116 HR 343 IH: Lake Fannin Conveyance Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-08
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. 343IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 8, 2019Mr. Ratcliffe introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on AgricultureA BILLTo require the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer certain National Forest System land in the
			 State of Texas.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Lake Fannin Conveyance Act. 2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
 (1)CountyThe term County means Fannin County, Texas. (2)MapThe term map means the map entitled Lake Fannin Conveyance and dated November 21, 2013.
 (3)National Forest System landThe term National Forest System land means the approximately 2,025 acres of National Forest System land generally depicted on the map. (4)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
			3.Land conveyance
 (a)In generalSubject to the terms and conditions described in subsection (b), if the County submits to the Secretary an offer to acquire the National Forest System land for the fair market value, as determined by the appraisal under subsection (c), the Secretary shall convey the National Forest System land to the County.
 (b)Terms and conditionsThe conveyance under subsection (a) shall be— (1)subject to valid existing rights;
 (2)made by quitclaim deed; and (3)subject to any other terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
				(c)Appraisal
 (1)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete an appraisal to determine the fair market value of the National Forest System land.
 (2)StandardsThe appraisal under paragraph (1) shall be conducted in accordance with— (A)the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and
 (B)the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. (d)Map (1)Availability of mapThe map shall be kept on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate office of the Forest Service.
 (2)Correction of errorsThe Secretary may correct minor errors in the map. (e)ConsiderationAs consideration for the conveyance under subsection (a), the County shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the fair market value of the National Forest System land, as determined by the appraisal under subsection (c).
 (f)SurveyThe exact acreage and legal description of the National Forest System land to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary and the County.
 (g)UseAs a condition of the conveyance under subsection (a), the County shall agree to manage the land conveyed under that subsection for public recreational purposes.
 (h)Costs of conveyanceAs a condition of the conveyance under subsection (a), the County shall pay to the Secretary all costs associated with the conveyance, including the cost of—
 (1)the appraisal under subsection (c); and (2)the survey under subsection (f).


114 S2561 IS: Protection of Children Act of 2016
U.S. Senate
2016-02-22
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.

II114th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 2561IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 22, 2016Mr. Sessions (for himself and Mr. Johnson) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo amend the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to
			 provide expedited processing for unaccompanied alien children who are
			 not victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons and who do not have
			 a fear of returning to their country of nationality or last habitual
			 residence, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Protection of Children Act of 2016. 2.Repatriation of unaccompanied alien children (a)In generalSection 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (8 U.S.C. 1232) is amended—
 (1)in subsection (a)— (A)in paragraph (2)—
 (i)by amending the heading to read as follows: Rules for unaccompanied alien children.—; (ii)in subparagraph (A)—
 (I)in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking who is a national or habitual resident of a country that is contiguous with the United States; (II)in clause (i), by inserting and at the end;
 (III)in clause (ii), by striking ; and and inserting a period; and (IV)by striking clause (iii);
 (iii)in subparagraph (B)— (I)in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) may— and inserting (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.)—;
 (II)in clause (i), by inserting may before permit such child to withdraw; and (III)in clause (ii), by inserting shall before return such child; and
 (iv)in subparagraph (C)— (I)by amending the heading to read as follows: Agreements with foreign countries.—; and
 (II)in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking The Secretary of State shall negotiate agreements between the United States and countries contiguous to the United States and inserting The Secretary of State may negotiate agreements between the United States and any foreign country that the Secretary determines appropriate; and
 (B)in paragraph (5)(D)— (i)in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking , except for an unaccompanied alien child from a contiguous country subject to the exceptions under subsection (a)(2),  and inserting who does not meet the criteria listed in paragraph (2)(A); and
 (ii)in clause (i), by inserting , which shall include a hearing before an immigration judge not later than 14 days after being screened under paragraph (4) before the semicolon at the end;
 (2)in subsection (b)— (A)in paragraph (2)—
 (i)in subparagraph (A), by inserting believed not to meet the criteria listed in subsection (a)(2)(A) before the semicolon at the end; and (ii)in subparagraph (B), by inserting and does not meet the criteria listed in subsection (a)(2)(A) before the period at the end; and
 (B)in paragraph (3), by striking an unaccompanied alien child in custody shall and all that follows, and inserting the following:  an unaccompanied alien child in custody—(A)in the case of a child who does not meet the criteria listed in subsection (a)(2)(A), shall transfer the custody of such child to the Secretary of Health and Human Services not later than 30 days after determining that such child is an unaccompanied alien child who does not meet such criteria; or
 (B)in the case of child who meets the criteria listed in subsection (a)(2)(A), may transfer the custody of such child to the Secretary of Health and Human Services after determining that such child is an unaccompanied alien child who meets such criteria.; and
 (3)in subsection (c)— (A)in paragraph (3), by inserting at the end the following:

							(D)Information about individuals with whom children are placed
 (i)Information to be provided to Homeland SecurityBefore placing a child with an individual, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide to the Secretary of Homeland Security, regarding the individual with whom the child will be placed, the following information:
 (I)The name of the individual. (II)The social security number of the individual.
 (III)The date of birth of the individual. (IV)The location of the individual’s residence where the child will be placed.
 (V)The immigration status of the individual, if known. (VI)Contact information for the individual.
 (ii)Special ruleIn the case of a child who was apprehended on or after June 15, 2012, and before the date of the enactment of the Protection of Children Act of 2016, who the Secretary of Health and Human Services placed with an individual, the Secretary shall provide the information listed in clause (i) to the Secretary of Homeland Security not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the Protection of Children Act of 2016.
 (iii)Activities of the Secretary of Homeland SecurityNot later than 30 days after receiving the information listed in clause (i), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall—
 (I)in the case that the immigration status of an individual with whom a child is placed is unknown, investigate the immigration status of that individual; and
 (II)upon determining that an individual with whom a child is placed is unlawfully present in the United States, initiate removal proceedings pursuant to chapter 4 of title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1221 et seq.).; and
 (B)in paragraph (5)— (i)by inserting , at no expense to the Government, after to the greatest extent practicable; and
 (ii)by striking have counsel to represent them and inserting have access to counsel to represent them. (b)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to any unauthorized alien child apprehended on or after June 15, 2012.
 3.Special immigrant juvenile status for immigrants unable to reunite with either parentSection 101(a)(27)(J)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(J)(i)) is amended by striking 1 or both of the immigrant’s parents and inserting either of the immigrant’s parents.
 4.Jurisdiction of asylum applicationsSection 208(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1158) is amended by striking subparagraph (C).


113 HCON 5 IH: Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the Mississippi River and its status as a vital resource of the United States.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-01-03
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. CON. RES. 5
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 3, 2013
			Mr. Walz submitted
			 the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on House
			 Administration

		CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
		Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in
		  the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the Mississippi River and
		  its status as a vital resource of the United States.

		1.Use of emancipation hall for
			 event to celebrate the Mississippi River
			(a)AuthorizationEmancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor
			 Center is authorized to be used on March 21, 2013, for an event to celebrate
			 the Mississippi River and its status as a vital resource of the United States
			 and what it represents as a indelible component of the Nation’s environment,
			 economy, cultural heritage, and history.
			(b)PreparationsPhysical
			 preparations for the event described in subsection (a) shall be carried out in
			 accordance with such conditions as may be prescribed by the Architect of the
			 Capitol.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1433
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			July 9, 2009
			Mr. Nelson of Florida
			 (for himself and Mr. Levin) introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Rules and
			 Administration

		A BILL
		To provide for interregional primary elections and
		  caucuses for the selection of delegates to political party Presidential
		  nominating conventions.

		1.Short TitleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Fair and Representative Presidential
			 Primaries Act of 2009.
		2.Interregional
			 Primary Elections and Caucuses
			(a)Selection of
			 Delegates to ConventionsThe
			 delegates to each national convention for the nomination of candidates of a
			 political party for the offices of President and Vice President shall be
			 selected by primary election or by caucus, as provided by State law. Such State
			 law shall conform to the requirements of the national political executive
			 committee and the national nominating convention of the political party
			 involved.
			(b)Timing of
			 Primary Elections and Caucuses
				(1)In
			 generalIn each region
			 described in subsection (c), the primary elections and caucuses (as the case
			 may be) in a subregion (comprised of a State or a group of States) shall be
			 conducted on each of the following days of each Presidential election year: the
			 second Tuesday in March, the first Tuesday in April, the fourth Tuesday in
			 April, the second Tuesday in May, the fourth Tuesday in May, and the second
			 Tuesday in June.
				(2)Initial order of
			 primaries and caucusesFor
			 the first Presidential election with respect to which this Act applies, the
			 Election Assistance Commission shall determine by lot the order of subregions
			 in each region for conduct of primary elections and caucuses by the States
			 under paragraph (1).
				(3)Order of
			 primaries and caucuses for subsequent electionsThe subregions determined under paragraph
			 (2) to be first in order for the first Presidential election to which this Act
			 applies shall be last in order with respect to the next such election, and the
			 other subregions shall advance in the order accordingly. The order shall change
			 with respect to subsequent elections in a like manner.
				(4)Special rules
			 for District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and territoriesAny primary election or caucus for the
			 District of Columbia shall be conducted on the same day as a primary election
			 or caucus for the State of Maryland. Any primary election or caucus for the
			 Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall be conducted on the same day as a primary
			 election or caucus for the State of Florida. Any primary election or caucus for
			 any other territory, possession, or other entity entitled under the rules of a
			 political party to delegate representation at the national convention of that
			 party shall be conducted on the same day as a primary election or caucus for
			 the States of Alaska and Hawaii.
				(c)Establishment of
			 regionsThe regions
			 (designated by number) and the subregions (designated by letter) referred to in
			 subsection (b) are as follows:
				(1)Region 1: (A) Maine, New Hampshire,
			 Vermont; (B) Massachusetts; (C) Connecticut, Rhode Island; (D) Delaware, New
			 Jersey; (E) New York; (F) Pennsylvania.
				(2)Region 2: (A) Maryland; (B) West Virginia;
			 (C) Missouri; (D) Indiana; (E) Kentucky; (F) Tennessee.
				(3)Region 3: (A) Ohio; (B) Illinois; (C)
			 Michigan; (D) Wisconsin; (E) Iowa; (F) Minnesota.
				(4)Region 4: (A) Texas; (B) Louisiana; (C)
			 Arkansas, Oklahoma; (D) Colorado; (E) Kansas, Nebraska; (F) Arizona, New
			 Mexico.
				(5)Region 5: (A) Virginia; (B) North Carolina;
			 (C) South Carolina; (D) Florida; (E) Georgia; (F) Mississippi, Alabama.
				(6)Region 6: (A) California; (B) Washington;
			 (C) Oregon; (D) Idaho, Nevada, Utah; (E) Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,
			 Wyoming; (F) Hawaii, Alaska.
				3.EnforcementThe Attorney General may bring a civil
			 action in any appropriate United States district court for such declaratory or
			 injunctive relief as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
		4.RegulationsThe Election Assistance Commission shall
			 prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
		5.DefinitionAs used in this Act, the term State
			 law means the law of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth
			 of Puerto Rico, or a territory or possession of the United States.
		6.Effective
			 DateThis Act shall apply with
			 respect to Presidential elections taking place more than 2 years after the date
			 of the enactment of this Act.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2040
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 26, 2011
			Mr. King of Iowa (for
			 himself, Mr. Duncan of South Carolina,
			 Ms. Foxx, Mr. Gary G. Miller of California, and
			 Mr. Paul) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Education and the Workforce

		A BILL
		To preserve and protect the free choice of individual
		  employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, or to refrain from such
		  activities.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the National
			 Right-to-Work Act.
		2.Amendments to the
			 national labor relations Act
			(a)Section 7 of the
			 National Labor Relations Act (the Act) (29 U.S.C. 157) is
			 amended by striking except to and all that follows through
			 authorized in section 8(a)(3).
			(b)Section 8(a) of
			 the Act (29 U.S.C. 158(a)) is amended by striking : Provided,
			 That and all that follows through retaining
			 membership in paragraph (3).
			(c)Section 8(b) of
			 the Act (29 U.S.C. 158(b)) is amended by striking or to
			 discriminate and all that follows through retaining
			 membership in paragraph (2) and by striking covered by an
			 agreement authorized under subsection (a)(3) of this section in
			 paragraph (5).
			(d)Section 8(f) of
			 the Act (29 U.S.C. 158(f)) is amended by striking clause (2) and by
			 redesignating clauses (3) and (4) as (2) and (3), respectively.
			3.Amendment to the
			 Railway Labor ActSection 2 of
			 the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 152) is amended by striking paragraph
			 Eleventh.


I
112th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4584
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 24, 2012
Mrs. Myrick introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To extend the suspension of duty on staple fibers of rayon, carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning.

1.Staple fibers of rayon, carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning
(a)In generalHeading 9902.23.34 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to staple fibers of rayon, carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning) is amended by striking the date in the effective period column and inserting 12/31/2015.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 240
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 7, 2011
			Mr. Filner introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Veterans’
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To amend title 38, United States Code, to promote jobs
		  for veterans through the use of sole source contracts by Department of Veterans
		  Affairs for purposes of meeting the contracting goals and preferences of the
		  Department of Veterans Affairs for small business concerns owned and controlled
		  by veterans.

		1.Promoting jobs for veterans
			 through the use of sole source contracts by Department of Veterans Affairs for
			 purposes of meeting the contracting goals and preferences of the Department of
			 Veterans Affairs for small business concerns owned and controlled by
			 veterans
			(a)In
			 generalSection 8127(c) of
			 title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking may and
			 inserting shall.
			(b)Deadline for
			 interim policy guidanceBy not later than 30 days after the date
			 of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall issue
			 interim policy guidance to carry out the amendment made by subsection
			 (a).


117 HR 2237 IH: Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-03-26
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.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2237IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 26, 2021Ms. Lofgren (for herself, Mr. Neguse, Mr. Nadler, Ms. DeGette, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Cooper, Mrs. Demings, Ms. Garcia of Texas, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Bonamici, Ms. Norton, Mr. Rush, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Casten, Mr. Meeks, Mr. Espaillat, Ms. Blunt Rochester, Mr. Gallego, Mr. Cárdenas, Mr. Carson, Mr. Morelle, Ms. Barragán, Mr. Torres of New York, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Welch, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Yarmuth, and Ms. Tlaib) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the President to set a minimum annual goal for the number of refugees to be admitted, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement Act or the GRACE Act.2.Admission of refugeesSection 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1157) is amended—(1)in subsection (a)—(A)by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following:(1)In generalExcept as provided in subsection (b), the number of refugees who may be admitted under this section in any fiscal year shall be such number as the President determines is—(A)justified by humanitarian concerns or otherwise in the national interest; and(B)not fewer than 125,000.(2)Absence of determinationIf the President does not issue a determination under paragraph (1) before the beginning of a fiscal year, the number of refugees who may be admitted under this section shall be 125,000.;(B)by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (4) and (7), respectively;(C)by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:(3)Numerical goalsEach officer of the Federal Government responsible for refugee admissions or refugee resettlement shall treat as the numerical goals for refugee admissions under this section for the applicable fiscal year—(A)(i)a determination under paragraph (1); or(ii)in the absence of a determination under paragraph (1), the number under paragraph (2); and(B)a determination under subsection (b).; and(D)by inserting after paragraph (4), as redesignated, the following:(5)Consideration of resettlement needsIn making a determination under paragraph (1), the President shall consider the number of refugees who, during the calendar year beginning immediately after the beginning of the applicable fiscal year, are in need of resettlement in a third country, as determined by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the most recently published projected global resettlement needs report.(6)Regional allocationsThe President shall determine regional allocations for admissions under this subsection, which shall—(A)consider the projected needs identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the projected global resettlement needs report for the calendar year beginning immediately after the beginning of the applicable fiscal year; and(B)include an unallocated reserve that the Secretary of State, after notifying the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives, may use for 1 or more regions in which the need for additional refugee admissions arises.; and (2)by adding at the end the following:(g)Quarterly reports on admissionsNot later than 15 days after the last day of each quarter, the President shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives a report that includes the following:(1)Refugees admitted(A)The number of refugees admitted to the United States during the preceding quarter.(B)The number of refugees admitted to the United States during the preceding quarter, expressed as a percentage of the number of refugees authorized to be admitted in accordance with the determinations under subsections (a) and (b) for the applicable fiscal year.(C)The cumulative number of refugees admitted to the United States during the applicable fiscal year, as of the last day of the preceding quarter.(D)The number of refugees to be admitted to the United States during the remainder of the applicable fiscal year so as to achieve the numerical goals set forth in the determinations under subsections (a) and (b) for such fiscal year.(E)The number of refugees from each region admitted to the United States during the preceding quarter, expressed as a percentage of the allocation for each region under subsection (a)(6) for the applicable fiscal year.(2)Aliens with Security Advisory Opinions(A)The number of aliens, by nationality, for whom a Security Advisory Opinion has been requested who were security-cleared during the preceding quarter, expressed as a percentage of all cases successfully adjudicated by the Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the applicable fiscal year.(B)The number of aliens, by nationality, for whom a Security Advisory Opinion has been requested who were admitted to the United States during the preceding quarter.(3)Circuit rides(A)For the preceding quarter—(i)the number of Refugee Corps officers deployed on circuit rides, expressed as a percentage of the overall number of Refugee Corps officers;(ii)the number of individuals interviewed—(I)on each circuit ride; and(II)at each circuit ride location;(iii)the number of circuit rides; and(iv)for each circuit ride—(I)the duration of the circuit ride;(II)the average number of interviews conducted daily on the circuit ride; and(III)the percentages of interviews conducted for—(aa)individuals who require Security Advisory Opinions; and(bb)individuals who do not require Security Advisory Opinions.(B)For the subsequent quarter—(i)the number of circuit rides scheduled; and(ii)the number of circuit rides planned.(4)ProcessingFor the preceding quarter—(A)the average number of days between—(i)the date on which an individual is identified by the United States Government as a refugee; and(ii)the date on which such individual is interviewed by the Secretary of Homeland Security;(B)the average number of days between—(i)the date on which an individual identified by the United States Government as a refugee is interviewed by the Secretary of Homeland Security; and(ii)the date on which such individual is admitted to the United States; and(C)with respect to individuals identified by the United States Government as refugees who have been interviewed by the Secretary of Homeland Security, the approval, denial, and hold rates for the applications for admission of such individuals, by nationality.(5)Plan and additional information(A)A plan that describes the procedural or personnel changes necessary to ensure the admission of the number of refugees authorized to be admitted to the United States in accordance with determinations under subsections (a) and (b), including a projection of the number of refugees to be admitted to the United States each month so as to achieve the numerical goals set forth in such determinations.(B)Additional information relating to the pace of refugee admissions, as determined by the President.(h)Rule of constructionNothing in this section may be construed—(1)to inhibit the expeditious processing of refugee and asylum applications; or(2)to restrict the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to admit aliens to the United States under any other Act..


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 738
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 30, 2009
			Ms. Landrieu (for
			 herself, Mr. Bond,
			 Mr. Brownback, Mr. Cochran, Mr.
			 Johnson, and Mr. Roberts)
			 introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To amend the Consumer Credit Protection Act
		  to assure meaningful disclosures of the terms of rental-purchase agreements,
		  including disclosures of all costs to consumers under such agreements, to
		  provide certain substantive rights to consumers under such agreements, and for
		  other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act
			 of 2009.
		2.Findings and declaration of
			 purposes
			(a)FindingsCongress finds that—
				(1)the rental-purchase industry provides a
			 service that meets and satisfies the demands of many consumers;
				(2)each year, approximately 2,300,000 United
			 States households enter into rental-purchase transactions, and over a 5-year
			 period, approximately 4,900,000 United States households will do so;
				(3)competition among the various firms engaged
			 in the extension of rental-purchase transactions would be strengthened by
			 informed use of rental-purchase transactions; and
				(4)the informed use of rental-purchase
			 transactions results from an awareness of the cost thereof by consumers.
				(b)PurposesThe purposes of this Act are to assure the
			 availability of rental-purchase transactions, to assure simple, meaningful, and
			 consistent disclosure of rental-purchase terms so that consumers will be able
			 to more readily compare the available rental-purchase terms and avoid
			 uninformed use of rental-purchase transactions, and to protect consumers
			 against unfair rental-purchase practices.
			3.Consumer
			 Credit Protection ActThe Consumer
			 Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) is amended
			 by adding at the end the following new title:

				XRental-Purchase transactions

						Sec. 1001. Short title;
				  definitions.
						Sec. 1002. Exempted
				  transactions.
						Sec. 1003. General disclosure
				  requirements.
						Sec. 1004. Rental-purchase
				  disclosures.
						Sec. 1005. Other agreement
				  provisions.
						Sec. 1006. Right to acquire
				  ownership.
						Sec. 1007. Prohibited
				  provisions.
						Sec. 1008. Statement of
				  accounts.
						Sec. 1009. Renegotiations and
				  extensions.
						Sec. 1010. Point-of-rental
				  disclosures.
						Sec. 1011. Rental-purchase
				  advertising.
						Sec. 1012. Civil
				  liability.
						Sec. 1013. Additional grounds
				  for civil liability.
						Sec. 1014. Liability of
				  assignees.
						Sec. 1015.
				  Regulations.
						Sec. 1016.
				  Enforcement.
						Sec. 1017. Criminal liability
				  for willful and knowing violation.
						Sec. 1018. Relation to other
				  laws.
						Sec. 1019. Effect on
				  Government agencies.
						Sec. 1020. Compliance
				  date.

					1001.Short title; definitions
						(a)Short titleThis title may be cited as the
				Rental-Purchase Protections Act.
						(b)DefinitionsFor purposes of this title, the following
				definitions shall apply:
							(1)AdvertisementThe term advertisement means a
				commercial message in any medium that promotes, directly or indirectly, a
				rental-purchase agreement, but does not include price tags, window signs, or
				other in-store merchandising aids.
							(2)Agricultural purposeThe term agricultural purpose
				includes—
								(A)the production, harvest, exhibition,
				marketing, transformation, processing, or manufacture of agricultural products
				by a natural person who cultivates plants or propagates or nurtures
				agricultural products; and
								(B)the acquisition of farmlands, real property
				with a farm residence, or personal property and services used primarily in
				farming.
								(3)BoardThe term Board means the Board
				of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
							(4)Cash priceThe term cash price means the
				price at which a merchant, in the ordinary course of business, offers to sell
				for cash the property that is the subject of the rental-purchase
				transaction.
							(5)ConsumerThe term consumer means a
				natural person who is offered or enters into a rental-purchase
				agreement.
							(6)Date of consummationThe term date of consummation
				means the date on which a consumer becomes contractually obligated under a
				rental-purchase agreement.
							(7)Initial paymentThe term initial payment means
				the amount to be paid before or at the time of consummation of the agreement,
				or the time of delivery of the property covered by the agreement if delivery
				occurs after consummation, including—
								(A)the rental payment;
								(B)service, processing, or administrative
				charges;
								(C)any delivery fee;
								(D)refundable security deposit;
								(E)taxes;
								(F)mandatory fees or charges; and
								(G)any optional fees or charges agreed to by
				the consumer.
								(8)MerchantThe term merchant means a
				person who provides the use of property through a rental-purchase agreement in
				the ordinary course of business and to whom the initial payment by the consumer
				under the agreement is payable.
							(9)Payment scheduleThe term payment schedule
				means the amount and timing of the periodic payments and the total number of
				all periodic payments that the consumer will make if the consumer acquires
				ownership of the property by making all periodic payments.
							(10)Periodic paymentThe term periodic payment
				means the total payment that a consumer will make for a specific rental period
				after the initial payment, including the rental payment, taxes, mandatory fees
				or charges, and any optional fees or charges agreed to by the consumer.
							(11)PropertyThe term property means
				property that is not real property under the laws of the State in which the
				property is located when it is made available under a rental-purchase
				agreement.
							(12)Rental
				paymentThe term rental
				payment means rent required to be paid by a consumer for the possession
				and use of property for a specific rental period, but does not include taxes or
				any fees or charges.
							(13)Rental periodThe term rental period means a
				week, month, or other specific period of time, during which the consumer has a
				right to possess and use property that is the subject of a rental-purchase
				agreement after paying the rental payment and any applicable taxes for such
				period.
							(14)Rental-Purchase agreement
								(A)In generalThe term rental-purchase
				agreement means a contract in the form of a bailment or lease for the
				use of property by a consumer for an initial period of 4 months or less, that
				is renewable with each payment by the consumer, and that permits but does not
				obligate the consumer to become the owner of the property.
								(B)ExclusionsThe term rental-purchase
				agreement does not include—
									(i)a credit sale (as defined in section 103(g)
				of the Truth in Lending Act);
									(ii)a consumer lease (as defined in section
				181(1) of the Truth in Lending Act); or
									(iii)a transaction giving rise to a debt
				incurred in connection with the business of lending money or a thing of
				value.
									(15)Rental-Purchase cost
								(A)In generalFor purposes of sections 1010 and 1011, the
				term rental-purchase cost means the sum of all rental payments and
				mandatory fees or charges imposed by the merchant as a condition of entering
				into a rental-purchase agreement or acquiring ownership of property under a
				rental-purchase agreement, including—
									(i)any service, processing, or administrative
				charge;
									(ii)any fee for an investigation or credit
				report; and
									(iii)any charge for delivery required by the
				merchant.
									(B)Excluded
				itemsThe following fees or
				charges shall not be taken into account in determining the rental-purchase cost
				with respect to a rental-purchase transaction:
									(i)Fees and charges prescribed by law, which
				actually are or will be paid to public officials or government entities, such
				as sales tax.
									(ii)Fees and charges for optional products and
				services offered in connection with a rental-purchase agreement.
									(16)StateThe term State means any State
				of the United States, the District of Columbia, any territory of the United
				States, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific
				Islands, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
							(17)Total costThe term total cost means the
				sum of the initial payment and all periodic payments in the payment schedule to
				be paid by the consumer to acquire ownership of the property that is the
				subject of the rental-purchase agreement.
							1002.Exempted transactionsThis title does not apply to rental-purchase
				agreements primarily for business, commercial, or agricultural purposes, or
				those made with agencies or instrumentalities of the Federal Government or a
				State or political subdivision thereof.
					1003.General disclosure requirements
						(a)Recipient of disclosureA merchant shall disclose to any person who
				will be a signatory to a rental-purchase agreement the information required by
				sections 1004 and 1005.
						(b)Timing of disclosureThe disclosures required under sections
				1004 and 1005 shall be made before the consummation of the rental-purchase
				agreement, and clearly and conspicuously in writing as part of the
				rental-purchase agreement to be signed by the consumer.
						(c)Clearly and conspicuouslyAs used in this section, the term
				clearly and conspicuously means that information required to be
				disclosed to the consumer shall be worded plainly and simply, and appear in a
				type size, prominence, and location as to be readily noticeable, readable, and
				comprehensible to an ordinary consumer.
						1004.Rental-Purchase disclosures
						(a)In generalFor each rental-purchase agreement, the
				merchant shall disclose to the consumer, to the extent applicable—
							(1)the date of consummation of the
				rental-purchase transaction and the identities of the merchant and the
				consumer;
							(2)a brief description of the rental property,
				which shall be sufficient to identify the property to the consumer, including
				an identification or serial number, if applicable, and a statement indicating
				whether the property is new or used;
							(3)a description of any fee, charge, or
				penalty, in addition to the periodic payment, that the consumer may be required
				to pay under the agreement, which shall be separately identified by type and
				amount;
							(4)a clear and conspicuous statement that the
				transaction is a rental-purchase agreement and that the consumer will not
				obtain ownership of the property until the consumer has paid the total dollar
				amount necessary to acquire ownership;
							(5)the amount of any initial payment, which
				includes the first periodic payment, and the total amount of any fees, taxes,
				or other charges, required to be paid by the consumer;
							(6)the amount of the cash price of the
				property that is the subject of the rental-purchase agreement, and, if the
				agreement involves the rental of 2 or more items as a set (as may be defined by
				the Board in regulation) a statement of the aggregate cash price of all items
				shall satisfy this requirement;
							(7)the amount and timing of periodic payments,
				and the total number of periodic payments necessary to acquire ownership of the
				property under the rental-purchase agreement;
							(8)the total cost, using that term, and a
				brief description, such as This is the amount that you will pay the
				merchant if you make all periodic payments to acquire ownership of the
				property.;
							(9)a statement of the right of the consumer to
				terminate the agreement without paying any fee or charge not previously due
				under the agreement by voluntarily surrendering or returning the property in
				good repair upon expiration of any lease term; and
							(10)substantially the following statement:
				OTHER IMPORTANT
				TERMS: See your rental-purchase agreement for additional
				important information on early termination procedures, purchase option rights,
				responsibilities for loss, damage, or destruction of the property, warranties,
				maintenance responsibilities, and other charges or penalties you may
				incur..
							(b)Form of disclosureThe disclosures required by paragraphs (4)
				through (10) of subsection (a) shall—
							(1)be segregated from other information at the
				beginning of the rental-purchase agreement;
							(2)contain only directly related information;
				and
							(3)be identified in boldface, upper-case
				letters as follows: IMPORTANT RENTAL-PURCHASE
				DISCLOSURES.
							(c)Disclosure requirements relating to
				insurance premiums and liability waivers
							(1)In generalA merchant shall clearly and conspicuously
				disclose in writing to the consumer before the consummation of a
				rental-purchase agreement that the purchase of leased property insurance or
				liability waiver coverage is not required as a condition for entering into the
				rental-purchase agreement.
							(2)Affirmative written request after cost
				disclosureA merchant may
				provide insurance or liability waiver coverage, directly or indirectly, in
				connection with a rental-purchase transaction only if—
								(A)the merchant clearly and conspicuously
				discloses to the consumer the cost of each component of such coverage before
				the consummation of the rental-purchase agreement; and
								(B)the consumer signs an affirmative written
				request for such coverage after receiving the disclosures required under
				paragraph (1) and subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.
								(d)Accuracy of disclosure
							(1)In generalThe disclosures required to be made under
				subsection (a) shall be accurate as of the date on which the disclosures are
				made, based on the information available to the merchant.
							(2)Information subsequently rendered
				inaccurateIf information
				required to be disclosed under subsection (a) is subsequently rendered
				inaccurate as a result of any agreement between the merchant and the consumer
				subsequent to the delivery of the required disclosures, the resulting
				inaccuracy shall not constitute a violation of this title.
							1005.Other agreement provisions
						(a)In generalEach rental-purchase agreement
				shall—
							(1)provide a statement specifying whether the
				merchant or the consumer is responsible for loss, theft, damage, or destruction
				of the property;
							(2)provide a statement specifying whether the
				merchant or the consumer is responsible for maintaining or servicing the
				property, together with a brief description of the responsibility;
							(3)provide that the consumer may terminate the
				agreement without paying any charges not previously due under the agreement by
				voluntarily surrendering or returning the property that is the subject of the
				agreement upon expiration of any rental period;
							(4)contain a provision for reinstatement of
				the agreement, which at a minimum—
								(A)permits a consumer who fails to make a
				timely rental payment to reinstate the agreement, without losing any rights or
				options which exist under the agreement, by the payment of all past due rental
				payments and any other charges then due under the agreement and a payment for
				the next rental period within 7 business days after failing to make a timely
				rental payment if the consumer pays monthly, or within 3 business days after
				failing to make a timely rental payment if the consumer pays more frequently
				than monthly;
								(B)if the consumer returns or voluntarily
				surrenders the property covered by the agreement, other than through judicial
				process, during the applicable reinstatement period set forth in subparagraph
				(A), permits the consumer to reinstate the agreement during a period of at
				least 60 days after the date of the return or surrender of the property by the
				payment of all amounts previously due under the agreement, any applicable fees,
				and a payment for the next rental period;
								(C)if the consumer has paid 50 percent or more
				of the total cost necessary to acquire ownership and returns or voluntarily
				surrenders the property, other than through judicial process, during the
				applicable reinstatement period set forth in subparagraph (A), permits the
				consumer to reinstate the agreement during a period of at least 120 days after
				the date of the return of the property by the payment of all amounts previously
				due under the agreement, any applicable fees, and a payment for the next rental
				period; and
								(D)permits the consumer, upon reinstatement of
				the agreement, to receive the same property, if available, that was the subject
				of the rental-purchase agreement, or if the same property is not available, a
				substitute item of comparable quality and condition, except that the Board may,
				by regulation or order, exempt any independent small business (as defined by
				regulation of the Board) from the requirement of providing the same or
				comparable product during the extended reinstatement period provided in
				subparagraph (C), if the Board determines, taking into account such standards
				as the Board determines appropriate, that the reinstatement right provided in
				subparagraph (C) would provide excessive hardship for the independent small
				business;
								(5)provide a statement specifying the terms
				under which the consumer shall acquire ownership of the property that is the
				subject of the rental-purchase agreement either by payment of the total cost to
				acquire ownership, as provided in section 1006, or by exercise of any early
				purchase option provided in the rental-purchase agreement;
							(6)provide a statement disclosing that if any
				part of a manufacturer’s express warranty covers the property at the time the
				consumer acquires ownership of the property, the warranty will be transferred
				to the consumer if allowed by the terms of the warranty; and
							(7)provide, to the extent applicable, a
				description of any grace period for making any periodic payment, the amount of
				any security deposit, if any, to be paid by the consumer upon initiation of the
				rental-purchase agreement, and the terms for refund of such security deposit to
				the consumer upon return, surrender or purchase of the property.
							(b)Repossession during reinstatement
				periodSubsection (a)(4)
				shall not be construed so as to prevent a merchant from attempting to repossess
				property during the reinstatement period pursuant to subsection (a)(4)(A), but
				such a repossession does not affect the right of the consumer to reinstatement
				under subsection (a)(4).
						1006.Right to acquire ownership
						(a)In generalThe consumer shall acquire ownership of the
				property that is the subject of the rental-purchase agreement, and the
				rental-purchase agreement shall terminate, upon compliance by the consumer with
				the requirements of subsection (b) or any early payment option provided in the
				rental purchase agreement, and upon payment of any past due payments and fees,
				as permitted by regulation of the Board.
						(b)Payment of total costThe consumer shall acquire ownership of the
				rental property upon payment of the total cost of the rental-purchase
				agreement, as defined in section 1001(17), and as disclosed to the consumer in
				the rental-purchase agreement pursuant to section 1004(a).
						(c)Additional fees prohibitedA merchant shall not require the consumer
				to pay, as a condition for acquiring ownership of the property that is the
				subject of the rental-purchase agreement, any fee or charge in addition to, or
				in excess of, the regular periodic payments required by subsection (b), or any
				early purchase option amount provided in the rental-purchase agreement, as
				applicable. A requirement that the consumer pay an unpaid late charge or other
				fee or charge which the merchant has previously billed to the consumer shall
				not constitute an additional fee or charge for purposes of this
				subsection.
						(d)Transfer of ownership rightsUpon payment by the consumer of all
				payments necessary to acquire ownership under subsection (b) or any early
				purchase option amount provided in the rental-purchase agreement, as
				applicable, the merchant shall—
							(1)deliver, or mail to the last known address
				of the consumer, such documents or other instruments which the Board has
				determined, by regulation, are necessary to acknowledge full ownership by the
				consumer of the property acquired pursuant to the rental-purchase agreement;
				and
							(2)transfer to the consumer the unexpired
				portion of any warranties provided by the manufacturer, distributor, or seller
				of the property, which shall apply as if the consumer were the original
				purchaser of the property, except where such transfer is prohibited by the
				terms of the warranty.
							1007.Prohibited provisionsA rental-purchase agreement may not
				contain—
						(1)a confession of judgment;
						(2)a negotiable instrument;
						(3)a security interest or any other claim of a
				property interest in any goods, except those goods, the use of which is
				provided by the merchant pursuant to the agreement;
						(4)a wage assignment;
						(5)a provision requiring the waiver of any
				legal claim or remedy created by this title or other provision of Federal or
				State law;
						(6)a provision requiring the consumer, in the
				event that the property subject to the rental-purchase agreement is lost,
				stolen, damaged, or destroyed, to pay an amount in excess of the least
				of—
							(A)the fair market value of the property, as
				determined by regulation of the Board;
							(B)any early purchase option amount provided
				in the rental-purchase agreement; or
							(C)the actual cost of repair, as
				appropriate;
							(7)a provision authorizing the merchant, or a
				person acting on behalf of the merchant, to enter the dwelling of the consumer
				or other premises without obtaining the consent of the consumer, or to commit
				any breach of the peace in connection with the repossession of the rental
				property or the collection of any obligation or alleged obligation of the
				consumer arising out of the rental-purchase agreement;
						(8)a provision requiring the purchase of
				insurance or liability damage waiver to cover the property that is the subject
				of the rental-purchase agreement, except as permitted by regulation of the
				Board; or
						(9)a provision requiring the consumer to pay
				more than 1 late fee or charge for an unpaid or delinquent periodic payment,
				regardless of the period in which the payment remains unpaid or delinquent, or
				to pay a late fee or charge for any periodic payment because a previously
				assessed late fee has not been paid in full.
						1008.Statement of accountsUpon request of a consumer, a merchant shall
				provide a statement of the account of the consumer. If a consumer requests a
				statement for an individual account more than 4 times in any 12-month period,
				the merchant may charge a reasonable fee for the additional statements
				requested in excess of 4 times during that 12-month period.
					1009.Renegotiations and extensions
						(a)RenegotiationsFor purposes of this section, a
				renegotiation occurs when a rental-purchase agreement is satisfied
				and replaced by a new agreement undertaken by the same consumer. A
				renegotiation requires new disclosures under this title, except as provided in
				subsection (c).
						(b)ExtensionsFor purposes of this section, an
				extension is an agreement by the consumer and the merchant to
				continue an existing rental-purchase agreement beyond the original end of the
				payment schedule, but does not include a continuation that is the result of a
				renegotiation.
						(c)ExceptionsNew disclosures under this title are not
				required for the following, even if they meet the definition of a renegotiation
				or an extension under this section:
							(1)A reduction in payments.
							(2)A deferment of 1 or more payments.
							(3)The extension of a rental-purchase
				agreement.
							(4)The substitution of property with property
				that has a substantially equivalent or greater economic value, provided that
				the rental-purchase cost does not increase.
							(5)The deletion of property in a multiple-item
				agreement.
							(6)A change in the rental period, provided
				that the rental-purchase cost does not increase.
							(7)An agreement resulting from a court
				proceeding.
							(8)Any other event described in regulations
				prescribed by the Board.
							1010.Point-of-rental disclosures
						(a)In generalFor any item of property or set of items
				displayed or offered for rental-purchase, the merchant shall display on or next
				to the item or set of items a card, tag, or label that clearly and
				conspicuously discloses—
							(1)a brief description of the property;
							(2)whether the property is new or used;
							(3)the cash price of the property;
							(4)the amount of each rental payment;
							(5)the total number of rental payments
				necessary to acquire ownership of the property; and
							(6)the rental-purchase cost.
							(b)Form of disclosure
							(1)In generalA merchant may make the disclosures
				required by subsection (a) in the form of a list or catalog which is readily
				available to the consumer at the point of rental if the merchandise is not
				displayed in the showroom of the merchant, or if displaying a card, tag, or
				label would be impractical due to the size of the merchandise.
							(2)Clearly and conspicuouslyAs used in this section, the term
				clearly and conspicuously means that information required to be
				disclosed to the consumer shall appear in a type size, prominence, and location
				as to be noticeable, readable, and comprehensible to an ordinary
				consumer.
							1011.Rental-Purchase advertising
						(a)In generalIf an advertisement for a rental-purchase
				transaction refers to or states the amount of any payment for any specific item
				or set of items, the merchant making the advertisement shall also clearly and
				conspicuously state in the advertisement for the item or set of items
				advertised—
							(1)that the transaction advertised is a
				rental-purchase agreement;
							(2)the amount, timing, and total number of
				rental payments necessary to acquire ownership under the rental-purchase
				agreement;
							(3)the amount of the rental-purchase
				cost;
							(4)that to acquire ownership of the property,
				the consumer must pay the rental-purchase cost plus applicable taxes;
				and
							(5)whether the stated payment amount and
				advertised rental-purchase cost is for new or used property.
							(b)ProhibitionAn advertisement for a rental-purchase
				agreement shall not state or imply that a specific item or set of items is
				available at specific amounts or terms, unless the merchant usually and
				customarily offers, or will offer, the item or set of items at the stated
				amounts or terms.
						(c)Clearly and conspicuously
							(1)In generalFor purposes of this section, the term
				clearly and conspicuously means that required disclosures shall be
				presented in a type, size, shade, contrast, prominence, location, and manner,
				as applicable to different media for advertising, so as to be readily
				noticeable and comprehensible to the ordinary consumer.
							(2)Regulatory guidanceThe Board shall prescribe regulations on
				principles and factors to meet the clear and conspicuous standard, as
				appropriate to print, video, audio, and computerized advertising, reflecting
				the principles and factors typically applied in each medium by the Federal
				Trade Commission.
							(3)LimitationNothing contrary to, inconsistent with, or
				in mitigation of, the disclosures required by this section shall be used in any
				advertisement in any medium, and no audio, video, or print technique shall be
				used that is likely to obscure or detract significantly from the communication
				of the required disclosures.
							1012.Civil liability
						(a)In generalExcept as otherwise provided in section
				1013, any merchant who fails to comply with any requirement of this title with
				respect to any consumer is liable to such consumer as provided for leases in
				section 130. For purposes of this section, the term creditor as
				used in section 130 shall include a merchant, as defined in
				section 1001.
						(b)Jurisdiction of courts; limitation on
				actions
							(1)In generalNotwithstanding section 130(e), any action
				under this section may be brought in any United States district court, or in
				any other court of competent jurisdiction, before the end of the 1-year period
				beginning on the date on which the last payment was made by the consumer under
				the rental-purchase agreement.
							(2)Recoupment or set-offThis subsection shall not bar a consumer
				from asserting a violation of this title in an action to collect an obligation
				arising from a rental-purchase agreement, which was brought after the end of
				the 1-year period described in paragraph (1) as a matter of defense by
				recoupment or set-off in such action, except as otherwise provided by State
				law.
							1013.Additional grounds for civil
				liability
						(a)Individual cases with actual
				damagesAny merchant who
				fails to comply with any requirement imposed under section 1010 or 1011 with
				respect to any consumer who suffers actual damage from the violation shall be
				liable to such consumer as provided in section 130.
						(b)Pattern or practice of
				violationsIf a merchant
				engages in a pattern or practice of violating any requirement imposed under
				section 1010 or 1011, the Federal Trade Commission or an appropriate State
				attorney general, in accordance with section 1016, may initiate an action to
				enforce sanctions against the merchant, including—
							(1)an order to cease and desist from such
				practices; and
							(2)a civil money penalty of such amount as the
				court may impose, based on such factors as the court may determine to be
				appropriate.
							1014.Liability of assignees
						(a)Assignees includedFor purposes of section 1013 and this
				section, the term merchant includes an assignee of a
				merchant.
						(b)Liabilities of assignees
							(1)Apparent violationAn action under section 1012 or 1013 for a
				violation of this title may be brought against an assignee only if the
				violation is apparent on the face of the rental-purchase agreement to which it
				relates.
							(2)Apparent violation definedFor purposes of this subsection, a
				violation that is apparent on the face of a rental-purchase agreement includes,
				but is not limited to, a disclosure that can be determined to be incomplete or
				inaccurate from the face of the agreement.
							(3)Involuntary assignmentAn assignee has no liability under this
				section in a case in which the assignment is involuntary.
							(4)Rule of constructionNo provision of this section shall be
				construed as limiting or altering the liability under section 1012 or 1013 of a
				merchant assigning a rental-purchase agreement.
							(c)Proof of disclosureIn an action by or against an assignee, the
				consumer’s written acknowledgment of receipt of a disclosure, made as part of
				the rental-purchase agreement, shall be conclusive proof that the disclosure
				was made, if the assignee had no knowledge that the disclosure had not been
				made when the assignee acquired the rental-purchase agreement to which it
				relates.
						1015.Regulations
						(a)In generalThe Board shall prescribe regulations, as
				necessary to carry out this title, to prevent its circumvention, and to
				facilitate compliance with its requirements.
						(b)Model disclosure forms
							(1)Board authorityThe Board may publish model disclosure
				forms and clauses for common rental-purchase agreements to facilitate
				compliance with the disclosure requirements of this title and to aid the
				consumer in understanding the transaction by utilizing readily understandable
				language to simplify the technical nature of the disclosures.
							(2)ContentIn devising forms described in paragraph
				(1), the Board shall consider the use by merchants of data processing or
				similar automated equipment.
							(3)Use not mandatoryNothing in this title may be construed to
				require a merchant to use any model form or clause published by the Board under
				this section.
							(4)Determination of complianceA merchant shall be deemed to be in
				compliance with the requirement to provide disclosure under section 1003(a) if
				the merchant—
								(A)uses any appropriate model form or clause
				published by the Board under this section; or
								(B)uses any such model form or clause, and
				changes it by deleting any information which is not required by this title or
				rearranging the format, if in making such deletion or rearranging the format,
				the merchant does not affect the substance, clarity, or meaningful sequence of
				the disclosure.
								(c)Effective date of regulations
							(1)In generalAny regulation prescribed by the Board, or
				any amendment or interpretation thereof, shall not be effective before the
				October 1 that follows the date of publication of the regulation in final form
				by at least 6 months.
							(2)Authority to modifyThe Board may, at its discretion—
								(A)lengthen the period of time described in
				paragraph (1) to permit merchants to adjust to accommodate new requirements;
				or
								(B)shorten that period of time, if the Board
				makes a specific finding that such action is necessary to comply with the
				findings of a court or to prevent unfair or deceptive practices.
								(3)Voluntary complianceNotwithstanding paragraph (1) or (2), a
				merchant may comply with any newly prescribed disclosure requirement prior to
				its effective date.
							1016.Enforcement
						(a)Federal enforcementCompliance with this title shall be
				enforced under the Federal Trade Commission
				Act (15
				U.S.C. 41 et seq.), and a violation of any requirement imposed
				under this title shall be deemed a violation of a requirement imposed under
				that Act. All of the functions and powers of the Federal Trade Commission under
				the Federal Trade Commission Act are
				available to the Commission to enforce compliance by any person with the
				requirements of this title, irrespective of whether that person is engaged in
				commerce or meets any other jurisdictional test under the
				Federal Trade Commission Act.
						(b)State enforcement
							(1)In generalAn action to enforce the requirements
				imposed by this title may also be brought by the appropriate State attorney
				general in any appropriate United States district court, or any other court of
				competent jurisdiction.
							(2)Prior written notice
								(A)In generalThe State attorney general shall provide
				prior written notice of any civil action described in paragraph (1) to the
				Federal Trade Commission, and shall provide the Commission with a copy of the
				complaint.
								(B)Emergency actionIf prior notice required by this paragraph
				is not feasible, the State attorney general shall provide notice to the
				Commission immediately upon instituting the action.
								(3)FTC interventionThe Commission may—
								(A)intervene in an action described in
				paragraph (1);
								(B)upon intervening—
									(i)remove the action to the appropriate United
				States district court, if it was not originally brought there; and
									(ii)be heard on all matters arising in the
				action; and
									(C)file a petition for appeal.
								1017.Criminal liability for willful and knowing
				violationWhoever willfully
				and knowingly gives false or inaccurate information, or fails to provide
				information which that person is required to disclose under the provisions of
				this title or any regulation issued under this title shall be subject to the
				penalty provisions as provided in section 112.
					1018.Relation to other laws
						(a)Relation to State law
							(1)No effect on consistent State
				lawsExcept as otherwise
				provided in subsection (b), this title does not annul, alter, or affect in any
				manner the meaning, scope, or applicability of the laws of any State relating
				to rental-purchase agreements, except to the extent that those laws are
				inconsistent with any provision of this title, and then only to the extent of
				the inconsistency.
							(2)Determination of
				inconsistencyUpon its own
				motion or upon the request of an interested party, which is submitted in
				accordance with procedures prescribed by regulation of the Board, the Board
				shall determine whether any such inconsistency exists. If the Board determines
				that a term or provision of a State law is inconsistent with a provision of
				this title, merchants located in that State shall not be required to comply
				with that term or provision, and shall incur no liability under the law of that
				State for failure to follow such term or provision, notwithstanding that such
				determination is subsequently amended, rescinded, or determined by judicial or
				other authority to be invalid for any reason.
							(3)Greater protection under State
				lawExcept as provided in
				subsection (b), for purposes of this section, a term or provision of a State
				law is not inconsistent with the provisions of this title if the term or
				provision affords greater protection and benefit to the consumer than the
				protection and benefit provided under this title, as determined by the Board,
				on its own motion or upon the petition of any interested party.
							(b)State laws relating to characterization of
				transactionNotwithstanding
				subsection (a), this title shall supersede any State law, to the extent that
				such law—
							(1)regulates a rental-purchase agreement as a
				security interest, credit sale, retail installment sale, conditional sale, or
				any other form of consumer credit, or that imputes to a rental-purchase
				agreement the creation of a debt or extension of credit; or
							(2)requires the disclosure of a percentage
				rate calculation, including a time-price differential, an annual percentage
				rate, or an effective annual percentage rate.
							(c)Relation to Federal Trade Commission ActNo provision of this title shall be
				construed as limiting, superseding, or otherwise affecting the applicability of
				the Federal Trade Commission Act to
				any merchant or rental-purchase transaction.
						1019.Effect on Government agenciesNo civil liability or criminal penalty under
				this title may be imposed on the United States or any of its departments or
				agencies, any State or political subdivision thereof, or any agency of a State
				or political subdivision thereof.
					1020.Compliance dateCompliance with this title shall not be
				required until 6 months after the date of enactment of this title. In any case,
				a merchant may comply with this title at any time after such date of
				enactment.
					.


113 HR 5616 IH: Urban Agriculture Production Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-09-18
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.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5616
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 18, 2014
			Ms. Kaptur (for herself, Ms. Fudge, Ms. Moore, Ms. Norton, Ms. Matsui, Ms. Pingree of Maine, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Conyers, and Mr. Young of Alaska) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture

		A BILL
		To promote and enhance urban agricultural production and agricultural research in urban areas, and
			 for other purposes.

		1.Short title; table of contents
			(a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Urban Agriculture Production Act.
			(b)Table of contentsThe table of contents of this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
					Sec. 2. Findings.
					Sec. 3. Urban agriculture outreach program.
					Sec. 4. Covering urban farmers and ranchers under Office of Advocacy and Outreach.
					Sec. 5. Urban agriculture research initiative.
					Sec. 6. Amending agriculture programs.
					Sec. 7. Improving agricultural reporting.

			2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)Dramatic economic, demographic, and land use changes have created pockets of arable land suitable
			 for agricultural production in and around urban areas of the United
			 States.
			(2)Advances in agricultural practices make production possible in and around urban areas that were
			 previously cordoned off from agricultural production.
			(3)There is a disconnect between daily urban life and food production that urban agriculture can help
			 address.
			(4)According to the Economic Research Service of the Department of Agriculture, direct sales of
			 agricultural products have grown to $1,200,000,000 with 89 percent of all
			 sales coming from farms in urban metropolitan and adjacent areas.
			(5)It is imperative to ensure that urban agricultural production remains a viable option to help meet
			 the food production needs of the future.
			3.Urban agriculture outreach program
			(a)Grants authorizedThe Secretary of Agriculture shall establish an urban agriculture outreach program under which the
			 Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to support outreach
			 activities for any of the following:
				(1)Infrastructure, including distribution systems to support new or expanded agricultural production
			 in and around urban areas (as defined in section 226B(a) of the Department
			 of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934(a))).
				(2)Land acquisition and land conversion to support new or expanded agricultural production in and
			 around urban areas, including in and around brownfields and other
			 underutilized tracts of land.
				(3)Education and training to enhance agricultural production in and around urban areas.
				(4)Providing assistance to farmers or ranchers in urban areas with respect to the aggregation of the
			 farmer’s or rancher’s products and supplies for purposes of transportation
			 to market.
				(5)Other activities that support urban agricultural production as determined by the Secretary.
				(b)Term of grant
				(1)In generalThe term of a grant awarded under this section shall be not less than one year.
				(2)RenewalsA grant awarded under this section may be renewed at the discretion of the Secretary.
				(c)PriorityIn awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give a preference to eligible entities
			 seeking a grant for outreach activities to be carried out in historically
			 underserved communities (as defined by the Secretary).
			(d)DefinitionsIn this section:
				(1)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means—
					(A)a community organization;
					(B)a nonprofit organization;
					(C)a municipality;
					(D)a local educational agency (as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
			 Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801));
					(E)an institution of higher education (as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary
			 Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)); or
					(F)any other entity as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.
					(e)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2015
			 and each fiscal year thereafter.
			4.Covering urban farmers and ranchers under Office of Advocacy and OutreachSection 226B of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934) is
			 amended—
			(1)in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

					(4)Urban areaThe term urban area means an area within a Metropolitan Statistical Area (as defined by the Office of Management and
			 Budget).
					(5)Urban farmer or rancherThe term urban farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who owns or operates a farm or ranch in an urban area.;
			(2)in subsection (b)(1)—
				(A)by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively; and
				(B)by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause:

						(ii)urban farmers or ranchers;;
				(3)in subsection (c)—
				(A)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers and inserting socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, and urban farmers or ranchers;
				(B)in paragraph (1), by striking or socially disadvantaged and inserting socially disadvantaged, or urban;
				(C)in paragraph (5), by striking and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers and inserting socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, and urban farmers or ranchers; and
				(D)in paragraph (6), by inserting directly after programs;
				(4)by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
			(5)by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection:

					(f)Urban Farmers and Ranchers Group
						(1)EstablishmentThe Secretary shall establish within the Office the Urban Farmers and Ranchers Group.
						(2)Membership
							(A)In generalThe Urban Farmers and Ranchers Group shall be composed of—
								(i)seven employees of the Department of Agriculture, each of whom shall represent a distinct mission
			 area of the Department; and
								(ii)such other officers or employees of the United States as the Secretary determines are necessary.
								(B)PayOfficers and employees of the United States shall not receive additional compensation for service
			 as a member of the Group.
							(3)DutiesThe Urban Farmers and Ranchers Group shall—
							(A)carry out and administer the urban agriculture outreach program established under section 3 of the
			 Urban Agriculture Production Act;
							(B)establish and administer an information clearinghouse on agricultural activities in urban areas,
			 including best practices;
							(C)consult with public and private groups, including research institutions, on how to enhance
			 agricultural production in urban areas; and
							(D)provide technical assistance to urban farmers and ranchers to assist such farmers and ranchers
			 (including urban gardeners)—
								(i)in identifying appropriate land, space, or buildings for lease or purchase;
								(ii)in preparing loan applications, identifying appropriate funding sources, and by connecting such
			 farmers and ranchers with loan officers and other appropriate personnel;
								(iii)in connecting to the network of farmers’ markets throughout the United States;
								(iv)in diversifying the marketing plans of the farmers’ or ranchers’ products by encouraging the
			 formation of community-supported agriculture groups and direct wholesale
			 opportunities;
								(v)by providing for business development and management activities, including professional development
			 activities;
								(vi)with understanding and navigating municipal laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies with
			 respect to obtaining permits, zoning, and water access;
								(vii)with registering the farming business of such farmers or ranchers, satisfying any legal
			 requirements applicable to such registration (including obtaining licenses
			 and registrations), and organizing an appropriate business structure; and
								(viii)in establishing relationships with a wide range of field partners and in finding resources to
			 assist such farmers or ranchers achieve efficient and viable production..
			5.Urban agriculture research initiative
			(a)In generalThe Secretary of Agriculture shall award grants, on a competitive basis, for scientific research on
			 promoting and enhancing agricultural production in urban areas (as defined
			 in section 226B(a) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
			 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934(a))), including, with respect to improving production
			 efficiency, production, and profitability—
				(1)marketing new innovations and technologies;
				(2)methods to protect crops and agricultural products from pests and disease;
				(3)methods to enhance food safety related to production; and
				(4)other research areas the Secretary determines are appropriate.
				(b)Report to CongressNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
			 the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
			 Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, and make
			 publicly available on the Internet site of the Department of Agriculture,
			 a report summarizing the research conducted under subsection (a).
			(c)FundingOf the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out
			 this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018.
			6.Amending agriculture programs
			(a)Expansion of the farmers’ market promotion program
				(1)Promotion program establishmentSection 6(a) of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005(a)) is amended—
					(A)by inserting , loans, or loan guarantees after make grants;
					(B)by inserting or activities after projects; and
					(C)by striking development of local food business enterprises. and inserting the following:
						development of local food business enterprises, including—(1)projects for the construction of new farmers’ markets;
							(2)projects for the improvement or rehabilitation of existing farmers’ markets;
							(3)projects for the acquisition of equipment for farmers’ markets and other infrastructure needs;
							(4)projects for the purchase, acquisition, and rehabilitation of land or property for use as a
			 farmers' market;
							(5)activities carried out through agri-tourism initiatives;
							(6)marketing and advertising activities;
							(7)transportation and delivery activities;
							(8)education and outreach and activities to encourage farmers’ markets participation in Federal and
			 State food and nutrition assistance programs;
							(9)business development and management activities, including professional development activities;
							(10)projects for the establishment of satellite locations of existing farmers’ markets designed to
			 increase sales in areas not easily accessible through traditional
			 transportation; and
							(11)activities carried out through planning and feasibility initiatives for new or expanding farmers’
			 markets..
					(2)PurposesSection 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005) is amended—
					(A)by striking subsection (b); and
					(B)by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as subsections (b), (c), and (d), respectively.
					(3)EligibilitySubsection (b) of section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005)
			 (as so redesignated) is amended—
					(A)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , loan, or loan guarantee after grant;
					(B)by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph:

							(1)a State government agency;;
					(C)in paragraph (2), by inserting agency after government;
					(D)by striking paragraphs (4) and (5);
					(E)by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:

							(4)an operator of a farmers’ market;; and
					(F)by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively.
					(4)PrioritiesSubsection (d)(1) of section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C.
			 3005), as redesignated by paragraph (2)(B), is amended by inserting or an urban area (as defined in section 226B(a) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act
			 of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934(a))) after regionally grown foods.
				(5)Interest rate; Application; ConditionSection 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005), as amended by
			 paragraph (2), is further amended—
					(A)by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (h) and (i), respectively; and
					(B)by inserting after subsection (d) (as redesignated by paragraph (2)(B)) the following new
			 subsections:

							(e)Interest rate
								(1)In generalThe interest rate on a loan under this section (other than a loan guarantee under this section)
			 shall be as determined by the Secretary, but not less than such rate as
			 determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration the
			 current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the
			 United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the
			 maturities of such loan, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury on
			 the date the loan is made.
								(2)DurationThe interest rate for each loan under this section shall remain in effect for the term of the loan.
								(f)ApplicationAn eligible entity seeking a grant, loan, or loan guarantee under this section shall submit to the
			 Secretary an application in such time and in such manner and containing
			 such information as the Secretary may require, including documentation
			 demonstrating the financial need of the entity.
							(g)ConditionAs a condition of receiving a grant, loan, or loan guarantee under this section, a recipient of
			 such a grant, loan, or loan guarantee shall certify that the recipient
			 will reserve, for the sale of locally produced food products (as
			 determined by the Secretary) produced by farmers, ranchers, or
			 aquaculture, mariculture, or fisheries operators, or by associations of
			 farmers, ranchers, or those operators, not less than 50 percent of the
			 floor area of a farmers’ market—
								(1)that is operated or facilitated by the recipient; and
								(2)with respect to which grant or loan funds will be used..
					(6)FundingSubsection (i) of section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005)
			 (as redesignated by paragraph (4)) is amended—
					(A)in paragraph (1)—
						(i)in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end;
						(ii)in subparagraph (D), by striking each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. and inserting fiscal year 2014; and; and
						(iii)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

								(E)$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018.;
						(B)by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new paragraph:

							(4)Use of funds
								(A)EBTNot less than 10 percent of the funds used to carry out this section in a fiscal year under
			 paragraph (1) or (3) shall be used to support the use of electronic
			 benefits transfers for Federal nutrition programs at farmers’ markets.
								(B)GrantsNot less than 70 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section in a fiscal year
			 shall be used to make grants to eligible entities.
								; and
					(C)in paragraph (5)—
						(i)in the heading, by inserting technical assistance and before administrative expenses; and
						(ii)by inserting to provide technical assistance or before for administrative expenses.
						(b)Extension of and additional funding for seniors farmers’ market nutrition program
				(1)Extension of programSection 4402(a) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007(a)) is amended
			 to read as follows:

						(a)EstablishmentThe Secretary of Agriculture shall use funds available to the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry
			 out and expand a seniors farmers’ market nutrition program in the
			 following amounts:
							(1)For fiscal year 2015, $25,000,000.
							(2)For fiscal year 2016, $50,000,000.
							(3)For fiscal year 2017, $75,000,000.
							(4)For each of fiscal years 2018 through 2020, $100,000,000..
				(2)PurposesSection 4402(b)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007(b)(1)) is
			 amended—
					(A)by striking unprepared and inserting minimally processed; and
					(B)by striking and herbs and inserting herbs, and other locally produced farm products, as the Secretary considers appropriate,.
					(3)Administrative costs; unexpended fundsSection 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007) is amended by
			 adding at the end the following:

						(h)Administrative costsNot more than 10 percent of the funds made available for a fiscal year under subsection (a) may be
			 used to pay administrative costs incurred in carrying out this section.
						(i)Unexpended fundsTo the extent the funds made available under subsection (a) for a fiscal year are not expended in
			 that fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such funds in a subsequent
			 fiscal year for the same purpose.
						(j)PrioritiesIn providing funds made available under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to farmers’
			 markets that have an operational seniors farmers’ market program and to
			 seniors farmers’ markets programs in historically underserved communities
			 (as defined by the Secretary).
						.
				(c)Community food projectsSection 25 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034) is amended—
				(1)in subsection (a)(1)—
					(A)in subparagraph (B)—
						(i)in clause (i)—
							(I)by striking (i)(I) and inserting the following:

									(A)(i);
							(II)by striking (II) and inserting the following:

									(ii); and
							(III)by striking (III) and inserting the following:

									(iii); and
							(ii)in clause (ii)—
							(I)by striking (ii)(I) and inserting the following:

									(B)(i);
							(II)by striking (II) and inserting the following:

									(ii); and
							(III)by striking (III) and inserting the following:

									(iii); and
							(B)by striking that— and all that follows through (B) is and inserting that is—; and
					(2)in subsection (b)(2)(C), by striking $9,000,000 and inserting $10,000,000.
				7.Improving agricultural reporting
			(a)Evaluation of farmers’ markets in census of agricultureSection 2(a) of the Census of Agriculture Act of 1997 (7 U.S.C. 2204g(a)) is amended by adding at
			 the end the following new paragraph:

					(3)Inclusion of farmers’ marketsEffective beginning with the first census of agriculture conducted after the date of the enactment
			 of the Urban Agriculture Production Act, the Secretary shall include as part of each census of agriculture—
						(A)an evaluation of the state of farmers’ markets in the United States, including information
			 regarding the size, location, operational capacity, and geographic
			 dispersion of farmers’ markets and types of food products sold (both in
			 terms of product diversity and sales locations) through farmers’ markets;
			 and
						(B)an analysis of the economic impact of farmers’ markets, including the success of Federal programs
			 in promoting and supporting farmers’ markets..
			(b)Coordinated annual report on farmers’ marketsBeginning on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and each year
			 thereafter, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress and
			 publish on the Internet site of the Department of Agriculture a report on
			 the status of farmers’ markets in the United States. Such report shall
			 include with respect to farmers’ markets in the United States for each
			 year, the following information:
				(1)The number of farmers’ markets.
				(2)The number of farmers’ markets established during such year except that for the first year a report
			 is submitted under this section, the report shall include the number of
			 farmers’ markets for the five years immediately preceding the first
			 reporting year.
				(3)The economic value of an average farmers’ market.
				(4)The type of governmental assistance provided to farmers’ markets.
				(5)The products that are typically sold at farmers’ markets.
				(6)The number of farmers’ markets that accept as a form of payment benefits distributed through—
					(A)the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
			 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.);
					(B)the seniors farmers’ market nutrition program established under section 4402 of the Farm Security
			 and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007);
					(C)the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children established under
			 section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786); and
					(D)any other Federal or State nutrition assistance program as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
					(7)The methods through which farmers’ markets process the forms of payment described in paragraph (6).
				(8)The average income of a farmers’ market operator.
				(9)The average profit of a farmers’ market operator.
				(10)The average expense of a farmers’ market operator.
				(11)Other occupations of operators of farmers’ markets.
				(12)The percentage of food at farmers’ markets that is locally produced.
				(13)Any other information related to farmers’ markets in the United States that the Secretary
			 determines is important to promote and enhance the use of farmers’
			 markets.
				(c)Report on status of agricultural production in and around urban areasNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and not later than 90 days after
			 the end of each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of Agriculture shall
			 submit a report to Congress (and make such report publicly available
			 electronically) on the status of agricultural production in urban areas
			 (as defined in section 226B(a) of the Department of Agriculture
			 Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934(a))). The report shall include—
				(1)with respect to agricultural production in urban areas, information on—
					(A)the percentage and economic value of such production;
					(B)the most popular type of agricultural activity in which individuals are engaged in such production;
					(C)the most recent best practices for such production;
					(D)the type of agricultural products marketed and sold through such production; and
					(E)the progress made toward strengthening local food systems in carrying out such production;
					(2)an analysis of local government regulations, including zoning, that have supported or could support
			 sustainable agricultural production in urban areas; and
				(3)recommendations on how to further agricultural production in urban areas.
				(d)Performance goalsThe Secretary of Agriculture shall incorporate promoting and enhancing agricultural production in
			 urban areas into the Department of Agriculture performance goals
			 established in the agency performance plan under section 1115 of title 31,
			 United States Code, and updated in accordance with section 1116 of such
			 title.


109 HR 2776 IH: To extend the temporary suspension of duty on 4 [(4 amino phenyl) azo] benzene sulfonic acid.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-06-07
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.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2776
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 7, 2005
Mr. Clay introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To extend the temporary suspension of duty on 4 [(4 amino phenyl) azo] benzene sulfonic acid.

1.4 [(4 amino phenyl) azo] benzene sulfonic acid
(a)In generalHeading 9902.02.41 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to 4 [(4 amino phenyl) azo] benzene sulfonic acid) is amended by striking 12/31/2006 and inserting 12/31/2009.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of enactment of this Act.


115 HR 958 IH: Wasteful EPA Programs Elimination Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-02-07
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.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 958IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 7, 2017Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo eliminate certain programs of the Environmental Protection Agency, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Wasteful EPA Programs Elimination Act of 2017. 2.Elimination of EPA grant programsNotwithstanding any other provision of law—
 (1)all grant programs of the Environmental Protection Agency that are in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act are hereby terminated; and
 (2)the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may not establish or implement any grant program.
 3.Prohibition on use of funds for new ozone standardsNo funds made available under any Act may be used by the Environmental Protection Agency to implement any ozone standard promulgated after the date of enactment of this Act, including any national primary or secondary ambient air quality standard for ozone promulgated (or revised) under section 109 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7409).
		4.Elimination of funding for certain regulations and programs
 (a)In generalNo Federal funds may be used by the Environmental Protection Agency— (1)to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from mobile sources (including cars, trains, airplanes, and non-road equipment);
 (2)to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric utility generating units under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.);
 (3)for the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program or any similar or successor program; (4)for the Global Methane Initiative or any similar or successor initiative;
 (5)for the Climate Resilience Fund or any similar or successor fund; (6)for the Climate Resilience Evaluation Awareness Tool or any similar or successor tool;
 (7)for the Green Infrastructure Program or any similar or successor program; (8)for the Climate Ready Water Utilities Initiative or any similar or successor initiative; or
 (9)for climate research at the Office of Research and Development of the Environmental Protection Agency.
 (b)Definition of greenhouse gasIn this Act, the term greenhouse gas means any of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons.
			5.Termination of certain EPA programs
 (a)National Clean Diesel CampaignThe Environmental Protection Agency’s National Clean Diesel Campaign is hereby terminated. (b)Environmental Justice programsThe Environmental Protection Agency’s environmental justice programs are hereby terminated.
 6.Elimination of EPA regional officesThe Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall discontinue operation and maintenance of the Environmental Protection Agency’s State, regional, district, local, and other field offices, and activities carried out through those offices.
		7.Disposal or leasing of underutilized property required
 (a)Disposal or leasing requiredThe Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall dispose of or lease any property determined by the Office of Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency to be underutilized in the report entitled EPA Can Further Reduce Space in Under-Utilized Facilities dated February 20, 2013.
 (b)Fair market value requirementReal property sold pursuant to this section shall be sold at not less than the fair market value as determined by the Administrator. Costs associated with disposal may not exceed the fair market value of the property unless the Administrator approves incurring such costs.
 (c)Monetary Proceeds RequirementReal property may be sold pursuant to this section only if the property will generate monetary proceeds to the Federal Government, as provided in subsection (b). Disposal of real property pursuant to this section may not include any exchange, trade, transfer, acquisition of like-kind property, or other non-cash transaction as part of the disposal.
 (d)Rule of ConstructionNothing in this section shall be construed as terminating or in any way limiting authorities that are otherwise available to agencies under other provisions of law to dispose of Federal real property, except as provided in subsection (e).
 (e)Exemption From Certain RequirementsAny expedited disposal of a real property conducted pursuant to this section shall not be subject to—
 (1)subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 40, United States Code; (2)sections 550 and 553 of title 40, United States Code;
 (3)section 501 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11411); (4)any other provision of law authorizing the no-cost conveyance of real property owned by the Federal Government; or
 (5)any congressional notification requirement other than that in section 545 of title 40, United States Code.


116 S723 IS: PPP Extension Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-03-11
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.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 723IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 11, 2021Ms. Collins (for herself, Mr. Cardin, and Mrs. Shaheen) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and EntrepreneurshipA BILLTo amend the Small Business Act and the CARES Act to extend the covered period for the paycheck protection program, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the PPP Extension Act of 2021.2.Extension of covered period for paycheck protection program(a)In generalSection 7(a)(36)(A)(iii) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(A)(iii)) is amended by striking March 31, 2021 and inserting June 30, 2021.(b)FundingSection 1102(b)(1) of the CARES Act (Public Law 116–136), as amended by section 323 of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (title III of division N of Public Law 116–260), is amended by striking March 31, 2021 and inserting June 30, 2021.(c)RestrictionFrom June 1, 2021, through June 30, 2021, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall not accept new lender applications for loans under paragraph (36) or (37) of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) and shall only process such lender applications that have been submitted to the Administrator before June 1, 2021.