional Fisheries Training Center (NPRFTC) in Kodiak, Alaska. (10) The Northeast Regional Fisheries Training Center (NRFTC) at Cape Cod, Massachusetts. (11) The Southeast Regional Fisheries Training Center (SRFTC) in Charleston, South Carolina. (12) The Pacific Regional Fisheries Training Center (PRFTC) in Alameda, California. (13) The National Motor Lifeboat School at Cape Disappointment, Washington. (14) The Aviation Technical Training Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. (15) The Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama. (d) Report Not later than 1 year after commencing the study required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the study. 506. Comptroller General study on facility and infrastructure needs of Coast Guard stations conducting border security operations (a) Study (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a study on the facility and infrastructure needs of the Coast Guard stations and units described in paragraph (3). (2) Elements The study required under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to each Coast Guard station and unit described in paragraph (3), the following: (A) An assessment of capital needs, including personnel capacity, construction, and repair. (B) An assessment of equipment upgrade backlogs. (C) An identification of any necessary improvement, including any improvement to operational and training equipment necessary to conduct safe and effective maritime border security operations. (D) An identification of any resource necessary to fully address all operational and training needs. (E) An identification of any physical security deficiency. (F) An identification of any exposed hazard. (G) An identification of the presence of any hazardous or toxic material, including— (i) lead-based paint; (ii) asbestos or any product that contains asbestos; (iii) black mold; (iv) radon; and (v) contaminated drinking water. (H) An assessment of the need for, and estimated cost of, remediation of any toxic material identified under subparagraph (G). (3) Coast Guard stations described The Coast Guard stations and units described in this paragraph are the following: (A) Coast Guard Station South Padre Island, Texas. (B) Coast Guard Station Port Aransas, Texas. (C) Coast Guard Station Port O”Connor, Texas. (D) Coast Guard Station Bellingham, Washington. (E) Coast Guard Station Neah Bay, Washington. (F) Coast Guard Station Port Angeles, Washington. (G) Coast Guard Station Ketchikan, Alaska. (H) Coast Guard Station San Diego, California. (I) Coast Guard Station Key West, Florida. (J) Coast Guard Station Marathon, Florida. (K) Coast Guard Station Islamorada, Florida. (L) Coast Guard Station Jonesport, Maine. (M) Coast Guard Station Bayfield, Wisconsin. (N) Coast Guard Station Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. (O) Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Santa Barbara. (P) Any other Coast Guard station the Comptroller General considers appropriate. (b) Report Not later than 1 year after commencing the study required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Commandant a report on the findings of the study, including any recommendation the Comptroller General considers appropriate. (c) Briefings Not later than 180 days after the date on which the report required under subsection (b) is submitted to the Commandant, the Commandant shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on— (1) the actions the Commandant has taken, or has ceased to take, as a result of the findings, including any recommendation, set forth in the report; and (2) a plan for addressing such findings and any such recommendation. 507. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard basic allowance for housing (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Department of Defense issues the report on the Fourteenth Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation, the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a study of Coast Guard involvement in, and efforts to support, the determination of the cost of adequate housing and the calculation of the basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code. (b) Elements The study required under subsection (a) shall include, to the extent practicable, the following: (1) An identification of Coast Guard duty locations in which there is a misalignment between the basic allowance for housing rate and the prevailing housing cost for members of the Coast Guard such that the basic allowance for housing is less than 95 percent of the monthly cost of adequate housing for such members in the corresponding military housing area. (2) An analysis of each of the following: (A) Anchor points, including— (i) the methodology for the establishment of anchor points; and (ii) with respect to housing provided as part of a public-private venture and government-owned and government-leased housing, the disparities between established anchor points and housing standards across the Armed Forces (as such term is defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code). (B) Existing military housing boundary areas that affect the Coast Guard. (C) Actions taken by the Commandant to comprehensively monitor basic allowance for housing rates for Coast Guard duty locations. (D) The frequency of reviews conducted by the Commandant of the site visits used by the Department of Defense to inform military housing area boundaries. (c) Report Not later than 1 year after the date on which the study required under subsection (a) commences, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Commandant a report on the findings of the study, including any recommendation the Comptroller General considers appropriate. (d) Plan Not later than 1 year after the date on which the report required by subsection (c) is submitted to the Commandant, the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives— (1) an implementation plan, including timeframes and milestones, addressing any recommendation made by the Comptroller General in such report, as the Commandant considers appropriate; and (2) with respect to any recommendation set forth in such report that the Commandant declines to implement, a written justification for the decision. (e) Anchor point defined In this section, the term anchor point — (1) means the minimum housing standard reference benchmark used to establish the basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code; and (2) includes housing type and size based on pay grade and dependent status. 508. Comptroller General report on safety and security infrastructure at Coast Guard Academy (a) GAO report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the safety and security infrastructure at the Coast Guard Academy. (2) Elements The report required under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of each of the following: (A) Existing security infrastructure for the grounds, buildings, athletic facilities, and any other facility of the Coast Guard Academy, including access points, locks, surveillance, and other security methods, as appropriate. (B) Coast Guard policies with respect to the management, data storage and access, and operational capacity of the security infrastructure and methods evaluated under subparagraph (A). (C) Special security needs relating to events at the Coast Guard Academy, such as large athletic events and other widely attended events. (D) Coast Guard policies and procedures with respect to access to Coast Guard Academy grounds by— (i) current or former members of the Coast Guard; (ii) current or former civilian employees of the Coast Guard; (iii) Coast Guard personnel that reside at the Academy and families of cadets; and (iv) members of the public. (E) Existing processes by which the Commandant, the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, or a designated individual may prohibit or restrict access to Coast Guard Academy grounds by any current or former member or civilian employee of the Coast Guard who— (i) has been subject to court-martial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for sexual misconduct; or (ii) has been administratively disciplined for sexual misconduct. (F) Enforcement processes regarding access to Coast Guard Academy grounds for individuals (including current and former cadets, members, and civilian employees of the Coast Guard) who are or have been subject to a no-contact order relating to— (i) a cadet or member of the faculty of the Academy; or (ii) any other individual with access to Academy grounds. (G) Recommendations to improve— (i) the security of the Coast Guard Academy; and (ii) the safety of— (I) cadets at the Coast Guard Academy; and (II) members of the Coast Guard stationed at, and civilian employees of, the Coast Guard Academy. (b) Actions by Commandant (1) Report Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Comptroller General submits the report required under subsection (a), the Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that includes— (A) a detailed plan to improve the security of, and the safety of cadets at, the Coast Guard Academy; and (B) a detailed timeline for implementation of— (i) the recommendations made by the Comptroller General in such report; and (ii) any other safety improvement the Commandant considers appropriate. (2) Policy Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Comptroller General submits the report required under subsection (a), the Commandant, in a manner that maintains good order and discipline, shall update Coast Guard policy relating to access to the Coast Guard Academy grounds to include procedures by which individuals may be prohibited from accessing the Coast Guard Academy— (A) as the Commandant considers appropriate; and (B) consistent with the recommendations made by the Comptroller General in such report. 509. Comptroller General study on athletic coaching at Coast Guard Academy (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States, in consultation with the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, shall commence a study on the number of administratively determined billets for teaching and coaching necessary to support Coast Guard Academy recruitment, intercollegiate athletics, health and physical education, and leadership development programs. (b) Elements The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An identification of the number of full-time and part-time employees performing coaching functions at the Coast Guard Academy whose positions are funded by a nonappropriated fund instrumentality of the Coast Guard. (2) An identification of the number of full-time and part-time employees whose positions are funded by a nonappropriated fund instrumentality performing coaching functions at the following: (A) The United States Military Academy. (B) The United States Naval Academy. (C) The United States Air Force Academy. (D) The United States Merchant Marine Academy. (3) An analysis of the roles performed by athletic coaches with respect to officer development at the Coast Guard Academy, including the specific functions of athletic coaches within the health and physical education and leadership development program curriculums. (4) An identification of any adverse impacts on or deficiencies in cadet training and officer development resulting from an inadequate number of administratively determined billets for teaching and coaching at the Coast Guard Academy. (c) Consultation In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General may consult a federally funded research and development center. (d) Report The Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee of Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the study conducted under this section. 510. Comptroller General study and report on permanent change of station process (a) Study Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall commence a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the permanent change of station process of the Coast Guard. (b) Report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after commencing the study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the study. (2) Elements The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A description of the permanent change of station policies of the Coast Guard. (B) A description of Coast Guard spending on permanent change of station moves and associated support costs. (C) An evaluation of the effectiveness of using contracted movers for permanent change of station moves, including the estimated costs associated with— (i) lost or damaged personal property of members of the Coast Guard; (ii) delays in scheduling such a move through a contracted mover; (iii) delayed delivery of household goods; and (iv) other related challenges. (D) A review of changes to permanent change of station policies implemented during the 10-year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act, and the costs or savings to the Coast Guard directly associated with such changes. (E) Recommendations to improve the permanent change of station process of the Coast Guard. (F) Any additional information or related matter arising from the study, as the Comptroller General considers appropriate. VI Amendments 601. Amendments (a) Prohibition on entry and operation Section 70022(b)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking Federal Register and inserting the Federal Register . (b) Port, harbor, and coastal facility security Section 70116(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1) by striking terrorism cyber and inserting terrorism, cyber ; and (2) in paragraph (2) by inserting a comma after acts of terrorism . (c) Enforcement by state and local officers Section 70118(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking section 1 of title II of the Act of June 15, 1917 (chapter 30; 50 U.S.C. 191 ) and inserting section 70051 ; and (2) by striking section 7(b) of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1226(b) ) and inserting section 70116(b) . (d) Chapter 701 definitions Section 70131(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking section 1 of title II of the Act of June 15, 1917 ( 50 U.S.C. 191 ) and inserting section 70051 ; and (2) by striking section 7(b) of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1226(b) ) and inserting section 70116(b) . (e) Notice of arrival requirements for vessels on the outer continental shelf (1) Preparatory conforming amendment Section 70001 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by redesignating subsections (l) and (m) as subsections (m) and (n), respectively. (2) Transfer of provision Section 704 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act 2012 ( Public Law 112–213 ; 46 U.S.C. 70001 note) is— (A) amended by striking of title 46, United States Code, ; (B) amended by striking ( 33 U.S.C. 1223 note) and inserting ( 46 U.S.C. 70001 note) ; (C) transferred to appear after 70001(k) of title 46, United States Code; and (D) redesignated as subsection (l). (f) Title 46 Title 46, United States Code, is amended as follows: (1) Section 2101(2) is amended by striking section 1 and inserting section 101 . (2) Section 2116(b)(1)(D) is amended by striking section 93(c) and inserting section 504(c) . (3) In the analysis for subtitle VII by striking the period after 70001 in the item relating to chapter 700. (4) In the analysis for chapter 700 by striking the item relating to section 70006 and inserting the following: 70006. Establishment by Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating of anchorage grounds and regulations generally. . (5) In the heading for subchapter IV in the analysis for chapter 700 by inserting a comma after Definitions . (6) In the heading for subchapter VI in the analysis for chapter 700 by striking of the United and inserting of United . (7) Section 70052(e)(1) is amended by striking section 4197 of the Revised Statutes of the United States ( 46 U.S.C. App. 91 ) and inserting section 60105 . (g) Oil pollution act of 1990 The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ( 33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq. ) is amended as follows: (1) Section 1001 ( 33 U.S.C. 2701 ) is amended— (A) in paragraph (32)(G) by striking pipeline and all that follows through offshore facility and inserting pipeline, offshore facility ; (B) in paragraph (39) by striking section 101(20)(G)(i) and inserting section 101(20)(H)(i) ; (C) in paragraph (40) by striking section 101(20)(G)(ii) and inserting section 101(20)(H)(ii) ; (D) ) in paragraph (41) by striking section 101(20)(G)(iii) and inserting section 101(20)(H)(iii) ; (E) in paragraph (42) by striking section 101(20)(G)(iv) and inserting section 101(20)(H)(iv) ; (F) in paragraph (43) by striking section 101(20)(G)(v) and inserting section 101(20)(H)(v) ; and (G) in paragraph (44) by striking section 101(20)(G)(vi) and inserting section 101(20)(H)(vi) . (2) Section 1003(d)(6) ( 33 U.S.C. 2703(d)(6) ) is amended by striking this paragraph and inserting this subsection . (3) Section 1016 ( 33 U.S.C. 2716 ) is amended— (A) by redesignating subsections (e) through (i) as subsections (d) through (h), respectively; and (B) in subsection (e)(1)(B), as redesignated by subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (e) and inserting subsection (d) . (4) Section 1012(b)(2) ( 33 U.S.C. 2712(b)(2) ) is amended by striking section 1016(f)(1) and inserting section 1016(e)(1) . (5) Section 1005(b)(5)(B) ( 33 U.S.C. 2716(b)(5)(B) ) is amended by striking section 1016(g) and inserting section 2716(f) . (6) Section 1018(c) ( 33 U.S.C. 2718(c) ) is amended by striking the Act of March 3, 1851 ( 46 U.S.C. 183 et seq. ) and inserting chapter 305 of title 46, United States Code . (7) Section 7001(h)(1) ( 33 U.S.C. 2761(h)(1) ) is amended by striking subsection (c)(4) and inserting subsection (e)(4) . VII National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps 701. Title and qualifications of head of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; promotions of flag officers (a) Title and qualifications of head (1) In general Section 228(c) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 3028(c) ) is amended— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking Corps and Office of and inserting Commissioned Officer Corps and Assistant Administrator for ; (B) in the second sentence, by striking serving in and all that follows through half) and inserting who has served, on the date of such appointment, in the grade of captain or above for not less than one year ; and (C) in the fourth sentence, by striking Director of the Office of and inserting Assistant Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for . (2) Conforming amendment Section 4(a) of the Commercial Engagement Through Ocean Technology Act of 2018 ( 33 U.S.C. 4103(a) ) is amended by striking Director of the Office of and inserting Assistant Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for . (b) Promotions of flag officers Section 226 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 3026 ) is amended— (1) by striking Appointments and inserting the following: (a) In general Appointments ; (2) by inserting after all permanent grades the following: , other than a grade described in subsection (b), ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (b) Flag officers Appointments in and promotions to the grade of rear admiral (upper half) or above shall be made by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. . 702. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessel fleet (a) In general The NOAA Fleet Modernization Act ( 33 U.S.C. 891 et seq. ) is amended— (1) in section 603 ( 33 U.S.C. 891a )— (A) in the section heading, by striking Fleet and all that follows through program and inserting Operation and maintenance of NOAA fleet ; and (B) by striking is authorized and all that follows and inserting the following: , acting through the Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Marine and Aviation Operations, shall operate and maintain a fleet of vessels to meet the requirements of NOAA in carrying out the mission and functions of NOAA, subject to the requirements of this title. ; (2) in section 604 ( 33 U.S.C. 891b )— (A) in subsection (a), by striking Secretary and all that follows and inserting Secretary, acting through the Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Marine and Aviation Operations, shall develop and submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a replacement and modernization plan for the NOAA fleet not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , and every 2 years thereafter. ; (B) by striking subsections (b) and (d); (C) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); (D) in subsection (b), as so redesignated— (i) in paragraph (1), by striking proposed and all that follows and inserting the following: in operation in the NOAA fleet as of the date of submission of the Plan, a description of the status of those vessels, and a statement of the planned and anticipated service life of those vessels; ; (ii) by striking paragraph (6); (iii) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (4), (5), (6), and (7), respectively; (iv) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) a plan with respect to operation, maintenance, and replacement of vessels described in paragraph (1), including the schedule for maintenance or replacement and anticipated funding requirements; (3) the number of vessels proposed to be constructed by NOAA; ; (v) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated, by striking constructed, leased, or chartered and inserting acquired, leased, or chartered by NOAA ; (vi) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated— (I) by striking or any other federal official and inserting the Director of the National Science Foundation, or any other Federal official ; and (II) by striking their availability and inserting the availability of those vessels ; (vii) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated, by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; and (viii) by adding at the end the following: (8) a plan for using small vessels, uncrewed systems, and partnerships to augment the requirements of NOAA for days at sea; (9) the number of officers of the NOAA commissioned officer corps and professional wage mariners needed to operate and maintain the NOAA fleet, including the vessels identified under paragraph (3); and (10) current and potential challenges with meeting the requirements under paragraph (9) and proposed solutions to those challenges. ; and (E) by adding at the end the following: (c) Vessel procurement approval The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may not procure vessels that are more than 65 feet in length without the approval of the Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Marine and Aviation Operations. ; (3) in section 605 ( 33 U.S.C. 891c )— (A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking working through the Office of the NOAA Corps Operations and the Systems Procurement Office and inserting acting through the Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Marine and Aviation Operations ; and (B) in subsection (b)— (i) by striking shall and all that follows through submit to Congress and inserting , acting through the Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Marine and Aviation Operations, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, ; and (ii) by striking subsequent ; (4) in section 608 ( 33 U.S.C. 891f )— (A) by striking subsection (b); (B) by striking (a) Vessel agreements. — ; and (C) by inserting after Secretary the following: , acting through the Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Marine and Aviation Operations, ; and (5) in section 610 ( 33 U.S.C. 891h )— (A) in subsection (a), by striking for carrying and all that follows and inserting the following: $93,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2025 through 2026 to carry out this title and section 302 of the Fisheries Survey Vessel Authorization Act of 2000 (title III of Public Law 106–450 ; 114 Stat. 1945; 33 U.S.C. 891b note). ; and (B) in subsection (b), by striking National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fleet modernization and inserting NOAA fleet modernization, . (b) Fishery survey vessels Section 302(a) of the Fisheries Survey Vessel Authorization Act of 2000 (title III of Public Law 106–450 ; 114 Stat. 1945; 33 U.S.C. 891b note) is amended— (1) by striking may in accordance with this section and inserting may ; (2) by striking up to six ; and (3) by inserting after this section the following: and the NOAA Fleet Modernization Act ( 33 U.S.C. 891 et seq. ) . (c) Notifications of proposed deactivation of vessels Section 401(b)(4) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 ( Public Law 102–567 ; 106 Stat. 4291; 33 U.S.C. 891b note) is amended— (1) by striking (A) and all that follows through The Secretary and inserting The Secretary ; (2) by striking the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries and inserting the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology ; and (3) by striking , if an equivalent and all that follows through deactivation . 703. Cooperative Aviation Centers (a) In general Section 218 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 3008 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by striking aviation accession training programs and inserting Cooperative Aviation Centers ; (2) in subsection (a), by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following: (2) Cooperative Aviation Center The term Cooperative Aviation Center means a Cooperative Aviation Center designated under subsection (b)(1). ; (3) in subsection (b)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking Aviation Accession Training Programs and inserting Cooperative Aviation Centers ; (B) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); (C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); (D) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: (1) Designation required The Administrator shall designate one or more Cooperative Aviation Centers for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration at institutions described in paragraph (3). (2) Purpose The purpose of Cooperative Aviation Centers is to facilitate the development and recruitment of aviators for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. ; and (E) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated— (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), inserting that after educational institution ; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking that requests and inserting applies ; (iii) in subparagraph (B)— (I) by striking that has and inserting has ; and (II) by striking the semicolon and inserting ; and ; (iv) in subparagraph (C)— (I) by striking that is located and inserting is located ; (II) by striking clause (ii); (III) by striking that— and all that follows through experiences and inserting that experiences ; and (IV) by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (v) by striking subparagraph (D); and (4) by striking subsections (c), (d), and (e) and inserting the following: (c) Cooperative Aviation Centers advisor (1) Assignment The Administrator shall assign an officer or employee of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration to serve as the Cooperative Aviation Centers Advisor. (2) Duties The Cooperative Aviation Centers Advisor shall— (A) coordinate all engagement of the Administration with Cooperative Aviation Centers, including assistance with curriculum development; and (B) serve as the chief aviation recruiting officer for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes ( Public Law 107–372 ) is amended by striking the item relating to section 218 and inserting the following: Sec.218.Cooperative Aviation Centers. . 704. Eligibility of former officers to compete for certain positions (a) In general The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq. ) is amended by inserting after section 269B the following new section: 269C. Eligibility of former officers to compete for certain positions (a) In general An individual who was separated from the commissioned officer corps of the Administration under honorable conditions after not fewer than 3 years of active service may not be denied the opportunity to compete for a vacant position with respect to which the agency in which the position is located will accept applications from individuals outside the workforce of that agency under merit promotion procedures. (b) Type of appointment If selected for a position pursuant to subsection (a), an individual described in that subsection shall receive a career or career-conditional appointment, as appropriate. (c) Announcements The area of consideration for a merit promotion announcement with respect to a position that includes consideration of individuals within the Federal service for that position shall— (1) indicate that individuals described in subsection (a) are eligible to apply for the position; and (2) be publicized in accordance with section 3327 of title 5, United States Code. (d) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed to confer an entitlement to veterans’ preference that is not otherwise required by any statute or regulation relating to veterans’ preference. (e) Regulations The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall prescribe regulations necessary for the administration of this section. (f) Reporting requirement Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , the Administrator shall submit to the Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committees on Natural Resources and Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report which includes the following: (1) A description of how the Administrator has utilized the authority granted under this section, including the number and locations of individuals hired utilizing the authority granted under this section. (2) An overview of the impact to Federal employment for former members of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration as a result of the authority granted under this section. (g) Sunset This section shall be repealed on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 . . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1 of such Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 269B the following new item: Sec.269C.Eligibility of former officers to compete for certain positions. . 705. Alignment of physical disqualification standard for obligated service agreements with standard for veterans’ benefits Section 216(c)(2)(B) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 3006(c)(2)(B) ) is amended by striking misconduct or grossly negligent conduct and inserting willful misconduct . 706. Streamlining separation and retirement process Section 241(c) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 ( 33 U.S.C. 3041(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Effective date of retirements and separations (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), a retirement or separation under subsection (a) shall take effect on such date as is determined by the Secretary. (2) Determination of date The effective date determined under paragraph (1) for a retirement or separation under subsection (a) shall be— (A) except as provided by subparagraph (B), not earlier than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary approves the retirement or separation; or (B) if the officer concerned requests an earlier effective date, such earlier date as is determined by the Secretary. . 707. Separation of ensigns found not fully qualified Section 223(b) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 ( 30 U.S.C. 3023(b) ) is amended— (1) by striking permanent ; and (2) by striking the officer’s commission shall be revoked and . 708. Repeal of limitation on educational assistance (a) In general Section 204 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2020 ( 33 U.S.C. 3079–1 ) is repealed. (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1(b) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2020 ( Public Law 116–259 ; 134 Stat. 1153) is amended by striking the item relating to section 204. 709. Disposal of survey and research vessels and equipment of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Section 548 of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1) by striking The Maritime and inserting (a) In General. —Except as provided in subsection (b), the Maritime ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessels and equipment (1) Authority The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may dispose of covered vessels and equipment, which would otherwise be disposed of under subsection (a), through sales or transfers under this title. (2) Use of proceeds During the 2-year period beginning of the date of enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 , notwithstanding section 571 of this title or section 3302 of title 31, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may— (A) retain the proceeds from the sale or transfer of a covered vessel or equipment under paragraph (1) until expended under subparagraph (B); and (B) use such proceeds, without fiscal year limitation, for the acquisition of new covered vessels and equipment or the repair and maintenance of existing covered vessels and equipment. (3) Covered vessels and equipment defined In this subsection, the term covered vessels and equipment means survey and research vessels and related equipment owned by the Federal Government and under the control of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. . B South Pacific Tuna Treaty matters 721. References to South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988 Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this subtitle an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988 ( 16 U.S.C. 973 et seq. ). 722. Definitions (a) Applicable national law Section 2(4) ( 16 U.S.C. 973(4) ) is amended by striking described in paragraph 1(a) of Annex I of and inserting noticed and in effect in accordance with . (b) Closed area Section 2(5) ( 16 U.S.C. 973(5) ) is amended by striking of the closed areas identified in Schedule 2 of Annex I of and inserting area within the jurisdiction of a Pacific Island Party that is closed to vessels pursuant to a national law of that Pacific Island Party and is noticed and in effect in accordance with . (c) Fishing Section 2(6) ( 16 U.S.C. 973(6) ) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (C), by inserting for any purpose after harvesting of fish ; and (2) by amending subparagraph (F) to read as follows: (F) use of any other vessel, vehicle, aircraft, or hovercraft for any activity described in this paragraph except for emergencies involving the health or safety of the crew or the safety of a vessel. . (d) Fishing vessel; vessel Section 2(7) ( 16 U.S.C. 973(7) ) is amended by striking commercial fishing and inserting commercial purse seine fishing for tuna . (e) Licensing area Section 2(8) ( 16 U.S.C. 973(8) ) is amended by striking in the Treaty Area and all that follows and inserting under the jurisdiction of a Pacific Island Party, except for internal waters, territorial seas, archipelagic waters, and any Closed Area. . (f) Limited area; party; treaty area Section 2 ( 16 U.S.C. 973 ) is amended— (1) by striking paragraphs (10), (13), and (18); (2) by redesignating paragraphs (11) and (12) as paragraphs (10) and (11), respectively; (3) by redesignating paragraph (14) as paragraph (12); and (4) by redesignating paragraphs (15) through (17) as paragraphs (14) through (16), respectively. (g) Regional terms and conditions Section 2 ( 16 U.S.C. 973 ) is amended by inserting after paragraph (12), as redesignated by subsection (f)(3), the following: (13) The term regional terms and conditions means any of the terms or conditions attached by the Administrator to a license issued by the Administrator, as notified by the Secretary. . 723. Prohibited acts (a) In general Section 5(a) ( 16 U.S.C. 973c(a) ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking Except as provided in section 6 of this Act, it and inserting It ; (2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); (3) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (13) as paragraphs (3) through (11), respectively; (4) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by inserting , except in accordance with an agreement pursuant to the Treaty after Closed Area ; (5) in paragraph (10), as so redesignated, by striking or at the end; (6) in paragraph (11), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (7) by adding at the end the following: (12) to violate any of the regional terms and conditions; or (13) to violate any limit on an authorized fishing effort or catch. . (b) In the licensing area Section 5(b) ( 16 U.S.C. 973c(b) ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking Except as provided in section 6 of this Act, it and inserting It ; (2) by striking paragraph (5); and (3) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively. 724. Exceptions Section 6 ( 16 U.S.C. 973d ) is repealed. 725. Criminal offenses Section 7(a) ( 16 U.S.C. 973e(a) ) is amended by striking section 5(a) (8), (10), (11), or (12) and inserting paragraph (6), (8), (9), or (10) of section 5(a) . 726. Civil penalties (a) Amount Section 8(a) ( 16 U.S.C. 973f(a) ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking Code after liable to the United States ; and (2) in the fourth sentence, by striking Except for those acts prohibited by section 5(a) (4), (5), (7), (8), (10), (11), and (12), and section 5(b) (1), (2), (3), and (7) of this Act, the and inserting The . (b) Waiver of referral to attorney general Section 8(g) ( 16 U.S.C. 973f(g) ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking section 5(a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), or (13) and inserting paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (11), (12), or (13) of section 5(a) ; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking , all Limited Areas closed to fishing, after outside of the Licensing Area . 727. Licenses (a) Forwarding of vessel license application Section 9(b) ( 16 U.S.C. 973g(b) ) is amended to read as follows: (b) In accordance with subsection (e), and except as provided in subsection (f), the Secretary shall forward a vessel license application to the Administrator whenever such application is in accordance with application procedures established by the Secretary. . (b) Fees and schedules Section 9(c) ( 16 U.S.C. 973g(c) ) is amended to read as follows: (c) Fees required under the Treaty shall be paid in accordance with the Treaty and any procedures established by the Secretary. . (c) Minimum fees required To be received in initial year; grounds for denial of forwarding of license application; grandfathering of certain vessels Section 9 ( 16 U.S.C. 973g ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (f); (2) by redesignating subsections (g) and (h) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively; (3) by amending subsection (f), as so redesignated, to read as follows: (f) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may determine that a license application should not be forwarded to the Administrator if— (1) the application is not in accordance with the Treaty or the procedures established by the Secretary; or (2) the owner or charterer— (A) is the subject of proceedings under the bankruptcy laws of the United States, unless reasonable financial assurances have been provided to the Secretary; (B) has not established to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the fishing vessel is fully insured against all risks and liabilities normally provided in maritime liability insurance; or (C) has not paid any penalty which has become final, assessed by the Secretary in accordance with this Act. ; and (4) in subsection (g), as redesignated by paragraph (2)— (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) section 12113 of title 46, United States Code; ; (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting of 1972 after Marine Mammal Protection Act ; (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting of 1972 after Marine Mammal Protection Act ; and (D) in the matter following paragraph (3), by striking any vessel documented and all that follows and inserting the following: any vessel documented under the laws of the United States as of the date of enactment of the Fisheries Act of 1995 ( Public Law 104–43 ) for which a license has been issued under subsection (a) may fish for tuna in the Licensing Area, and on the high seas and in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States west of 146 west longitude and east of 129.5 east longitude in accordance with international law, subject to the provisions of the Treaty, this Act, and other applicable law, provided that no such vessel intentionally deploys a purse seine net to encircle any dolphin or other marine mammal in the course of fishing. . 728. Enforcement (a) Notice requirements to Pacific Island Party concerning institution of legal proceedings Section 10(c)(1) ( 16 U.S.C. 973h(c)(1) ) is amended— (1) in the first sentence, by striking paragraph 8 of Article 4 of ; and (2) in the third sentence, by striking Article 10 of . (b) Searches and seizures by authorized officers Section 10(d)(1)(A) ( 16 U.S.C. 973h(d)(1)(A) ) is amended— (1) in clause (ii), by striking or at the end; and (2) in clause (iii), by adding or at the end. 729. Findings by Secretary of Commerce (a) Order of vessel To leave waters upon failure To submit to jurisdiction of Pacific Island Party; procedure applicable Section 11(a) ( 16 U.S.C. 973i(a) ) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking , all Limited Areas, ; (2) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking paragraph 2 of Article 3 of ; and (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking within the Treaty Area and inserting under the jurisdiction ; and (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking section 5 (a)(4), (a)(5), (b)(2), or (b)(3) and inserting paragraph (3) of section 5(a) or paragraph (2) or (3) of section 5(b) ; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking section 5(b)(7) and inserting section 5(b)(6) ; and (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking section 5(a)(7) and inserting section 5(a)(5) . (b) Order of vessel To leave waters where pacific island party investigating alleged treaty infringement Section 11(b) ( 16 U.S.C. 973i(b) ) is amended by striking paragraph 7 of Article 5 of . 730. Disclosure of information Section 12 ( 16 U.S.C. 973j ) is amended to read as follows: 12. Disclosure of information (a) Prohibited disclosure of certain information Pursuant to section 552(b)(3) of title 5, United States Code, except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary shall keep confidential and may not disclose the following information: (1) Information provided to the Secretary by the Administrator that the Administrator has designated confidential. (2) Information collected by observers. (3) Information submitted to the Secretary by any person in compliance with the requirements of this Act. (b) Authorized disclosure of certain information The Secretary may disclose information described in subsection (a)— (1) if disclosure is ordered by a court; (2) if the information is used by a Federal employee— (A) for enforcement; or (B) in support of the homeland security missions and non-homeland security missions of the Coast Guard as defined in section 888 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 468 ); (3) if the information is used by a Federal employee or an employee of a Fishery Management Council for the administration of the Treaty or fishery management and monitoring; (4) to the Administrator, in accordance with the requirements of the Treaty and this Act; (5) to the secretariat or equivalent of an international fisheries management organization of which the United States is a member, in accordance with the requirements or decisions of such organization, and insofar as possible, in accordance with an agreement that prevents public disclosure of the identity of any person that submits such information; (6) if the Secretary has obtained written authorization from the person providing such information, and disclosure does not violate other requirements of this Act; or (7) in an aggregate or summary form that does not directly or indirectly disclose the identity of any person that submits such information. (c) Savings clause (1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to adversely affect the authority of Congress, including a Committee or Member thereof, to obtain any record or information. (2) The absence of a provision similar to paragraph (1) in any other provision of law shall not be construed to limit the ability of the Senate or the House of Representatives, including a Committee or Member thereof, to obtain any record or information. . 731. Closed area stowage requirements Section 13 ( 16 U.S.C. 973k ) is amended by striking . In particular, the boom shall be lowered and all that follows and inserting and in accordance with any requirements established by the Secretary. . 732. Observers Section 14 ( 16 U.S.C. 973l ) is repealed. 733. Fisheries-related assistance Section 15 ( 16 U.S.C. 973m ) is amended to read as follows: 15. Fisheries-related assistance The Secretary and the Secretary of State may provide assistance to a Pacific Island Party to benefit such Pacific Island Party from the development of fisheries resources and the operation of fishing vessels that are licensed pursuant to the Treaty, including— (1) technical assistance; (2) training and capacity building opportunities; (3) facilitation of the implementation of private sector activities or partnerships; and (4) other activities as determined appropriate by the Secretary and the Secretary of State. . 734. Arbitration Section 16 ( 16 U.S.C. 973n ) is amended— (1) by striking Article 6 of after arbitral tribunal under ; and (2) by striking paragraph 3 of that Article and all that follows through under such paragraph and inserting the Treaty, shall determine the location of the arbitration, and shall represent the United States in reaching agreement under the Treaty . 735. Disposition of fees, penalties, forfeitures, and other moneys Section 17 ( 16 U.S.C. 973o ) is amended by striking Article 4 of . 736. Additional agreements Section 18 ( 16 U.S.C. 973p ) is amended by striking Within 30 days after and all that follows and inserting The Secretary may establish procedures for review of any agreements for additional fishing access entered into pursuant to the Treaty. . C Other matters 741. North Pacific Research Board enhancement (a) Short title This section may be cited as the North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act . (b) Amendments Section 401(e) of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 ( 43 U.S.C. 1474d(e) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (3)— (A) in subparagraph (L), by striking and after the semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (M), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; (C) in subparagraph (N), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; (D) by inserting after subparagraph (N) the following: (O) one member who shall represent Alaska Natives and possesses personal knowledge of, and direct experience with, subsistence uses and shall be nominated by the Board and appointed by the Secretary. ; and (E) by adding at the end the following: Board members appointed under subparagraphs (N) and (O) shall serve for 3-year terms, and may be reappointed once. ; (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: (5) If the amount made available for a fiscal year under subsection (c)(2) is less than the amount made available in the previous fiscal year, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may increase the 15 percent cap on administrative expenses provided under paragraph (4)(B) for that fiscal year to prioritize— (A) continuing operation of the Board; (B) maximizing the percentage of funds directed to research; and (C) maintaining the highest quality standards in administering grants under this subsection. . (c) Waiver Beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date that is 5 years after such date of enactment, the 15 percent cap on funds to provide support for the North Pacific Research Board and administer grants under section 401(e)(4)(B) of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 ( 43 U.S.C. 1474d(e)(4)(B) ) shall be waived.