In this task, you are given text for US Congressional and California state bills, your task is to generate a summary for this bill.

Q: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Improving Access to Mainstream 
Financial Institutions Act of 2008''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act, the following definitions shall apply:
            (1) Alaska native corporation.--The term ``Alaska Native 
        Corporation'' has the same meaning as the term ``Native 
        Corporation'' under section 3(m) of the Alaska Native Claims 
        Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602(m)).
            (2) Community development financial institution.--The term 
        ``community development financial institution'' has the same 
        meaning as in section 103(5) of the Community Development 
        Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 
        4702(5)).
            (3) Federally insured depository institution.--The term 
        ``federally insured depository institution'' means any insured 
        depository institution (as that term is defined in section 3 of 
        the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813)) and any 
        insured credit union (as that term is defined in section 101 of 
        the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1752)).
            (4) Labor organization.--The term ``labor organization'' 
        means an organization--
                    (A) in which employees participate;
                    (B) which exists for the purpose, in whole or in 
                part, of dealing with employers concerning grievances, 
                labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours of 
                employment, or conditions of work; and
                    (C) which is described in section 501(c)(5) of the 
                Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
            (5) Native hawaiian organization.--The term ``Native 
        Hawaiian organization'' means any organization that--
                    (A) serves and represents the interests of Native 
                Hawaiians; and
                    (B) has as a primary and stated purpose, the 
                provision of services to Native Hawaiians.
            (6) Payday loan.--The term ``payday loan'' means any 
        transaction in which a small cash advance is made to a consumer 
        in exchange for--
                    (A) the personal check or share draft of the 
                consumer, in the amount of the advance plus a fee, 
                where presentment or negotiation of such check or share 
                draft is deferred by agreement of the parties until a 
                designated future date; or
                    (B) the authorization of the consumer to debit the 
                transaction account or share draft account of the 
                consumer, in the amount of the advance plus a fee, 
                where such account will be debited on or after a 
                designated future date.
            (7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of the Treasury.
            (8) Tribal organization.--The term ``tribal organization'' 
        has the same meaning as in section 4 of the Indian Self-
        Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).

SEC. 3. EXPANDED ACCESS TO MAINSTREAM FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

    (a) Establishment of Program.--The Secretary is authorized to award 
grants, including multi-year grants, to eligible entities to establish 
an account in a federally insured depository institution for low- and 
moderate-income individuals that currently do not have such an account.
    (b) Eligible Entities.--An entity is eligible to receive a grant 
under this section, if such an entity is--
            (1) an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the 
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and is exempt from taxation 
        under section 501(a) of such Code;
            (2) a federally insured depository institution;
            (3) an agency of a State or local government;
            (4) a community development financial institution;
            (5) an Indian tribal organization;
            (6) an Alaska Native Corporation;
            (7) a Native Hawaiian organization;
            (8) a labor organization; or
            (9) a partnership comprised of 1 or more of the entities 
        described in the preceding subparagraphs.
    (c) Evaluation and Reports to Congress.--For each fiscal year in 
which a grant is awarded under this section, the Secretary shall submit 
a report to Congress containing a description of the activities funded, 
amounts distributed, and measurable results, as appropriate and 
available.

SEC. 4. LOW COST ALTERNATIVES TO PAYDAY LOANS.

    (a) Establishment of Program.--The Secretary is authorized to award 
demonstration project grants (including multi-year grants) to eligible 
entities to provide low-cost, small loans to consumers that will 
provide alternatives to more costly, predatory payday loans.
    (b) Eligible Entities.--An entity is eligible to receive a grant 
under this section if such an entity is--
            (1) an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the 
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 
        501(a) of such Code;
            (2) a federally insured depository institution;
            (3) a community development financial institution; or
            (4) a partnership comprised of 1 or more of the entities 
        described in paragraphs (1) through (3).
    (c) Terms and Conditions.--
            (1) Percentage rate.--For purposes of this section, an 
        eligible entity that is a federally insured depository 
        institution shall be subject to the annual percentage rate 
        promulgated by the National Credit Union Administration's Loan 
        Interest Rates under part 701 of title 12, Code of Federal 
        Regulations (or any successor thereto), in connection with a 
        loan provided to a consumer pursuant to this section.
            (2) Financial literacy and education opportunities.--Each 
        eligible entity awarded a grant under this section shall offer 
        financial literacy and education opportunities, such as 
        relevant counseling services or educational courses, to each 
        consumer provided with a loan pursuant to this section.
    (d) Evaluation and Reports to Congress.--For each fiscal year in 
which a grant is awarded under this section, the Secretary shall submit 
a report to Congress containing a description of the activities funded, 
amounts distributed, and measurable results, as appropriate and 
available.

SEC. 5. PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS.

    (a) Applications.--A person desiring a grant under section 3 or 4 
shall submit an application to the Secretary, in such form and 
containing such information as the Secretary may require.
    (b) Limitation on Administrative Costs.--A recipient of a grant 
under section 3 or 4 may use not more than 6 percent of the total 
amount of such grant in any fiscal year for the administrative costs of 
carrying out the programs funded by such grant in such fiscal year.

SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary, such sums 
as are necessary to carry out the grant programs authorized by this 
Act, to remain available until expended.

SEC. 7. REGULATIONS.

    The Secretary is authorized to promulgate regulations to implement 
and administer the grant programs authorized by this Act.

A: Improving Access to Mainstream Financial Institutions Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to award grants, including multi-year grants, to specified eligible entities to establish an account in a federally insured depository institution for low- and moderate-income individuals who currently do not have such an account. Includes among such eligible entities: (1) Alaska Native Corporations; (2) Native Hawaiian organizations; and (3) labor organizations.

Authorizes the Secretary to award demonstration project grants to eligible entities to provide low-cost, small loans to consumers that will provide alternatives to more costly, predatory payday loans. Requires such entities to be: (1) tax-exempt charitable organizations; (2) federally insured depository institutions; (3) community development financial institutions; or (4) partnerships comprised of one or more of such entities. Requires grant recipients to offer financial literacy and education opportunities to each consumer provided with a loan pursuant to this Act.
****
Q: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``More Border Patrol Agents Now Act of 
2006''.

SEC. 2. BORDER PATROL AGENT ENHANCEMENT.

    (a) Plan.--In order to address the recruitment and retention 
challenges faced by the United States Border Patrol, the Secretary of 
Homeland Security shall, not later than six months after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, submit to the Committee on Homeland Security 
and the Committee on Government Reform of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the 
Senate a plan to determine how the Border Patrol can better recruit and 
retain Border Patrol agents with the appropriate skills and training to 
effectively carry out its mission and responsibilities.
    (b) Contents.--The plan shall include, at a minimum, the following 
components:
            (1) A strategy for the utilization of the recruitment 
        authority provided in subsection (a) of section 9702 of title 
        5, United States Code (as added by section 3), as well as any 
        other strategies the Secretary determines to be important in 
        recruiting well-qualified Border Patrol agents.
            (2) A strategy for the utilization of the retention 
        authority provided in subsection (b) of section 9702 of title 
        5, United States Code (as added by section 3), as well as any 
        other strategies the Secretary determines to be important in 
        retaining well-qualified Border Patrol agents.
            (3) An assessment of the impact that current pay levels for 
        Border Patrol agents has on the Department's ability to recruit 
        and retain Border Patrol agents, especially in high cost-of-
        living areas.
            (4) An assessment of whether increased opportunities for 
        Border Patrol agents to transfer between duty stations would 
        improve employee morale and enhance the Department's ability to 
        recruit and retain well-qualified Border Patrol agents.

SEC. 3. RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION BONUSES FOR BORDER PATROL AGENT 
              ENHANCEMENT.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 97 of title 5, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 9702. Border Patrol agent enhancement
    ``(a) Recruitment Bonuses for Border Patrol Agents.--
            ``(1) In general.--In order to carry out the plan described 
        in section 2(a) of the More Border Patrol Agents Now Act of 
        2006, the Secretary of Homeland Security may pay a bonus to an 
        individual to recruit a sufficient number of Border Patrol 
        agents.
            ``(2) Bonus amount.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The amount of a bonus under this 
                subsection shall be determined by the Secretary, but 
                may not exceed 25 percent of the annual rate of basic 
                pay of the position involved as of the beginning of the 
                period of service referred to in paragraph (3)(A).
                    ``(B) Lump-sum.--A bonus under this subsection 
                shall be paid in the form of a lump-sum payment and 
                shall not be considered to be part of basic pay.
            ``(3) Service agreements.--Payment of a bonus under this 
        section shall be contingent upon the individual entering into a 
        written service agreement with the United States Border Patrol. 
        The agreement shall include--
                    ``(A) the period of service the individual shall be 
                required to complete in return for the bonus; and
                    ``(B) the conditions under which the agreement may 
                be terminated before the agreed-upon service period has 
                been completed, and the effect of such termination.
            ``(4) Limitation on eligibility.--A bonus under this 
        section may not be paid to recruit an individual for--
                    ``(A) a position to which an individual is 
                appointed by the President, by and with the advice and 
                consent of the Senate;
                    ``(B) a position in the Senior Executive Service as 
                a noncareer appointee (as defined in section 3132(a)); 
                or
                    ``(C) a position which has been excepted from the 
                competitive service by reason of its confidential, 
                policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating 
                character.
            ``(5) Termination.--The authority to pay bonuses under this 
        subsection shall terminate five years after the date of the 
        enactment of this section.
    ``(b) Retention Bonuses for Border Patrol Agents.--
            ``(1) In general.--In order to carry out the plan described 
        in section 2(a) of the More Border Patrol Agents Now Act of 
        2006, the Secretary of Homeland Security may pay a retention 
        bonus to a Border Patrol agent.
            ``(2) Service agreement.--Payment of a bonus under this 
        subsection is contingent upon the employee entering into a 
        written service agreement with the United States Border Patrol 
        to complete a period of service with the Border Patrol. Such 
        agreement shall include--
                    ``(A) the period of service the employee shall be 
                required to complete in return for the bonus; and
                    ``(B) the conditions under which the agreement may 
                be terminated before the agreed-upon service period has 
                been completed, and the effect of such termination.
            ``(3) Bonus amount.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The amount of a bonus under this 
                subsection shall be determined by the Secretary, but 
                may not exceed 25 percent of the annual rate of basic 
                pay of the position involved as of the beginning of the 
                period of service referred to in paragraph (2)(A).
                    ``(B) Lump-sum.--A bonus under this subsection 
                shall be paid in the form of a lump-sum payment and 
                shall not be considered to be part of basic pay.
            ``(4) Limitation.--A bonus under this subsection may not be 
        based on any period of service which is the basis for a 
        recruitment bonus under subsection (a).
            ``(5) Termination of authority.--The authority to grant 
        bonuses under this subsection shall expire five years after the 
        date of the enactment of this section.
    ``(c) Waiver Authority Relating to Reemployed Annuitants.--
            ``(1) In general.--In order to help address the challenges 
        faced by the United States Border Patrol, the Secretary of 
        Homeland Security may appoint annuitants to positions within 
        the United States Border Patrol in accordance with succeeding 
        provisions of this subsection.
            ``(2) Exclusion from offset.--An annuitant serving in a 
        position within the United States Border Patrol pursuant to an 
        appointment made under paragraph (1)--
                    ``(A) shall not be subject to the provisions of 
                section 8344 or 8468, as the case may be; and
                    ``(B) shall not, for purposes of subchapter III of 
                chapter 83 or chapter 84, be considered an employee.
            ``(3) Limitations.--
                    ``(A) Appointments.--The authority to make any 
                appointments under paragraph (1) shall terminate five 
                years after the date of the enactment of this 
                subsection.
                    ``(B) Exclusion.--The provisions of paragraph (2) 
                shall not, in the case of any annuitant appointed under 
                paragraph (1), remain in effect--
                            ``(i) with respect to more than five years 
                        of service (in the aggregate); nor
                            ``(ii) with respect to any service 
                        performed after the end of the ten-year period 
                        beginning on the date of the enactment of this 
                        subsection.
            ``(4) No displacement.--No appointment under this 
        subsection may be made if such appointment would result in the 
        displacement of any Border Patrol employee.
            ``(5) Definition.--For purposes of this subsection, the 
        term `annuitant' has the meaning given such term by section 
        8331 or 8401, as the case may be.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for chapter 97 of 
title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``9702. Border Patrol agent enhancement.''.

            Passed the House of Representatives September 26, 2006.

            Attest:

                                                 KAREN L. HAAS,

                                                                 Clerk.

A: More Border Patrol Agents Now Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit to the House Committees on Homeland Security and Government Reform and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs a plan to determine how the Border Patrol can better recruit and retain agents with the appropriate skills and training.

Requires such plan to include: (1) recruitment and retention strategies; and (2) assessments of the impact of pay levels and duty station transfer opportunities upon recruitment and retention.

Amends federal law to authorize the Secretary (for five years) to pay a: (1) bonus to an individual to recruit Border Patrol agents; and (2) retention bonus to Border Patrol agents.

States that such bonuses shall: (1) not exceed 25% of the annual rate of basic pay of the position involved; (2) be paid in a lump-sum and not be considered part of basic pay; and (3) be contingent upon the individual entering into a written service agreement with the Border Patrol.

Authorizes the Secretary (for five years) to appoint annuitants to Border Patrol positions. Excludes such positions from specified offsets. Prohibits appointments that would displace any Border Patrol employee.
****
Q: 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.

A:
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.
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