115 S2619 IS: Agricultural Energy Programs Reauthorization Act of 2018
U.S. Senate
2018-03-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II115th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 2619IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 22, 2018Ms. Smith introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and ForestryA BILLTo amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reauthorize energy programs through
			 fiscal year 2023, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Agricultural Energy Programs Reauthorization Act of 2018. 2.Biobased markets programSection 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8102) is amended—
 (1)in subsection (b)— (A)in paragraph (1), by inserting or renewable chemicals after biobased products;
 (B)in paragraph (2)(B)— (i)in clause (i), by inserting or renewable chemical after biobased; and
 (ii)in clause (ii), by inserting or renewable chemical after portions of biobased; and (C)by adding at the end the following:

 (5)Education and outreachThe Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall provide to appropriate stakeholders education and outreach relating to the voluntary labeling program under this subsection.;
 (2)in subsection (f), by striking the subsection designation and all that follows through The Secretary and inserting the following:  (f)Manufacturers of renewable chemicals and biobased products (1)NAICS codesThe Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce shall jointly develop North American Industry Classification System codes for—
 (A)renewable chemicals manufacturers; and (B)biobased products manufacturers.
 (2)National testing center registryThe Secretary; (3)in subsection (h)(2)—
 (A)in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking and at the end; (B)in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
 (C)by adding at the end the following:  (D)a description of the quantity of biobased products procured under subsection (a) during the previous year.;
 (4)in subsection (i)— (A)in paragraph (1), by striking $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 and inserting $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023; and
 (B)in paragraph (2), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023; and (5)in subsection (j), by striking includes, with and inserting the following: “includes—

 (1)products produced from biologically captured and reused carbon; and (2)with.
 3.Biorefinery, renewable chemical, and biobased product manufacturing assistanceSection 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8103) is amended—
 (1)in subsection (b)(3)— (A)in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end and inserting or; and
 (B)in subparagraph (B)— (i)by inserting renewable chemical or biobased product before technology; and
 (ii)by striking biorefinery that produces an advanced biofuel. and inserting biorefinery.; and (2)in subsection (g)—
 (A)by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:  (1)Mandatory fundingOf the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use for the cost of loan guarantees under this section, to remain available until expended, $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.; and
 (B)in paragraph (2), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023. 4.Bioenergy program for advanced biofuelsSection 9005(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8105(g)) is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (1), by striking expended— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting expended, $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023.; and (2)in paragraph (2), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.
			5.Rural Energy for America Program
 (a)Definition of renewable energy systemSection 9001(16) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101(16)) is amended—
 (1)by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (2)in subparagraph (A), by striking that— and all that follows through the period at the end of clause (ii) and inserting the following: “that produces usable energy from a renewable energy source.

 (B)InclusionsThe term renewable energy system includes— (i)distribution components necessary to move energy produced by a renewable energy system to the initial point of sale; and
 (ii)other components and ancillary infrastructure of a renewable energy system, such as a storage system..
 (b)FundingSection 9007(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107(g)) is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (1), by striking expended— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting expended, $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023.; (2)in paragraph (3), by striking $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 and inserting $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023; and
 (3)by adding at the end the following:  (4)Allocation of fundingFor each fiscal year, not more than 30 percent of amounts made available to carry out this section may be used for—
 (A)any 1 form of renewable energy described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 9001(15); or (B)technologies to improve the efficiency of energy usage..
 6.Biomass research and developmentSection 9008(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8108(h)) is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (1), by striking expended— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting expended, $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.; and (2)in paragraph (2), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.
 7.Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy ProducersSection 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8110(b)) is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (1)(A), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023; and (2)in paragraph (2)(A), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.
 8.Biofuels and Biobased Product Feedstock and Wildland Fire Protection ProgramSection 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8111) is amended—
 (1)by striking the section heading and inserting Biofuels and Biobased Product Feedstock and Wildland Fire Protection Program.; (2)in subsection (a)—
 (A)by striking paragraph (1); (B)by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) through (7) as paragraphs (7) and (1) through (5), respectively, and moving the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order;
 (C)in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated), by striking BCAP and inserting program; (D)in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)—
 (i)in subparagraph (B)— (I)in clause (ii)(II), by striking and at the end;
 (II)in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (III)by adding at the end the following:

 (iv)algae; and (v)animal waste and byproducts, including fat, oil, grease, and manure.; and
 (ii)in subparagraph (C)— (I)by striking clauses (ii) and (iv); and
 (II)by redesignating clauses (iii), (v), (vi), and (vii) as clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v), respectively;
 (E)in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking BCAP; (F)by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated) the following:

 (6)ProgramThe term program means the Biofuels and Biobased Product Feedstock and Wildland Fire Protection Program established under this section.; and
 (G)in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated)— (i)by striking the paragraph heading and inserting Project area.—; and
 (ii)in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking BCAP; (3)in subsection (b)—
 (A)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking Biomass Crop Assistance Program and inserting Biofuels and Biobased Product Feedstock and Wildland Fire Protection Program; (B)in paragraph (1), by striking BCAP; and
 (C)in paragraph (2), by inserting , including eligible material harvested for the purpose of hazardous woody fuel reduction before the period at the end; (4)in subsection (c)—
 (A)by striking the subsection heading and inserting Project areas.—; (B)by striking BCAP each place it appears;
 (C)in paragraph (2)(B)— (i)in the subparagraph heading, by striking BCAP project and inserting Project; and
 (ii)in clause (i) (as amended by subparagraph (B)), by inserting program before the semicolon at the end; (D)in paragraph (4) (as amended by subparagraph (B)), by inserting program before contract; and
 (E)in paragraph (5)(D) (as amended by subparagraph (B)), by inserting program before payments on land; (5)in subsection (d)—
 (A)in paragraph (1)(A), by striking BCAP and inserting program; (B)in paragraph (2)(B), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting paragraph (5);
 (C)by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (5); (D)by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:

						(3)Hazardous woody fuel reduction
 (A)In generalIn accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary to carry out this paragraph, the Secretary may use amounts made available under subsection (f)(1)(A) to provide to a project sponsor that submits to the Secretary an application in accordance with those regulations a payment under this subsection for the transportation costs of a project that removes eligible material for the purpose of hazardous woody fuel reduction, as determined by the Secretary.
 (B)ConsiderationsIn determining which projects to provide payments under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider—
 (i)only projects that, as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Forest Service Fire Modeling Institute, are located in wildland areas that are the most—
 (I)at risk from wildfire; or (II)in need of restoration; and
 (ii)which projects will provide— (I)the greatest benefit to the protection of human life and structures in the wildland-urban interface; and
 (II)the greatest protection of municipal water supplies. (4)Limitation on collection of biomass for environmental benefitAs a condition on the receipt of a payment under this subsection, a producer or person described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1), respectively, shall leave uncollected and unharvested not less than 30 percent, as determined appropriate by the Secretary, of the woody eligible material.; and
 (E)in paragraph (5) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C))— (i)in the paragraph heading, by striking bcap and inserting program; and
 (ii)by striking BCAP and inserting program; and (6)in subsection (f)—
 (A)in paragraph (1), by striking Of the funds and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following:  (A)Mandatory fundingOf the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section $70,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
 (B)Discretionary fundingThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.; and
 (B)in paragraph (2), by striking the Secretary shall use not less than 10 percent, nor more than 50 percent, of the amount and inserting the following: “the Secretary shall use—  (A)not less than $50,000,000 to make transportation payments for hazardous woody fuel reduction projects under subsection (d)(3); and
 (B)not less than 10 percent, and not greater than 50 percent, of the remaining amount. 9.Community Wood Energy ProgramSection 9013(e) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8113(e)) is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.
 10.Effective dateThe amendments made by this Act take effect on March 1, 2019.


116 HR 6878 IH: To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement improved, transparent processes for the use and distribution of supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-05-14
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6878IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 14, 2020Ms. Slotkin introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement improved, transparent processes for the use and distribution of supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile, and for other purposes.1.Improved, transparent processes for the Strategic National Stockpile(a)In generalNot later than January 1, 2021, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall develop and implement improved, transparent processes for the use and distribution of drugs, vaccines and other biological products, medical devices, and other supplies (including personal protective equipment, ancillary medical supplies, and other applicable supplies required for the administration of drugs, vaccines and other biological products, medical devices, and diagnostic tests) in the Strategic National Stockpile under section 319F–2 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–6b) (in this section referred to as the Stockpile).(b)ProcessesThe processes developed under subsection (a) shall include—(1)the form and manner in which States, localities, Tribes, and territories are required to submit requests for supplies from the Stockpile;(2)the criteria used by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in responding to such requests, including the reasons for fulfilling or denying such requests;(3)what circumstances result in prioritization of distribution of supplies from the Stockpile to States, localities, Tribes, or territories; (4)clear plans for future, urgent communication between the Secretary and States, localities, Tribes, and territories regarding the outcome of such requests; and(5)any differences in the processes developed under subsection (a) for geographically related emergencies, such as weather events, and national emergencies, such as pandemics.(c)ClassificationThe processes developed under subsection (a) shall be unclassified to the greatest extent possible consistent with national security. The Secretary of Health and Human Services may classify portions of such processes as necessary to protect national security.(d)Report to CongressNot later than January 1, 2021, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall—(1)submit a report to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate regarding the improved, transparent processes developed under this section;(2)include in such report recommendations for opportunities for communication (by telebriefing, phone calls, or in-person meetings) between the Secretary and States, localities, Tribes, and territories regarding such improved, transparent processes; and(3)submit such report in unclassified form to the greatest extent possible, except that the Secretary may include a classified appendix if necessary to protect national security.


		II

		109th CONGRESS

		1st Session

		S. 543

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 7, 2005

			Ms. Snowe introduced the

			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the

			 Committee on

			 Finance

		A BILL

		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986

		  to expand the availability of the cash method of accounting for small

		  businesses, and for other purposes.

			1.

			Clarification of cash accounting rules for small

			 business

				(a)

				Cash accounting permitted

					(1)

					In general

					Section 446 of the Internal

			 Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to general rule for methods of accounting) is

			 amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

							(g)

							Certain small business taxpayers permitted to use cash

				accounting method without limitation

								(1)

								In general

								An eligible taxpayer shall

				not be required to use an accrual method of accounting for any taxable

				year.

								(2)

								Eligible taxpayer

								For purposes of this

				subsection, a taxpayer is an eligible taxpayer with respect to any taxable year

				if—

									(A)

									for all prior taxable years

				beginning after December 31, 2004, the taxpayer (or any predecessor) met the

				gross receipts test of section 448(c), and

									(B)

									the taxpayer is not subject

				to section 447 or 448.

								.

					(2)

					Expansion of gross receipts test

						(A)

						In general

						Paragraph (3) of section

			 448(b) of such Code (relating to entities with gross receipts of not more than

			 $5,000,000) is amended by striking $5,000,000 in the text and in

			 the heading and inserting $10,000,000.

						(B)

						Conforming amendments

						Section 448(c) of such Code

			 is amended—

							(i)

							by striking

			 $5,000,000 each place it appears in the text and in the heading

			 of paragraph (1) and inserting $10,000,000, and

							(ii)

							by adding at the end the

			 following new paragraph:

									(4)

									Inflation adjustment

									In the case of any taxable

				year beginning in a calendar year after 2005, the dollar amount contained in

				subsection (b)(3) and paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be increased by an

				amount equal to—

										(A)

										such dollar amount,

				multiplied by

										(B)

										the cost-of-living

				adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the

				taxable year begins, by substituting calendar year 2004 for

				calendar year 1992 in subparagraph (B) thereof.

										If any amount as adjusted under

				this subparagraph is not a multiple of $100,000, such amount shall be rounded

				to the nearest multiple of $100,000..

				(b)

				Clarification of inventory rules for small business

					(1)

					In general

					Section 471 of the Internal

			 Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to general rule for inventories) is amended by

			 redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d) and by inserting after

			 subsection (b) the following new subsection:

							(c)

							Small business taxpayers not required to use

				inventories

								(1)

								In general

								A qualified taxpayer shall

				not be required to use inventories under this section for a taxable

				year.

								(2)

								Treatment of taxpayers not using inventories

								If a qualified taxpayer

				does not use inventories with respect to any property for any taxable year

				beginning after December 31, 2004, such property shall be treated as a material

				or supply which is not incidental.

								(3)

								Qualified taxpayer

								For purposes of this

				subsection, the term qualified taxpayer means—

									(A)

									any eligible taxpayer (as

				defined in section 446(g)(2)), and

									(B)

									any taxpayer described in

				section 448(b)(3).

								.

					(2)

					Conforming amendments

						(A)

						Subpart D of part II of

			 subchapter E of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking section

			 474.

						(B)

						The table of sections for

			 subpart D of part II of subchapter E of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by

			 striking the item relating to section 474.

				(c)

				Effective date and special rules

					(1)

					In general

					The amendments made by this

			 section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2004.

					(2)

					Change in method of accounting

					In the case of any taxpayer

			 changing the taxpayer’s method of accounting for any taxable year under the

			 amendments made by this section—

						(A)

						such change shall be treated

			 as initiated by the taxpayer;

						(B)

						such change shall be treated

			 as made with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury; and

						(C)

						the net amount of the

			 adjustments required to be taken into account by the taxpayer under section 481

			 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be taken into account over a period

			 (not greater than 4 taxable years) beginning with such taxable year.


114 S877 IS: Police Creating Accountability by Making Effective Recording Available Act of 2015
U.S. Senate
2015-03-26
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 877IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 26, 2015Mr. Schatz (for himself and Mr. Paul) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo establish a pilot grant program to assist State and local law enforcement agencies in purchasing
			 body-worn cameras for law enforcement officers.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Police Creating Accountability by Making Effective Recording Available Act of 2015 or the Police CAMERA Act.
 2.Matching grant program for law enforcement body-worn camerasTitle I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3711 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

				LLMatching grant program for law enforcement body-worn cameras
					3021.Grant program authorized
 (a)In generalThe Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (in this section referred to as the Assistant Attorney General) may make grants to States, units of local government, and Indian tribes to purchase or lease body-worn cameras for use by State, local, and tribal law enforcement officers (as defined in section 2503) and expenses related to the implementation of a body-worn camera program in order to deter excessive force, improve accountability and transparency of use of force by law enforcement officers, assist in responding to complaints against law enforcement officers, and improve evidence collection.
						(b)Duration of grants
 (1)In generalGrants awarded under this part shall be 2 years in duration. (2)Disbursement of grant amountIn disbursing a grant awarded to an entity under this section—
 (A)upon awarding the grant to the entity, the Assistant Attorney General shall disburse 50 percent of the total grant amount to the entity; and
 (B)upon demonstration by the entity of completion of the requirements in subsection (d)(1), the Assistant Attorney General shall disburse the remaining 50 percent of the total grant amount to the entity.
 (c)Use of fundsGrants awarded under this section shall be— (1)distributed directly to the State, unit of local government, or Indian tribe; and
 (2)used for— (A)the purchase or lease of body-worn cameras for law enforcement officers on patrol in the jurisdiction of the grantee;
 (B)any costs relating to the implementation of a body-worn camera program, including law enforcement officer training or the storage or maintenance of data collected under a body-worn camera program; or
 (C)implementing policies or procedures to comply with the requirements described in subsection (d). (d)Requirements (1)In generalThe Assistant Attorney General shall award a grant under this section to a State, unit of local government, or Indian tribe requesting the grant that commits to—
 (A)establishing policies and procedures in accordance with the requirements described in paragraph (2) before law enforcement officers use of body-worn cameras;
 (B)adopting data collection and retention protocols as described in paragraph (3) before law enforcement officers use of body-worn cameras;
 (C)making the policies and protocols described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) available to the public; and
 (D)complying with the requirements for use of data under paragraph (4). (2)Required policies and proceduresAn entity receiving a grant under this section shall—
 (A)develop with community input and publish for public view policies and protocols for— (i)the safe and effective use of body-worn cameras;
 (ii)the secure storage, handling, and destruction of data collected by body-worn cameras; (iii)protecting the privacy rights of any individual who may be recorded by a body-worn camera; and
 (iv)the release of any data collected by a body-worn camera in accordance with the open records laws, if any, of the State; and
 (B)conduct periodic evaluations of the security of the storage and handling of the body-worn camera data.
 (3)Data collection and retention protocolThe data collection and retention protocol described in this paragraph is a protocol that— (A)requires—
 (i)a law enforcement officer who is wearing a body-mounted camera to provide an explanation if an activity that is required to be recorded by the body-mounted camera is not recorded;
 (ii)a law enforcement officer who is wearing a body-mounted camera to obtain consent to be recorded from a crime victim or witness before interviewing the victim or witness;
 (iii)the collection of data unrelated to a legitimate law enforcement purpose be minimized to the greatest extent practicable;
 (iv)the system used to store data collected by body-worn cameras shall log all viewing, modification, or deletion of stored data and shall prevent, to the greatest extent practicable, the unauthorized access or disclosure of stored data;
 (v)any law enforcement officer be prohibited from accessing the stored data without an authorized purpose; and
 (vi)the law enforcement agency to collect and report data on— (I)incidences of use of force, disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, and age of the victim;
 (II)the number of complaints filed against law enforcement officers; (III)the disposition of complaints filed against law enforcement officers; and
 (IV)the number of times camera footage is used for evidence collection in investigations of crimes; (B)allows an individual to file a complaint with a law enforcement agency relating to the improper use of body-worn cameras; and
 (C)complies with any other requirements established by the Assistant Attorney General. (4)Use or transfer of data (A)In generalData collected by an entity receiving a grant under this section from a body-mounted camera shall be used only in internal and external investigations of misconduct by a law enforcement agency or officer, if there is reasonable suspicion that a recording contains evidence of a crime, or for limited training purposes. The Assistant Attorney General shall establish rules to ensure that the data is used only for the purposes described in this subparagraph.
 (B)Prohibition on transferExcept as provided in subparagraph (B), an entity receiving a grant under this section may not transfer any data collected by the entity from a body-mounted camera to another law enforcement or intelligence agency.
								(C)Exceptions
 (i)Criminal investigationAn entity receiving a grant under this section may transfer data collected by the entity from a body-mounted camera to another law enforcement agency or intelligence agency for use in a criminal investigation if the requesting law enforcement or intelligence agency has reasonable suspicion that the requested data contains evidence relating to the crime being investigated.
 (ii)Civil rights claimsAn entity receiving a grant under this section may transfer data collected by the law enforcement agency from a body-mounted camera to another law enforcement agency for use in an investigation of any right, privilege, or immunity secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
									(e)Matching funds
 (1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (3), the Federal share of the cost of a program carried out using a grant under this part may not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the program.
 (2)Indian assistanceAny funds appropriated by Congress for the activities of any agency of an Indian tribal government or the Bureau of Indian Affairs performing law enforcement functions on any Indian lands may be used to provide the non-Federal share of the matching requirement described in paragraph (1).
 (3)WaiverThe Assistant Attorney General may waive, in whole or in part, the matching requirement described in paragraph (1) in the case of fiscal hardship, as determined by the Assistant Attorney General.
 (f)Allocation of fundsFor fiscal years 2015 and 2016, of the amounts appropriated to the Office of Justice Programs, $10,000,000 shall be used to carry out this part.
						3022.Applications
 (a)In generalTo request a grant under this part, the chief executive of a State, unit of local government, or Indian tribe shall submit an application to the Assistant Attorney General in such form and containing such information as the Assistant Attorney General may reasonably require.
 (b)RegulationsNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this part, the Assistant Attorney General shall promulgate regulations to implement this part, including the information that shall be included and the requirements that the States, units of local government, and Indian tribes must meet in submitting the applications required under this section.
						3023.Study
 (a)In generalNot later than 2 years after the date on which all grants are awarded under this part, the Assistant Attorney General shall conduct a study on—
 (1)the efficacy of body-worn cameras in deterring excessive force by law enforcement officers; (2)the impact of body-worn cameras on the accountability and transparency of the use of force by law enforcement officers;
 (3)the impact of body-worn cameras on responses to and adjudications of complaints of excessive force; (4)the effect of the use of body-worn cameras on the safety of law enforcement officers on patrol;
 (5)the effect of the use of body-worn cameras on public safety; (6)the impact of body-worn cameras on evidence collection for criminal investigations;
 (7)issues relating to the secure storage and handling of data from the body-worn cameras; (8)issues relating to the privacy of citizens and officers recorded on body-worn cameras;
 (9)issues relating to the public’s access to body-worn camera footage; (10)the need for proper training of law enforcement officers that use body-worn cameras;
 (11)best practices in the development of protocols for the safe and effective use of body-worn cameras; and
 (12)any other factors that the Assistant Attorney General determines are relevant in evaluating the efficacy of body-worn cameras.
 (b)ReportNot later than 180 days after the date on which the study required under subsection (a) is completed, the Assistant Attorney General shall submit to Congress a report on the study..


113 HRES 152 IH: Celebrating the anniversary of the enactment of Public Law 87–788, commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-04-11
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IV
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 152
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 11, 2013
			Mr. Michaud (for
			 himself and Mr. Harper) submitted the
			 following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Agriculture

		RESOLUTION
		Celebrating the anniversary of the
		  enactment of Public Law 87–788, commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis
		  Cooperative Forestry Act.

		Whereas October 10, 2013, marks the 51th anniversary of
			 the enactment of Public Law 87–788 (commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis
			 Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.), which authorizes the
			 Secretary of Agriculture to encourage and assist States in conducting a program
			 of forestry research;
		Whereas the Act was named for the two primary, bipartisan
			 sponsors of the Act, Representative Clifford G. McIntire of Maine and Senator
			 John C. Stennis of Mississippi, who recognized that research in forestry is the
			 driving force behind progress in developing and utilizing the Nation’s
			 forests;
		Whereas the Act recognized that forestry research would be
			 more effective nationwide if efforts among State colleges and universities were
			 partnered with and more closely coordinated with forestry research activities
			 carried out by the Federal Government;
		Whereas Congressman McIntire and Senator Stennis stated a
			 clear intent to address the important need for increased numbers of highly
			 trained forestry scientists and other research professionals in the United
			 States;
		Whereas the Act has provided base funding throughout five
			 decades to create and strengthen research and training capacity in forestry at
			 State-supported colleges and universities;
		Whereas funds provided through the Act at State-supported
			 colleges and universities are highly leveraged with non-Federal funds;
		Whereas university-based forestry research has provided an
			 accumulated wealth of science-based knowledge, skills, and technologies that
			 have been critical for sustaining the economic, ecological, and social benefits
			 of forests in the United States;
		Whereas funding provided through the Act for forestry
			 research at State-supported colleges and universities has provided significant
			 graduate student support for the more than 50 years, resulting in the award of
			 8,500 master’s degrees and 2,600 doctoral degrees; and
		Whereas the State-supported colleges and universities
			 receiving funds through the Act conduct forestry research in each State and in
			 four territories of the United States, and disseminate the results of such
			 research locally, regionally, nationally, and globally for the betterment of
			 local communities, the Nation, and the world: Now, therefore, be it

		That the House of
			 Representatives—
			(1)celebrates the anniversary of the enactment
			 of Public Law 87–788, commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative
			 Forestry Act (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.);
			(2)encourages the people of the United States
			 to observe and celebrate the anniversary of the enactment of the
			 McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; and
			(3)affirms the continuing importance and
			 vitality of the State-supported colleges and universities conducting forestry
			 research and training supported by the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry
			 Act.


113 S755 IS: Enhanced Access to Medicaid Services Act of 2013
U.S. Senate
2013-04-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 755
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			April 17, 2013
			Ms. Klobuchar (for
			 herself and Ms. Collins) introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to apply
		  the Medicaid primary care payment rate to additional physician providers of
		  primary care services.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Enhanced Access to Medicaid
			 Services Act of 2013.
		2.Primary care
			 payment rate for additional physician providers of primary care
			 services
			(a)In
			 generalSection 1902(a)(13)(C) of the Social Security Act (42
			 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(13)(C)) is amended by striking or pediatric and
			 inserting neurology, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, or
			 pediatric.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on
			 the date of enactment of this Act and shall apply to medical assistance for
			 primary care services provided on or after that date.


116 S1867 RS: DHS Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator Act
U.S. Senate
2019-06-13
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IICalendar No. 195116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1867[Report No. 116–91]IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 13, 2019Mr. Johnson (for himself, Mr. Peters, and Ms. Hassan) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental AffairsSeptember 10, 2019Reported by Mr. Johnson, without amendmentA BILLTo amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security an
			 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the DHS Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator Act. 2.Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator (a)In generalTitle III of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

					321.Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator
						(a)Coordinator
 (1)In generalThe Secretary shall designate a senior official of the Department within the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans as the Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator (in this section referred to as the Coordinator) and provide appropriate staff to carry out the responsibilities of the Coordinator.
 (2)ResponsibilitiesThe Coordinator shall— (A)oversee and coordinate with relevant Department offices and components, including the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and the Privacy Office, on the development of guidance and regulations to counter threats associated with unmanned aircraft systems (in this section referred to as UAS) as described in section 210G;
 (B)promote research and development of counter UAS technologies in coordination with the Office of Science and Technology;
 (C)coordinate with the relevant components and offices of the Department, including the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, to ensure the sharing of information, guidance, and intelligence relating to countering UAS threats, counter UAS threat assessments, and counter UAS technology, including the retention of UAS and counter UAS incidents within the Department;
 (D)serve as the Department liaison, in coordination with relevant components and offices of the Department, to Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement entities and the private sector regarding the activities of the Department relating to countering UAS;
 (E)maintain the information required under section 210G(g)(3); and (F)carry out other related counter UAS authorities and activities under section 210G, as directed by the Secretary.
 (b)Coordination with applicable Federal lawsThe Coordinator shall, in addition to other assigned duties, coordinate with relevant Department components and offices to ensure testing, evaluation, or deployment of a system used to identify, assess, or defeat a UAS is carried out in accordance with applicable Federal laws.
 (c)Coordination with private sectorThe Coordinator shall, among other assigned duties, working with the Office of Partnership and Engagement and other relevant Department offices and components, or other Federal agencies, as appropriate, serve as the principal Department official responsible for sharing to the private sector information regarding counter UAS technology, particularly information regarding instances in which counter UAS technology may impact lawful private sector services or systems.
 (d)Termination of authorityThe authority to carry out this section shall terminate on the date described in section 210G(i).. (b)Technical and conforming amendmentThe table of contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–296; 116 Stat. 2135) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 320 the following:
				Sec. 321. Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator..September 10, 2019Reported without amendment


116 SRES 555 ATS: Recognizing and supporting the advocates, counselors, volunteers, and first responders who served survivors on an emergency basis during National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
U.S. Senate
2020-05-04
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. RES. 555IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 4, 2020Mr. Grassley (for himself, Mr. Peters, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Tillis) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryMay 14, 2020Committee discharged; considered and agreed toRESOLUTIONRecognizing and supporting the advocates, counselors, volunteers, and first responders who served survivors on an emergency basis during National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.Whereas the 19th anniversary of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, which took place in April 2020, provides the people of the United States with an opportunity to reflect on the substantial contributions made by the individuals who respond to, and advocate on behalf of, survivors of sexual violence;Whereas the first rape crisis center, established in San Francisco, California, in 1971, was the natural outgrowth of years of peer-to-peer support by advocates for women and civil rights advocates in communities across the United States;Whereas, nearly 5 decades later, rape crisis centers across the United States continue to be on the front lines in responding to the needs of sexual assault survivors, going above and beyond to empower and improve the lives of these crime victims during the national emergency declared by the President under the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19);Whereas thousands of volunteers and personnel at State coalitions against sexual assault have partnered with rape crisis centers and national nonprofit organizations across the country to extend crisis hotline and other services to survivors of sexual assault during such national emergency;Whereas the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800–656–HOPE) has fielded more than 1,000,000 calls since its inception, providing free and confidential help to sexual assault survivors, with the active involvement of many such nonprofit organizations;Whereas sexual violence affects some individuals who serve in the Armed Forces, according to the Department of Defense, which recently launched the Safe Helpline (877–995–5247), through which thousands of members of the Armed Forces who annually report some form of sexual assault may receive free and confidential help;Whereas, during such national emergency, additional resources are available to victims of violent crime through the National Center for Victims of Crime, which operates the National Hotline for Crime Victims (855–4–VICTIM); Whereas, during such national emergency, first responders, including police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, have worked tirelessly to provide emergency services and respond to crime survivors; Whereas, during such national emergency, sexual assault forensic nurses have played an essential role in meeting the needs of crime victims by responding with empathy to victims in the immediate aftermath of their assault and ensuring the successful collection of crime scene evidence; Whereas, each year, crimes of sexual violence harm hundreds of thousands of individuals in the United States, sometimes with life-altering effects, and many perpetrators will never be brought to justice;Whereas sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of demographic or socioeconomic background, but research suggests that American Indians and Alaska Natives experience rates of sexual violence that significantly surpass such rates of other populations in the United States, according to the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence;Whereas victims of sexual violence usually know their abuser, according to the Office for Victims of Crime at the Department of Justice, which recently lost a tireless advocate for crime survivors with the death of its longtime director, Joye Frost; andWhereas many sexual violence survivors suffer emotional complications, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, major depression, homelessness, eating disorders, and even suicide, long after their physical scars have healed, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center: Now, therefore, be itThat—(1)this resolution represents the great appreciation of, and an expression of support by, the Senate for the work of individuals in the United States who have provided and continue to provide an essential service to advance the safety and emotional wellness of survivors of sexual violence during the national emergency declared by the President under the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19); (2)the Senate remains committed to promoting the awareness, prevention, and deterrence of sexual violence affecting individuals in the United States, including during such national emergency;(3)it is the sense of the Senate that it is appropriate to properly acknowledge survivors of sexual assault and commend the volunteers and professionals who assist such survivors in their efforts to heal;(4)the Senate extends its appreciation to the staff and volunteers of national and community organizations for their tireless efforts in supporting survivors of sexual assault throughout the year, but especially during such national emergency; and(5)public safety, law enforcement, and health professionals should be recognized and applauded for their continued efforts to ensure that perpetrators of sexual assault are held accountable, both during such national emergency and throughout the year.


115 S130 IS: Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act
U.S. Senate
2017-01-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		115th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 130
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 12, 2017
			Ms. Baldwin introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

		A BILL
		To require enforcement against misbranded milk alternatives.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act or the DAIRY PRIDE Act.
 2.FindingsCongress finds as follows: (1)Dairy products are an important part of a healthy diet for both children and adults, according to the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (referred to in this section as the Dietary Guidelines) published by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture. The Dietary Guidelines state that most Americans are not meeting recommended intake for the dairy food group. Consumption of dairy foods provides numerous health benefits, including lowering the risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
 (2)The Dietary Guidelines state that dairy foods are excellent sources of critical nutrients for human health, including vitamin D, calcium, and potassium, all of which are under consumed by people of the United States. When consumed in the amounts recommended by the Food Patterns of the Department of Agriculture, on average across the calorie levels, dairy foods contribute about 67 percent of calcium, 64 percent of vitamin D, and 17 percent of magnesium.
 (3)About 30 percent of adolescent boys meet or exceed the recommended 3 cup equivalents per day, but less than 10 percent of adolescent females meet or exceed this recommendation. An age-related decline in dairy intake appears to begin in adolescence and intakes persist at very low levels among adult females across the age distribution. Less than 5 percent of adult females consume the recommended 3 cup equivalents per day. Overall, more than 80 percent of the entire population of the United States does not meet the daily dairy intake recommendation.
 (4)The Dietary Guidelines state that vitamin D and potassium amounts vary across plant-based milk alternatives. The amount of calcium per calorie is lower for most plant-based alternative milk products. To obtain the amount of calcium contained in one cup of non-fat fluid milk from a plant-based milk alternative, the portion size and calorie intake must be greater.
 (5)Imitation dairy products, such as plant-based products derived from rice, nuts, soybeans, hemp, coconut, algae, and other foods that imitate milk, yogurt, and cheese, often do not provide the same nutrition content as real milk, cheese, and yogurt derived from dairy cows.
 (6)Plant-based products labeled as milk are misleading to consumers.
 (7)The Food and Drug Administration has regulations that define milk and cream as the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows (section 131.110 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations). This definition further applies to milk used to create other dairy products, including yogurt and cheese, as specified in section 131 and 133 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations.
 (8)Given the proliferation of plant-based products in the marketplace that are mislabeled as milk despite the standard of identity defined for this substance, enforcement by the Food and Drug Administration against these practices should be improved to avoid misleading consumers.
 3.PurposeNo food may be introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce using a market name for a dairy product if the food does not meet the criterion set forth for dairy products under paragraph (z)(2) of section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343) (as added by section 4(a)).
		4.Enforcement of definition
 (a)In generalSection 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (z)(1)If it uses a market name for a dairy product described in subparagraph (3) and the food does not meet the criterion for being a dairy product, as described in subparagraph (2).
 (2)For purposes of this paragraph, a food is a dairy product only if the food is, contains as a primary ingredient, or is derived from, the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more hooved mammals.
 (3)A market name for a dairy product described in this subparagraph means the dairy product terms described in parts 131 and 133 of subchapter B of chapter I of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, and sections 135.110, 135.115, and 135.140 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations), or any other term for which the Secretary has promulgated a standard of identity with respect to a food that is formulated with a dairy product (as described in subparagraph (2)) as the primary ingredient..
 (b)GuidanceThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall—
 (1)not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, issue draft guidance on how enforcement of the amendment made by subsection (a) will be carried out; and
 (2)not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, issue final guidance on such enforcement.
 (c)Report to CongressNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall report to Congress on enforcement actions taken under paragraph (z) of section 403 of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343), as amended by this Act, including warnings issued pursuant to such paragraph and penalties assessed under section 303 of such Act (21 U.S.C. 333) with respect to such paragraph. If food that is misbranded under section 403(z) is offered for sale in interstate commerce at the time of such report, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs shall include in such report an updated plan for enforcement with respect to such food.


116 HR 3240 IH: Public Engagement at FERC Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-06-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3240IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 12, 2019Ms. Schakowsky (for herself, Mr. Kennedy, Ms. Kuster of New Hampshire, and Mr. Lynch) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo amend the Federal Power Act to establish an Office of Public Participation and Consumer
			 Advocacy.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Public Engagement at FERC Act. 2.Office of Public Participation and Consumer AdvocacySection 319 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 825q–1) is amended to read as follows:

				319.Office of Public Participation and Consumer Advocacy
 (a)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)Advisory CommitteeThe term Advisory Committee means the Public and Consumer Advocacy Advisory Committee established under subsection (f)(1).
 (2)DirectorThe term Director means the Director of the Office appointed under subsection (c)(1). (3)Energy customerThe term energy customer means a residential customer or a small commercial customer that receives products or services from—
 (A)a public utility or natural gas company under the jurisdiction of the Commission; or (B)an electric cooperative.
 (4)Natural gas companyThe term natural gas company has the meaning given the term natural-gas company in section 2 of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717a), as modified by section 601(a)(1)(C) of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (15 U.S.C. 3431(a)(1)(C)).
 (5)OfficeThe term Office means the Office of Public Participation and Consumer Advocacy established by subsection (b). (b)EstablishmentThere is established within the Commission an office, to be known as the Office of Public Participation and Consumer Advocacy.
					(c)Director
 (1)In generalThe Office shall be headed by a Director, to be appointed by the Secretary of Energy from among individuals who—
 (A)are licensed attorneys admitted to the bar of— (i)any State; or
 (ii)the District of Columbia; and (B)have experience relating to public utility proceedings.
 (2)DutiesThe Director shall coordinate assistance made available to— (A)the public, with respect to authorities exercised by the Commission; and
 (B)individuals and entities intervening or participating, or proposing to intervene or participate, in proceedings before the Commission.
							(3)Compensation and powers
 (A)CompensationThe Director shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
 (B)PowersThe Director may— (i)employ at the Office—
 (I)not more than 125 full-time professional employees at appropriate levels of the General Schedule; and
 (II)such additional support personnel as the Director determines to be necessary; and (ii)procure for the Office such temporary and intermittent services as the Director determines to be necessary.
 (d)Powers of OfficeThe Office may— (1)intervene, appear, and participate, in accordance with this section, in administrative, regulatory, or judicial proceedings on behalf of energy customers with respect to any matter concerning natural gas siting and infrastructure development under the jurisdiction of the Commission or the rates, charges, prices, tariffs, or service of public utilities and natural gas companies under the jurisdiction of the Commission by representing the interests of the energy customers—
 (A)on any matter before the Commission concerning rates or service of such a public utility or natural gas company; or
 (B)as amicus curiae in— (i)a review in any United States court of a ruling by the Commission in such a matter; or
 (ii)a hearing or proceeding in any other Federal regulatory agency or commission relating to such a matter;
 (2)support public participation in the siting and permitting of natural gas storage and distribution infrastructure under the jurisdiction of the Commission;
 (3)monitor and review energy customer complaints and grievances on matters concerning rates or service of public utilities and natural gas companies under the jurisdiction of the Commission;
 (4)employ means, such as public dissemination of information, consultative services, and technical assistance, to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the interests of energy customers are adequately represented in the course of any hearing or proceeding described in paragraph (1);
 (5)collect data concerning rates or service of public utilities and natural gas companies under the jurisdiction of the Commission;
 (6)prepare and issue reports and recommendations; and (7)take such other actions as the Director determines to be necessary to ensure just and reasonable rates for energy customers.
						(e)Information from Federal departments and agencies
 (1)In generalThe Director may secure directly from a Federal department or agency such information as the Director considers to be necessary to carry out this section.
 (2)Provision of informationOn request of the Director under paragraph (1), the head of a Federal department or agency shall, to the extent practicable and authorized by law, provide the information to the Office.
						(f)Public and Consumer Advocacy Advisory Committee
 (1)EstablishmentThe Director shall establish an advisory committee, to be known as the Public and Consumer Advocacy Advisory Committee— (A)to review rates, services, and disputes; and
 (B)to make recommendations to the Director. (2)CompositionThe Advisory Committee shall—
 (A)be composed of such members as the Director determines to be appropriate; but (B)include not fewer than—
 (i)2 individuals representing State utility consumer advocates; and (ii)1 individual representing a nongovernmental organization that represents consumers.
 (3)MeetingsThe Advisory Committee shall meet at such frequency as is required to carry out the duties of the Advisory Committee.
 (4)ReportsThe Director shall publish the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the public internet website established for the Office.
 (5)DurationNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Advisory Committee shall continue in operation during the period for which the Office exists.
 (6)Application of FACAExcept as otherwise specifically provided, the Advisory Committee shall be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
 (g)Reports and guidanceAs the Director determines to be appropriate, the Office shall issue to the Commission and entities subject to regulation by the Commission reports and guidance—
 (1)regarding market practices; (2)proposing improvements in Commission monitoring of market practices; and
 (3)addressing potential improvements to industry and Commission practices. (h)OutreachThe Office shall promote, through outreach, publications, and, as appropriate, direct communication with entities regulated by the Commission—
 (1)improved compliance with Commission rules and orders; and (2)public participation in the siting and permitting of natural gas storage and distribution infrastructure under the jurisdiction of the Commission.
						(i)Compensation to eligible recipients for intervention or participation
 (1)Definition of eligible recipientIn this subsection, the term eligible recipient means an individual or entity— (A)that intervenes or participates in any proceeding before the Commission;
 (B)the intervention or participation of which substantially contributed to the approval, in whole or in part, of a position advocated by the individual or entity in the proceeding; and
 (C)that is— (i)an individual;
 (ii)an energy customer; or (iii)a representative of the interests of energy customers.
 (2)CompensationSubject to paragraph (3), the Commission, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Commission, may provide to any eligible recipient compensation for reasonable attorney fees, expert witness fees, and other costs of intervening or participating in the applicable proceeding before the Commission.
 (3)RequirementThe Commission may only provide compensation under paragraph (2) if the Commission determines that— (A)the applicable proceeding is significant;
 (B)the compensation is approved by the Advisory Committee; and (C)the intervention or participation by the eligible recipient in the proceeding without receipt of compensation constitutes a significant financial hardship to the eligible recipient.
 (j)Savings clauseNothing in this section restricts or otherwise affects— (1)any right or obligation of an intervenor, participant, State utility consumer advocate, energy customer, or group of energy customers under any other applicable provision of law (including regulations); or
 (2)the work of Commission trial staff in representing the public interest and pursuing appropriate resolutions in contested matters before the Commission.
 (k)FundingOf the amounts received by the Commission for fiscal year 2020 and each fiscal year thereafter as a result of any fee imposed by the Commission, the Commission shall use such sums as are necessary to establish and provide for the operation of the Office under this section..