instruction:
In this task, you are given text for US Congressional and California state bills, your task is to generate a summary for this bill.
question:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Northwest Straits Marine 
Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2009''.

SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE CONSERVATION 
              INITIATIVE ACT.

    The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act (title IV 
of Public Law 105-384; 112 Stat. 3458) is amended--
            (1) in section 402, by striking ``(in this title referred 
        to as the `Commission')'';
            (2) by striking sections 403 and 404;
            (3) by redesignating section 405 as section 410; and
            (4) by inserting after section 402 the following new 
        sections:

``SEC. 403. FINDINGS.

    ``Congress makes the following findings:
            ``(1) The marine waters and ecosystem of the Northwest 
        Straits in Puget Sound in the State of Washington represent a 
        unique resource of enormous environmental and economic value to 
        the people of the United States.
            ``(2) During the 20th century, the environmental health of 
        the Northwest Straits declined dramatically as indicated by 
        impaired water quality, declines in marine wildlife, collapse 
        of harvestable marine species, loss of critical marine 
        habitats, ocean acidification, and sea level rise.
            ``(3) At the start of the 21st century, the Northwest 
        Straits have been threatened by sea level rise, ocean 
        acidification, and other effects of climate change.
            ``(4) In 1998, the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation 
        Initiative Act (title IV of Public Law 105-384) was enacted to 
        tap the unprecedented level of citizen stewardship demonstrated 
        in the Northwest Straits and create a mechanism to mobilize 
        public support and raise capacity for local efforts to protect 
        and restore the ecosystem of the Northwest Straits.
            ``(5) The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative 
        helps the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and 
        other Federal agencies with their marine missions by fostering 
        local interest in marine issues and involving diverse groups of 
        citizens.
            ``(6) The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative 
        shares many of the same goals with the National Oceanic and 
        Atmospheric Administration, including fostering citizen 
        stewardship of marine resources, general ecosystem management, 
        and protecting federally managed marine species.
            ``(7) Ocean literacy and identification and removal of 
        marine debris projects are examples of on-going partnerships 
        between the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative 
        and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

``SEC. 404. DEFINITIONS.

    ``In this title:
            ``(1) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the 
        Northwest Straits Advisory Commission established by section 
        402.
            ``(2) 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. 450b).
            ``(3) Northwest straits.--The term `Northwest Straits' 
        means the marine waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and of 
        Puget Sound from the Canadian border to the south end of 
        Snohomish County.

``SEC. 405. MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION.

    ``(a) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of up to 14 
members who shall be appointed as follows:
            ``(1) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of 
        a marine resources committee established under section 408 for 
        each of the following counties of the State of Washington:
                    ``(A) San Juan County.
                    ``(B) Island County.
                    ``(C) Skagit County.
                    ``(D) Whatcom County.
                    ``(E) Snohomish County.
                    ``(F) Clallam County.
                    ``(G) Jefferson County.
            ``(2) Two members appointed by the Secretary of the 
        Interior in trust capacity and in consultation with the 
        Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission or the Indian tribes 
        affected by this title collectively, as the Secretary of the 
        Interior considers appropriate, to represent the interests of 
        such tribes.
            ``(3) One member appointed by the Governor of the State of 
        Washington to represent the interests of the Puget Sound 
        Partnership.
            ``(4) Four members appointed by the Governor of the State 
        of Washington who--
                    ``(A) are residents of the State of Washington; and
                    ``(B) are not employed by a Federal, State, or 
                local government.
    ``(b) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in 
the manner in which the original appointment was made.
    ``(c) Chairperson.--The Commission shall select a Chairperson from 
among its members.
    ``(d) Meeting.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the 
Chairperson, but not less frequently than quarterly.
    ``(e) Liaison.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Commerce, acting 
        through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and in 
        consultation with the Director of the Commission appointed 
        under section 407(a), shall appoint an employee of the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--
                    ``(A) to serve as a liaison between the Commission 
                and the Department of Commerce; and
                    ``(B) to attend meetings and other events of the 
                Commission as a nonvoting participant.
            ``(2) Limitation.--Service of an employee as an appointee 
        under paragraph (1)--
                    ``(A) shall be limited to service as a liaison and 
                attendance of meetings and other events as a nonvoting 
                participant; and
                    ``(B) does not obligate the employee to perform any 
                duty of the Commission under section 406(b).

``SEC. 406. GOAL AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.

    ``(a) Goal.--The goal of the Commission is to protect and restore 
the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Northwest Straits 
region to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use by--
            ``(1) designing and initiating projects that are driven by 
        sound science, local priorities, community-based decisions, and 
        the ability to measure results;
            ``(2) building awareness and stewardship and making 
        recommendations to improve the health of the Northwest Straits 
        marine resources;
            ``(3) maintaining and expanding diverse membership and 
        partner organizations;
            ``(4) expanding partnerships with governments of Indian 
        tribes affected by this title and continuing to foster respect 
        for tribal cultures and treaties; and
            ``(5) recognizing the importance of economic and social 
        benefits that are dependent on marine environments and 
        sustainable marine resources.
    ``(b) Duties.--The duties of the Commission are the following:
            ``(1) To provide resources and technical support for marine 
        resources committees established under section 408.
            ``(2) To work with such marine resources committees and 
        appropriate entities of Federal and State governments and 
        Indian tribes affected by this title to develop programs to 
        monitor the overall health of the marine ecosystem of the 
        Northwest Straits.
            ``(3) To identify factors adversely affecting or preventing 
        the restoration of the health of the marine ecosystem and 
        coastal economies of the Northwest Straits.
            ``(4) To develop scientifically sound restoration and 
        protection recommendations, informed by local priorities, that 
        address such factors.
            ``(5) To assist in facilitating the successful 
        implementation of such recommendations by developing broad 
        support among appropriate authorities, stakeholder groups, and 
        local communities.
            ``(6) To develop regional projects based on such 
        recommendations to protect and restore the Northwest Straits 
        ecosystem.
            ``(7) To serve as a public forum for the discussion of 
        policies and actions of Federal, State, or local government, an 
        Indian tribe affected by this title, or the Government of 
        Canada with respect to the marine ecosystem of the Northwest 
        Straits.
            ``(8) To inform appropriate authorities and local 
        communities about the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits 
        and about issues relating to the marine ecosystem of the 
        Northwest Straits.
            ``(9) To consult with all Indian tribes affected by this 
        title to ensure that the work of the Commission does not 
        violate tribal treaty rights.
    ``(c) Benchmarks.--The Commission shall carry out its duties in a 
manner that promotes the achieving of the benchmarks described in 
subsection (f)(2).
    ``(d) Coordination and Collaboration.--The Commission shall carry 
out the duties described in subsection (b) in coordination and 
collaboration, when appropriate, with Federal, State, and local 
governments and Indian tribes affected by this title.
    ``(e) Regulatory Authority.--The Commission shall have no power to 
issue regulations.
    ``(f) Annual Report.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each year, the Commission shall prepare, 
        submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Natural 
        Resources of the House of Representatives, and the Under 
        Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, and make available to the 
        public an annual report describing--
                    ``(A) the activities carried out by the Commission 
                during the preceding year; and
                    ``(B) the progress of the Commission in achieving 
                the benchmarks described in paragraph (2).
            ``(2) Benchmarks.--The benchmarks described in this 
        paragraph are the following:
                    ``(A) Protection and restoration of marine, 
                coastal, and nearshore habitats.
                    ``(B) Prevention of loss and achievement of a net 
                gain of healthy habitat areas.
                    ``(C) Protection and restoration of marine 
                populations to healthy, sustainable levels.
                    ``(D) Protection of the marine water quality of the 
                Northwest Straits region and restoration of the health 
                of marine waters.
                    ``(E) Collection of high-quality data and promotion 
                of the use and dissemination of such data.
                    ``(F) Promotion of stewardship and understanding of 
                Northwest Straits marine resources through education 
                and outreach.

``SEC. 407. COMMISSION PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS.

    ``(a) Director.--The Manager of the Shorelands and Environmental 
Assistance Program of the Department of Ecology of the State of 
Washington may, upon the recommendation of the Commission and the 
Director of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 
appoint and terminate a Director of the Commission. The employment of 
the Director shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission.
    ``(b) Staff.--The Director may hire such other personnel as may be 
appropriate to enable the Commission to perform its duties. Such 
personnel shall be hired through the personnel system of the Department 
of Ecology of the State of Washington.
    ``(c) Administrative Services.--If the Governor of the State of 
Washington makes available to the Commission the administrative 
services of the State of Washington Department of Ecology, the 
Commission shall use such services for employment, procurement, grant 
and fiscal management, and support services necessary to carry out the 
duties of the Commission.

``SEC. 408. MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEES.

    ``(a) In General.--The government of each of the counties referred 
to in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of section 405(a)(1) may establish 
a marine resources committee that--
            ``(1) complies with the requirements of this section; and
            ``(2) receives from such government the mission, direction, 
        expert assistance, and financial resources necessary--
                    ``(A) to address issues affecting the marine 
                ecosystems within its county; and
                    ``(B) to work to achieve the benchmarks described 
                in section 406(f)(2).
    ``(b) Membership.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each marine resources committee 
        established pursuant to this section shall be composed of--
                    ``(A) members with relevant scientific expertise; 
                and
                    ``(B) members that represent balanced 
                representation, including representation of--
                            ``(i) local governments, including planning 
                        staff from counties and cities with marine 
                        shorelines;
                            ``(ii) affected economic interests, such as 
                        ports and commercial fishers;
                            ``(iii) affected recreational interests, 
                        such as sport fishers; and
                            ``(iv) conservation and environmental 
                        interests.
            ``(2) Tribal members.--With respect to a county referred to 
        in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of section 405(a)(1), each 
        Indian tribe with usual and accustomed fishing rights in the 
        waters of such county and each Indian tribe with reservation 
        lands in such county, may appoint one member to the marine 
        resources committee for such county. Such member may be 
        appointed by the respective tribal authority.
            ``(3) Chairperson.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Each marine resources committee 
                established pursuant to this section shall select a 
                chairperson from among members by a majority vote of 
                the members of the committee.
                    ``(B) Rotating position.--Each marine resources 
                committee established pursuant to this section shall 
                select a new chairperson at a frequency determined by 
                the county charter of the marine resources committee to 
                create a diversity of representation in the leadership 
                of the marine resources committee.
    ``(c) Duties.--The duties of a marine resources committee 
established pursuant to this section are the following:
            ``(1) To assist in assessing marine resource problems in 
        concert with governmental agencies, tribes, and other entities.
            ``(2) To assist in identifying local implications, needs, 
        and strategies associated with the recovery of Puget Sound 
        salmon and other species in the region of the Northwest Straits 
        listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 
        et seq.) in coordination with Federal, State, and local 
        governments, Indian tribes affected by this title, and other 
        entities.
            ``(3) To work with other entities to enhance the scientific 
        baseline and monitoring program for the marine environment of 
        the Northwest Straits.
            ``(4) To identify local priorities for marine resource 
        conservation and develop new projects to address those needs.
            ``(5) To work closely with county leadership to implement 
        local marine conservation and restoration initiatives.
            ``(6) To coordinate with the Commission on marine ecosystem 
        objectives.
            ``(7) To educate the public and key constituencies 
        regarding the relationship between healthy marine habitats, 
        harvestable resources, and human activities.

``SEC. 409. NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION.

    ``(a) Establishment.--The Director of the Commission and the 
Director of the State of Washington Department of Ecology, or his or 
her designee, may enter into an agreement with an organization 
described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to 
establish a nonprofit foundation to support the Commission and the 
marine resources committees established under section 408 in carrying 
out their duties under this Act.
    ``(b) Designation.--The foundation authorized by subsection (a) 
shall be known as the `Northwest Straits Marine Conservation 
Foundation'.
    ``(c) Receipt of Grants.--The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation 
Foundation may, if eligible, apply for, accept, and use grants awarded 
by Federal agencies, States, local governments, regional agencies, 
interstate agencies, corporations, foundations, or other persons to 
assist the Commission and the marine resources committees in carrying 
out their duties under this Act.
    ``(d) Transfer of Funds.--The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation 
Foundation may transfer funds to the Commission or the marine resources 
committees to assist them in carrying out their duties under this 
Act.''.

            Passed the House of Representatives December 7, 2009.

            Attest:

                                            LORRAINE C. MILLER,

                                                                 Clerk.
answer:
Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act to define "Northwest Straits" as the marine waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and of Puget Sound from the Canadian border to the south end of Snohomish County, Washington.

Sets forth the membership of the Northwest Straits Advisory Commission. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, to appoint an employee of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to serve as a liaison between the Commission and the Department of Commerce and to attend the Commission's meetings and events as a nonvoting participant. States the goal of the Commission as the protection and restoration of the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Northwest Straits region in Washington to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use. Enumerates the duties of the Commission and establishes benchmarks for its work. Requires the Commission to submit annual reports to Congress and the Under Secretary on its activities and its progress in achieving specified benchmarks.

Authorizes the Manager of the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program of Washington's Department of Ecology, upon the recommendation of the Commission and the Director of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, to appoint and terminate a Director of the Commission. Requires the Director to be confirmed by the Commission.

Provides for the establishment of marine resources committees in specified counties of Washington.

Authorizes the Director of the Commission and the Director of the State of Washington Department of Ecology to establish the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation as a nonprofit foundation to support the Commission and the marine resources committees established by this Act.


question:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Independent Ethics Commission Act of 
2007''.

SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF INDEPENDENT ETHICS COMMISSION.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established an independent ethics 
commission within the House of Representatives to be known as the 
Independent Ethics Committee (in this Act referred to as the 
``Commission'').
    (b) Membership and Terms of Office.--(1) The Commission shall 
consist of 9 commissioners, 4 appointed by the Speaker and 4 by the 
minority leader of the House, and one selected by the affirmative vote 
of two-thirds of the 8 appointed commissioners for a term of 5 years. 
No commissioner may serve for more than 5 years.
    (2) Commissioners shall be appointed for terms of 5 years, except 
that of the commissioners first appointed, 2 appointed by the Speaker 
and 2 by the minority leader shall be for 3-year terms and 2 appointed 
by the Speaker and 2 by the minority leader shall be for 4-year terms 
as designated by the Speaker and the minority leader at the time of 
appointment.
    (c) Qualifications.--Only former Federal judges shall be eligible 
for appointment to the Commission.
            (1) Disqualifications for appointments.--
                    (A) Lobbying.--No individual who has been a 
                lobbyist registered under the Lobbying Disclosure Act 
                of 1995 or engages in, or is otherwise employed in, 
                lobbying of the Congress or who is an agent of a 
                foreign principal registered under the Foreign Agents 
                Registration Act within the 4-year period immediately 
                preceding appointment shall be eligible for appointment 
                to, or service on, the Commission.
                    (B) Incompatible office.--No member of the 
                Commission appointed under subsection (b) may be a 
                Member of the House of Representatives or Senator.
            (2) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled 
        in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
    (d) Compensation.--Members shall each be entitled to receive the 
daily equivalent of the maximum annual rate of basic pay in effect for 
Level III of the Executive Schedule for each day (including travel 
time) during which they are engaged in the actual performance of duties 
vested in the Commission.
    (e) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall 
constitute a quorum.
    (f) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call a majority of 
its members.

SEC. 3. DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Duties.--The Commission is authorized--
            (1) to receive, monitor, and oversee financial disclosure 
        and other reports filed by Members of the House and officers 
        and employees of the House under the Ethics in Government Act 
        of 1978, and reports filed by registered lobbyists under the 
        Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995;
            (2) to investigate any alleged violation, by a Member, 
        officer, or employee of the House of Representatives, of any 
        rule or other standard of conduct applicable to the conduct of 
        such Member, officer, or employee under House rules in the 
        performance of his duties or the discharge of his 
        responsibilities;
            (3) to present a case of probable ethics violations to the 
        Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of 
        Representatives;
            (4) to make recommendations to the Committee on Standards 
        of Official Conduct of the House of Representatives that it 
        report to the appropriate Federal or State authorities any 
        substantial evidence of a violation by a Member, officer, or 
        employee of the House of Representatives of any law applicable 
        to the performance of his duties or the discharge of his 
        responsibilities, which may have been disclosed in an 
        investigation by the Office;
            (5) to provide information and informal guidance to 
        Members, officers and employees of the House of Representatives 
        regarding any rules and other standards of conduct applicable 
        to such individuals in their official capacities, and develop 
        and carry out periodic educational briefings for Members, 
        officers, and employees of the House of Representatives on 
        those laws, rules, regulations, or other standards; and
            (6) to give consideration to the request of any Member, 
        officer, or employee of the House of Representatives for a 
        formal advisory opinion or other formal ruling, subject to the 
        review of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the 
        House of Representatives, as applicable, with respect to the 
        general propriety of any current or proposed conduct of such 
        Member, officer, or employee and, with appropriate deletions to 
        assure the privacy of the individual concerned, to publish such 
        opinion for the guidance of other Members, officers, and 
        employees of the House of Representatives.

SEC. 4. POWERS OF COMMISSION.

    (a) Hearings and Evidence.--The Commission may for the purpose of 
carrying out this Act--
            (1) hold such hearings and sit and act at such times and 
        places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, administer 
        such oaths; and
            (2) subject to subsection (b), require, by subpoena or 
        otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and 
        the production of such books, records, correspondence, 
        memoranda, papers, and documents, as the Commission may 
        determine advisable.
    (b) Subpoenas.--A subpoena may be issued only with a majority of 
the Commission.
    (c) Obtaining Information.--Upon request of the Commission, the 
head of any agency or instrumentality of the Government shall furnish 
information deemed necessary by the Commission to enable it to carry 
out its duties.
    (d) Referrals to the Department of Justice.--Whenever the 
Commission has reason to believe that a violation of the Lobbying 
Disclosure Act of 1995 may have occurred, that matter may be referred 
to the Department of Justice for it to investigate.
    (e) General Audits.--The Commission shall have the authority to 
conduct general audits of filings under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 
1995.

SEC. 5. INVESTIGATIONS AND INTERACTION WITH THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON 
              STANDARDS OF OFFICIAL CONDUCT.

    (a) Notification.--Whenever the Commission determines that there 
are sufficient grounds to conduct an investigation--
            (1) the Commission shall notify the Committee on Standards 
        of Official Conduct of this determination;
            (2) the applicable committee may overrule the determination 
        of the Commission if, within 10 legislative days--
                    (A) the committee by an affirmative, roll-call vote 
                of two-thirds of the full committee votes to overrule 
                the determination of the Commission;
                    (B) the committee issues a public report detailing 
                its reasoning for overruling the Commission;
                    (C) the vote of each member of the committee on 
                such roll-call vote is included in the report;
                    (D) dissenting members are allowed to issue their 
                own report detailing their reasons for disagreeing with 
                the majority vote; and
                    (E) if the committee votes to overrule the 
                determination of the Commission pursuant to 
                subparagraph (B), the Commission may publish and make 
                available to the general public a report detailing the 
                reasons that the Commission concluded there were 
                sufficient grounds to conduct an investigation.
    (b) Conducting Investigations.--(1) If the Commission determines 
that there are sufficient grounds to conduct an investigation and his 
determination is not overruled under subsection (a)(5), the Commission 
shall conduct an investigation to determine if probable cause exists 
that a violation occurred.
    (2) As part of an investigation, the Commission may--
            (A) administer oaths;
            (B) issue subpoenas;
            (C) compel the attendance of witnesses and the production 
        of papers, books, accounts, documents, and testimony; and
            (D) take the deposition of witnesses.
    (3) If a person disobeys or refuses to comply with a subpoena, or 
if a witness refuses to testify to a matter, he may be held in contempt 
of Congress.
    (c) Presentation of Case to House Committee on Standards of 
Official Conduct.--(1) If the Commission determines, upon conclusion of 
an investigation, that probable cause exists that an ethics violation 
has occurred, the Commission shall notify the Committee on Standards of 
Official Conduct of the House of Representatives of this determination.
    (2) The committee may overrule the determination of the Commission 
if, within 10 legislative days--
            (A) the committee by an affirmative, roll-call vote of two-
        thirds of the full committee votes to overrule the 
        determination of the Commission;
            (B) the committee issues a public report detailing its 
        reasoning for overruling the Commission;
            (C) the vote of each member of the committee on such roll-
        call vote is included in the report; and
            (D) dissenting members are allowed to issue their own 
        report detailing their reasons for disagreeing with the 
        majority vote.
    (3) If the committee votes to overrule the determination of the 
Commission pursuant to paragraph (2), the Commission may publish and 
make available to the general public a report detailing the reasons 
that he concluded there were sufficient grounds to present such case to 
the committee.
    (4)(A) If the Commission determines there is probable cause that an 
ethics violation has occurred and the Commission's determination is not 
overruled, the Commission shall present the case and evidence to the 
Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of 
Representatives to hear and make a determination pursuant to its rules.
    (B) The committee shall vote upon whether the individual who is the 
subject of the investigation has violated any rules or other standards 
of conduct applicable to that individual in his official capacity. Such 
votes shall be a roll-call vote of the full committee, a quorum being 
present. The committee shall issue a public report which shall include 
the vote of each member of the committee on such roll-call vote. 
Dissenting members may issue their own report detailing their own 
reasons for disagreeing with the majority vote.
    (d) Sanctions.--Whenever the Committee on Standards of Official 
Conduct of the House of Representatives finds that an ethics violation 
has occurred the Commission shall recommend appropriate sanctions to 
the committee and whether a matter should be referred to the Department 
of Justice for investigation.

SEC. 6. PROCEDURAL RULES.

    (a) Majority Approval.--No report or recommendation relating to the 
official conduct of a Member, officer, or employee of the House of 
Representatives shall be made by the Commission, and no investigation 
of such conduct shall be undertaken by the Commission, unless approved 
by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Commission.
    (b) Investigations.--Except in the case of an investigation 
undertaken by the Commission on its own initiative, the Commission may 
undertake an investigation relating to the official conduct of an 
individual Member, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives 
only--
            (1) upon receipt of a complaint, in writing and under oath, 
        made by or submitted to a Member of the House of 
        Representatives and transmitted to the Commission by such 
        Member, or
            (2) upon receipt of a complaint from the chairman of the 
        Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of 
        Representatives, in writing and under oath, made by that 
        committee.
    (c) Prohibition of Certain Investigations.--No investigation shall 
be undertaken by the Commission of any alleged violation of a law, 
rule, regulation, or standard of conduct not in effect at the time of 
the alleged violation.
    (d) Disclosure.--No information or testimony received, or the 
contents of a complaint or the fact of its filing, shall be publicly 
disclosed by any member of the Commission or staff of the Commission 
unless specifically authorized in each instance by a vote of the 
Commission.

SEC. 7. STAFF OF COMMISSION.

    The Commission may appoint and fix the compensation of such staff 
as the Commission considers necessary to perform its duties. The 
Commission shall be appointed jointly by the Speaker and minority 
leader and shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the rate of basic pay 
payable for Level III of the Executive Schedule.

SEC. 8. AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES OF THE HOUSE TO CHANGE THE DUTIES OF 
              THE COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS OF OFFICIAL CONDUCT.

    (a) House Rules Amendments.--Clause 3 of rule XI of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives is amended as follows:
            (1) In paragraph (a), strike subparagraphs (1), (2), and 
        (3), and redesignate subparagraphs (4), (5), and (6), as 
        subparagraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively.
            (2)(A) Paragraph (b)(1) is amended by striking ``(A)'', by 
        striking ``a resolution, report, recommendation, or'' and 
        inserting ``an'', and by striking ``, or, except as provided in 
        subparagraph (2), undertake an investigation'', and by striking 
        subdivision (B).
            (B) Paragraph (b) is further amended by striking 
        subparagraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) and by redesignating 
        subparagraphs (6) and (7) as subparagraphs (2) and (3), 
        respectively.
            (3) Strike paragraphs (j) (k), (l), (m), (n), (o), (p), and 
        (q).
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 803 of the Ethics Reform Act of 
1989 (2 U.S.C. 29d) is amended by striking subsections (c) and (d).

SEC. 9. ACTION ON COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS.

    (a) Printing of Reports in Congressional Record.--Upon receipt by 
the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of 
Representatives of any report of the Commission, the Speaker of the 
House of Representatives shall have the report printed in the 
Congressional Record.
    (b) House Consideration of Independent Ethics Commission 
Recommendations.--Within 14 calendar days after a report referred to in 
subsection (a) is printed in the Congressional Record, that portion of 
the report recommending action by the House of Representatives 
respecting any alleged violation, by a Member, officer, or employee of 
the House of Representatives, of any law, rule, regulation, or other 
standard of conduct applicable to the conduct of such Member, officer, 
or employee in the performance of his duties or the discharge of his 
responsibilities shall be introduced (by request) in the House by the 
Speaker of the House, for himself and the minority leader of the House 
in the form of a resolution. This resolution shall constitute a 
question of privilege under rule IX of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives. Any Member favoring the resolution may call it up as a 
question of privilege but only on the third day after the calendar date 
upon which such Member announces to the House his intention to do so.

SEC. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    This Act shall take effect upon the date of its enactment, except 
that sections 3, 4, and 8 shall not take effect immediately prior to 
noon January 3, 2009.
answer:
Independent Ethics Commission Act of 2007 - Establishes within the House of Representatives an Independent Ethics Commission composed only of former federal judges.


question:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Public Safety and Protection Act of 
1993''.

SEC. 2. SYSTEM FOR REGULATION OF HANDGUNS AND HANDGUN AMMUNITION.

    (a) Definitions.--Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(29) The term `handgun' means any firearm, including a pistol or 
revolver, that is designed to be fired by the use of a single hand, and 
any combination of parts from which such a firearm can be assembled.
    ``(30) The term `handgun ammunition' means ammunition that is 
designed for use primarily in a handgun.
    ``(31) The term `handgun club' means a club that is organized and 
is operated for target shooting with handguns, and the term `licensed 
handgun club' means a handgun club licensed under section 923(l).
    ``(32) The term `authorized security guard service' means a private 
entity that is authorized under State and local law to conduct a 
business of providing security services.''.
    (b) Prohibitions.--Section 922 of such title is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(s)(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess or transfer 
a handgun or handgun ammunition, except as provided in this subsection.
    ``(2) Any of the following persons may transfer a handgun or 
handgun ammunition to any other of the following persons:
            ``(A) A member of a licensed handgun club.
            ``(B) An authorized security guard service.
            ``(C) A person licensed under section 923.
    ``(3)(A) A member of a licensed handgun club may possess a handgun 
or handgun ammunition on the premises of the club.
    ``(B) An individual authorized by a State to provide security 
services and employed as a security guard may possess a handgun or 
handgun ammunition within the scope of such employment.
    ``(C) An individual certified or commissioned as a police officer 
under the laws of the United States or of any State or political 
subdivision thereof may possess a handgun or handgun ammunition at any 
location within the scope of the certification or commission.
    ``(D) A person described in paragraph (2) of this subsection may 
possess a handgun or handgun ammunition owned by a person licensed 
under section 923 at the location specified on the license.
    ``(E) A person licensed under section 923 may transport a handgun 
or handgun ammunition, title to which has been lawfully transferred 
under paragraph (2) of this subsection, directly to a location where 
the transferee may lawfully possess the handgun or handgun ammunition, 
but only in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
    ``(4) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the United States or any 
department or agency thereof, or any State or any department, agency, 
or political subdivision thereof.''.
    (c) Licensing of Handgun Clubs.--Section 923 of such title is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(l)(1) Any person desiring to be licensed as a handgun club may 
file an application for the license with the Secretary.
    ``(2) The application shall be in such form and contain only such 
information as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe.
    ``(3) The Secretary shall approve an application for a license 
under this subsection if--
            ``(A) the applicant is a handgun club that--
                    ``(i) has not willfully failed to disclose any 
                material information required in, and has not made any 
                false statement as to any material fact in connection 
                with, the application;
                    ``(ii) has been founded and operates for bona fide 
                target shooting;
                    ``(iii) has premises from which it operates;
                    ``(iv) maintains possession and control of the 
                handguns used by its members at all times when they are 
                not in the possession of club members;
                    ``(v) has procedures and facilities on its premises 
                for keeping handguns in a secure place, under the 
                control of a designated officer of the club at all 
                times when they are not being used for target shooting; 
                and
                    ``(vi) meets all requirements that the Secretary 
                may prescribe by regulation; and
            ``(B) no member of the club--
                    ``(i) is a person whose membership and 
                participation in the club is in violation of State or 
                local law;
                    ``(ii) is prohibited from transporting, shipping, 
                or receiving firearms or ammunition in interstate or 
                foreign commerce under subsection (g) or (h) of section 
                922; or
                    ``(iii) has willfully violated this chapter or any 
                regulation issued under this chapter.
    ``(4) If the Secretary approves an application for a license under 
this subsection, then, upon payment by the applicant of a $100 fee, the 
Secretary shall issue to the applicant a license entitling the 
applicant to operate as a licensed handgun club.
    ``(5) A license issued under this subsection shall expire 1 year 
after the date of issuance.
    ``(6) The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for a 
hearing, revoke any license issued under this subsection if the holder 
of the license fails to continue to meet the requirements of paragraph 
(3).''.
    (d) Recordkeeping; Inspections.--Section 923 of such title, as 
amended by subsection (c) of this section, is amended by adding at the 
end the following:
    ``(m) Any person who transfers a handgun or handgun ammunition 
shall--
            ``(1) maintain a record of the transfer in such form as the 
        Secretary may by regulation provide; and
            ``(2) permit the Secretary to enter the premises of the 
        person (and, if the person is a member of a licensed handgun 
        club, the premises of the club) at reasonable times for the 
        purpose of inspecting the record.''.
    (e) Report of Loss or Theft.--Section 923 of such title, as amended 
by subsections (c) and (d) of this section, is amended by adding at the 
end the following:
    ``(n) Not later than 30 days after a person discovers the loss by 
the person or the theft from the person of a handgun, handgun 
ammunition, or a record required to be maintained under this chapter, 
the person shall report the loss or theft to the Secretary.''.
    (f) Penalties.--Section 924(a) of such title is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) in the matter before subparagraph (A), by 
                striking ``paragraph (2) or (3) of''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or (q)'' and 
                inserting ``(r), or (s)''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(5)(A) A person who violates section 923(n) shall pay to the 
Secretary a civil penalty in an amount determined by the Secretary, of 
not less than $2,000 nor more than $5,000.
    ``(B) A person shall pay to the Secretary a civil penalty in an 
amount determined by the Secretary, of not less than $1,000 nor more 
than $5,000, if the person--
            ``(i) violates section 922(s)(3)(E) or 923(m); or
            ``(ii) makes a false statement or representation with 
        respect to any matter covered by subsection (l) or (m) of 
        section 923.
    ``(C) Any handgun or handgun ammunition involved or used in, or 
intended to be used in, a violation of this chapter or any regulation 
issued under this chapter, or any violation of any other criminal law 
of any State or the United States, shall be subject to seizure and 
forfeiture.''.
    (g) Rule of Construction.--The amendments made by this section 
shall not be construed as modifying or affecting any provision of--
            (1) the National Firearms Act (chapter 53 of the Internal 
        Revenue Code of 1956);
            (2) section 414 of the Mutual Security Act of 1954 (22 
        U.S.C. 1934), relating to munitions control; or
            (3) section 1715 of title 18, United States Code, relating 
        to nonmailable firearms.
    (h) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to conduct engaged in after the 180-day period that begins with 
the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 3. REPEAL OF PROHIBITIONS AGAINST RECORDING FIREARMS RECORDS AT, 
              OR TRANSFERRING SUCH RECORDS TO, A PUBLIC FACILITY, AND 
              ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM FOR REGISTRATION OF FIREARMS, 
              FIREARMS OWNERS, OR FIREARMS DISPOSITIONS.

    Section 926(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by 
striking the 2nd and 3rd sentences.

SEC. 4. RESTORATION OF RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS FOR DEALERS SELLING 
              FIREARMS FROM PERSONAL COLLECTIONS.

    Section 923 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``only that information 
        necessary to determine eligibility for licensing'' and 
        inserting ``such information'';
            (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``only that information 
        necessary to determine eligibility'' and inserting ``such 
        information''; and
            (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``: Provided, That no 
        other recordkeeping shall be required'' and inserting ``, and 
        any other recordkeeping as may be prescribed by the 
        Secretary''.

SEC. 5. STANDARD OF PROOF FOR REVOCATION OF FIREARMS LICENSES.

    Section 923(e) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``willfully'' each place such term appears.

SEC. 6. INCREASE IN LICENSE FEES; MORE FREQUENT EXPIRATION OF CERTAIN 
              LICENSES.

    (a) Increase in License Fee.--Section 923(a) of title 18, United 
States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``$1,000'' each place such term appears and 
        inserting ``$5,000'';
            (2) by striking ``$50'' each place such term appears and 
        inserting ``$3,500'';
            (3) by striking ``$25'' and inserting ``$500''; and
            (4) by striking ``$10'' each place such term appears and 
        inserting ``$3,000''.
    (b) Annual Expiration of Dealers' Licenses.--Section 923(c) of such 
title is amended by inserting after the 1st sentence the following: 
``If the qualified applicant is a dealer described in subsection 
(a)(3)(C), the period stated in the license shall be 1 year.''.

SEC. 7. STATE AND LOCAL FIREARMS LICENSES REQUIRED AS A CONDITION OF 
              FEDERAL LICENSE TO DEAL IN FIREARMS.

    (a) License Applicants.--Section 923(d)(1) of title 18, United 
States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (D);
            (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (E) 
        and inserting ``; and'';
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(F) in the case of an application to engage in the 
        business of dealing in firearms, the applicant has obtained any 
        license, permit, or other document required under State or 
        local law to engage in such a business.''.
    (b) License Holders.--Section 923(e) of such title is amended by 
inserting ``or of State or local law relating to firearms,'' before 
``or any rule''.

SEC. 8. PROHIBITION AGAINST DEALING IN FIREARMS FROM A PRIVATE 
              RESIDENCE.

    Section 923(d)(1)(E)(i) of title 18, United States Code, is amended 
by inserting ``, and which do not contain living quarters unless such 
business is conducted or is intended to be conducted in a part of the 
premises that is (and the customer entrance to such part is) wholly 
separate from such living quarters'' before the comma.

SEC. 9. REGULATIONS GOVERNING SECURE STORAGE OF FIREARMS.

    Section 926 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(d) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations requiring the 
secure storage of firearms by licensed dealers.''.

SEC. 10. REGULATION BY THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION.

    Section 3(a)(1) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 
2052(a)(1)) is amended--
            (1) by striking subparagraph (E), and
            (2) by striking ``described in subparagraph (E) of this 
        paragraph or''.
answer:

Public Safety and Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the possession or transfer of a handgun or handgun ammunition, with exceptions, including:  (1) transfers among members of a licensed handgun club, an authorized security guard service, and specified others licensed under the code; and (2) possession by members of a licensed handgun club on the premises of the club, by an individual authorized by a State to provide security services and employed as a security guard within the scope of employment, and by an individual certified or commissioned as a police officer under Federal, State, or local law at any location within the scope of the certification or commission. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to the United States or any department or agency thereof, or to any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof. 
Sets forth:  (1) requirements for the licensing of handgun clubs, recordkeeping, and the inspection of the premises of such clubs, and theft and loss reporting requirements; and (2) penalties for violations, including seizure and forfeiture of handguns or handgun ammunition. 
Repeals:  (1) prohibitions against recording firearms records at, or transferring such records to, a public facility and against establishing a system for the registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms dispositions; and (2) limitations on recordkeeping for dealers selling firearms from personal collections. 
Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke a firearms license if the holder of such license has violated (currently, willfully violated) specified provisions of the Federal criminal code. 
Increases firearms dealer license fees.  Provides for annual expiration of dealers' licenses.  Requires such dealers to have obtained any license, permit, or other document required under State or local law to engage in such a business as a condition of obtaining a Federal license to deal in firearms. 
Prohibits dealing in firearms from a private residence, unless specified conditions are met. 
Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations requiring the secure storage of firearms by licensed dealers. 
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to include firearms within the definition of "consumer product."