zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Smuggled Tobacco Prevention Act of 2015 or the STOP Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restrict the sale, lease, export or import, or delivery of tobacco production machines to persons lawfully engaged in: (1) the sale, lease, export or import, or delivery of such machines; (2) the manufacture or packaging of tobacco products or processed tobacco; or (3) the application of unique identification markings onto tobacco products or processed tobacco packages. Requires every person having possession or control of such machines to register them immediately with the Department of the Treasury upon installation. Defines "tobacco production machine" as a machine used to manufacture or package tobacco products or processed tobacco or to apply unique identification markings or other tax-payment indicia to packages of tobacco products or processed tobacco. Extends record keeping requirements to wholesalers and retailers of tobacco products and processed tobacco.

Requires manufacturers and importers of tobacco products to affix a unique identification marking to each package of tobacco products or processed tobacco prior to sale or distribution in the United States or prior to export. Directs Treasury to design a system of unique identification markings that does not interfere with state, local, or tribal tax stamps and markings and that provides a unique serial number or tracking code for each tobacco product.

Requires wholesalers of tobacco products to obtain permits for selling or exporting tobacco products.

Establishes new criminal offenses relating to the licensing and distribution of tobacco products or processed tobacco. Increases the civil penalty for tobacco-related infractions from $1,000 to $10,000.

Requires Treasury to coordinate with other federal agencies and officials to prevent and reduce tobacco tax evasion and contraband trafficking in tobacco products and processed tobacco.

Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose a civil penalty for the importation of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes by fraudulent means.

Provides for the enforcement of this Act in Indian tribal areas.

Date: 2015-04-13
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Taxation
FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise premarket review and reporting requirements for products deemed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tobacco products.

A product is not subject to premarket review by the FDA if it is introduced to market before that type of product is deemed a tobacco product.

A person introducing a tobacco product that is substantially similar to a marketed product less than 21 months after that type of product is deemed a tobacco product must submit a report to the FDA on the similar product not later than 21 months after that type of product is deemed a tobacco product. (A report is required at least 90 days prior to introduction of a tobacco product that is substantially similar to a marketed product if that type of product has been deemed a tobacco product for 21 months or more.)

Date: 2015-04-28
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Health
Tobacco to 21 Act

This bill prohibits the sale or distribution of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21.

The Department of Health and Human Services must enforce this prohibition by taking necessary actions including, as appropriate, conducting undercover compliance checks, performing retailer inspections, initiating enforcement actions for noncompliance, and establishing requirements that retailers check identification.

Date: 2015-09-30
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Health
Banning the Use of Electronic Cigarettes on Airplanes Act of 2015

This bill requires the use of an electronic cigarette to be treated as smoking for purposes of provisions prohibiting smoking on passenger flights.

Date: 2015-10-27
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Transportation and public works
End Subsidies for Tobacco Act 

This bill amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to prohibit the Department of Agriculture from subsidizing crop insurance premiums for tobacco. Any savings that occur as a result of this bill must be deposited in the Treasury and used for deficit reduction.

Date: 2016-03-03
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2016

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct an interagency study regarding research on lung cancer in women, access to lung cancer preventive services, and public awareness and education campaigns on lung cancer.

The study must include a comprehensive report on research and knowledge gaps related to lung cancer in women in the federal government and recommendations for: (1) a research program that would encourage innovative approaches to eliminate knowledge gaps, (2) the development of a national lung cancer screening strategy with sufficient resources to expand access to screening, and (3) the development of a national public education and awareness campaign on lung cancer in women and the importance of early detection of lung cancer.

Date: 2016-05-17
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Health
Medicaid Data and Benefit Improvement Act of 2016

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to: (1) extend Medicaid coverage of tobacco cessation services for pregnant women through the first full year after giving birth, and (2) add requirements related to the collection of specified Medicaid data from states.

Date: 2016-07-11
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Health
Restore Charitable Contributions of Premium Cigars to the Troops Act of 2016

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow charitable donations, including free samples, of traditional large and premium cigars to be given to members of the military or nonprofits supporting members of the military. Currently, free samples and charitable donations of tobacco products are banned.

Date: 2016-09-08
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Health
Protecting Children from Electronic Cigarette Advertising Act of 2015

Prohibits electronic cigarette advertisements that appeal to children younger than 18 years of age in states in which the sale of an electronic cigarette to such children is prohibited by federal or state law. Bars electronic cigarette advertisements, promotions, or marketing in those states in a manner that is: (1) known, or should be known, to contribute toward initiating or increasing the use of electronic cigarettes by children under 18; or (2) determined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to affect or appeal to such children regardless of when or where the advertising, promotion, or marketing occurs.

Defines "electronic cigarette" as an electronic device that delivers nicotine, flavor, or other chemicals via a vaporized solution to a user inhaling from the device, including any component, liquid, part, or accessory. Excludes Food and Drug Administration-approved tobacco cessation or therapeutic products from such definition.

Sets forth authority for: (1) the FTC to enforce violations as an unfair or deceptive act or practice, and (2) states to bring civil actions on behalf of residents threatened or adversely affected by such a violation.

Establishes a civil penalty to be available in state actions that is calculated by multiplying the number of days that a person is not in compliance with such prohibition by an amount up to $16,000, adjusted annually for inflation.

Allows the FTC to intervene and appeal in state actions.

Date: 2015-02-10
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Commerce
Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2015

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt traditional large and premium cigars from regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and from user fees assessed on tobacco products by the FDA.

Date: 2015-02-10
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Health
Tobacco Tax Equity Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the excise tax on tobacco products, to tax pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco products, and large cigars at the same level as cigarettes. Revises the definition of "tobacco products," for purposes of such tax, to include any other product determined to be a tobacco product by the Food and Drug Administration. Makes smokeless tobacco products sold in discrete single-use units subject to an excise tax of $50.33 per thousand. Provides for an inflation adjustment in calendar years beginning after 2015 to the dollar amounts of tobacco products subject to the excise tax.

Date: 2015-02-11
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Taxation
Tobacco Tax and Enforcement Reform Act 

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the taxation of tobacco products, to:

 increase or equalize excise taxes on small cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco, large cigars, and smokeless tobacco; impose an excise tax on smokeless tobacco sold in discrete single-use units; tax smokeless tobacco and other tobacco products at a level equivalent to the tax rate for cigarettes on an estimated per use basis; provide for annual inflation adjustments after 2015 to excise tax rates on cigarettes and tobacco products; restrict the sale, lease, export or import, or delivery of tobacco production machines to persons lawfully engaged in: (1) the sale, lease, export or import, or delivery of such machines; (2) the manufacture or packaging of tobacco products or processed tobacco; or (3) the application of unique identification markings onto tobacco products or processed tobacco packages; define "tobacco production machine" as a machine used to manufacture or package tobacco products or processed tobacco or to apply unique identification markings or other tax-payment indicia to packages of tobacco products or processed tobacco; require manufacturers and importers of tobacco products to affix a unique identification marking to each package of tobacco products or processed tobacco prior to sale or distribution in the United States or prior to export; direct the Department of the Treasury to design a system of unique identification markings that does not interfere with state, local, or tribal tax stamps and markings; require manufacturers, sellers, or importers of tobacco production machines to apply for and obtain permits to manufacture or import tobacco products; establish new criminal offenses relating to the licensing and distribution of tobacco products or processed tobacco; increase the civil penalty for tobacco-related infractions from $1,000 to $10,000; and allow sharing of tax return information with government officials for the administration of laws relating to tobacco products and processed tobacco. Requires Treasury to coordinate with other federal agencies and officials to prevent and reduce tobacco tax evasion and contraband trafficking in tobacco products and processed tobacco and to enforce settlement agreements between tobacco companies and governmental entities.

Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose a civil penalty for the importation of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes by fraudulent means.

Provides for the enforcement of this Act in Indian tribal areas.

Date: 2015-04-29
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Taxation
Strong Lungs, Strong Lives Act of 2015

This bill amends the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 to extend TRICARE eligibility for certain smoking cessation services after FY2009 to covered TRICARE program beneficiaries who are Medicare-eligible.

Date: 2015-05-13
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Tobacco to 21 Act

This bill prohibits the sale or distribution of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21.

The Department of Health and Human Services must enforce this prohibition by taking necessary actions including, as appropriate, conducting undercover compliance checks, performing retailer inspections, initiating enforcement actions for noncompliance, and establishing requirements that retailers check identification.

Date: 2015-09-29
Topic: Health (Tobacco Abuse)
Subject: Health
Commission on Economic Indicators Act of 2007 - Establishes the Commission on Economic Indicators to study and report to Congress on: (1) economic statistics collected and reported by U.S. government agencies, including national income, employment and unemployment, wages, personal income, wealth, savings, debt, productivity, inflation, and international trade and capital flows; and (2) ways to improve the related statistical measurements.

Date: 2007-02-16
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Sound Dollar and Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 - Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to: (1) make the value of the U.S. dollar equal to the market value of 0.05 of a troy ounce of gold; and (2) maintain that value at this level.Directs the Board to: (1) conduct open market operations against an explicit target for the price of gold on the exchange operated by the Commodities Exchange, Inc. (COMEX) of the New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc.; and (2) not perform such operations indirectly, as in the current practice of targeting the federal funds rate.Requires the Board to use its banking and bank regulatory powers to maintain and promote stable and effective financial markets during and after the transition to a defined value for the U.S. dollar.Entitles all entities that depreciate capital assets for tax purposes to 100% expensing of all capital investment for tax purposes in the year that the investment is made.Requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in addition to the scoring CBO will do of the tax changes provided in this Act, to calculate the impact on federal revenues on a present value basis.

Date: 2008-07-31
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Dollar Bill Act of 2009 - Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) to make and maintain the value of the U.S. dollar at a market value of 0.002 of a troy ounce of gold. Instructs the Board, in regulating such value, to: (1) conduct open market operations against an explicit target for the price of gold on the exchange operated by the Commodities Exchange, Inc. (COMEX) of the New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc; and (2) use its banking and bank regulatory powers to maintain and promote stable, effective financial markets during and after the transition to such defined value. Prohibits the Board from conducting open market operations indirectly, as in the current practice of targeting the Federal Funds rate.Declares that, effective January 1, 2009, entities that depreciate capital assets for tax purposes shall be entitled to 100% expensing of all capital investment for tax purposes in the year that the investment is made. Requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to calculate the impact on federal revenues of the tax changes under this Act on a present value basis in the manner that such calculations are done by the Social Security Trustees, taking into account that: (1) first year expensing of capital investment accelerates, but does not change, the total amount of the depreciation that taxpayers take based upon their investments; and (2) capital investments by businesses have historically earned much higher returns than the interest rate on government bonds.

Date: 2009-02-03
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Tax Equity Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide regional cost-of-living adjustments in individual income tax rates. Directs the Secretary of Labor to produce a regional cost-of-living index.

Date: 2009-04-02
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 to revise requirements for the annual report by the Secretary of Commerce to the Propane Education and Research Council, the Secretary of Energy, and the public analyzing changes in the price of propane relative to other energy sources. Requires the analysis to compare indexed changes in the average price of consumer grade propane to all end users to an equally weighted composite of indexed changes in the price of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of No. 2 fuel oil on an annual national average basis. (Currently, the comparison is to be made of indexed changes in the price of consumer grade propane to a composite of indexed changes in the price of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price.) Directs the Secretary of Commerce, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, to prepare and make available to the public an updated propane price analysis reflecting the amendment made by this Act.

Date: 2009-10-01
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Energy
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to redefine the resource limits, with cost-of-living adjustments, in the formulae for determining SSI eligibility.

Date: 2009-11-04
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Social welfare
Within Our Means Budget (WOMB) Act of 2009 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) to eliminate sequential and cumulative adjustments for inflation from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) baseline projections for discretionary appropriations with respect to: (1) expiring housing contracts and social insurance administrative expenses; (2) offset pay absorption and pay annualization; (3) inflation; and (4) any accounting for changes required by law in the level of agency payments for personnel benefits other than pay. Exempts from the requirement that budgetary resources (other than unobligated balances) be at the level available in the current year any resources designated as an emergency requirement or provided in supplemental appropriations laws. Prohibits adjustments for inflation or or any other factor. Amends the Act to extend indefinitely the formula used to calculate the baseline.

Date: 2009-12-19
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Amends the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 to revise requirements for the annual report by the Secretary of Commerce to the Propane Education and Research Council, the Secretary of Energy, and the public analyzing changes in the price of propane relative to other energy sources. Requires the analysis to compare indexed changes in the average price of consumer grade propane to all end users to an equally weighted composite of indexed changes in the price of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price to end users of No. 2 fuel oil on an annual national average basis. (Currently, the comparison is to be made of indexed changes in the price of consumer grade propane to a composite of indexed changes in the price of residential electricity, residential natural gas, and refiner price.) Directs the Secretary of Commerce, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, to prepare and make available to the public an updated propane price analysis reflecting the amendment made by this Act.

Date: 2010-05-25
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Energy
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limit on the deductibility of losses from the sale or exchange of capital assets for individual taxpayers to $10,500 (50% of such amount for married individuals filing a separate tax return), adjusted for inflation after 2011.

Date: 2011-05-26
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Taxation
Commuter Benefits Equity Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to equalize and increase to $230, with a cost-of-living adjustment after 2011, the tax exclusion for both transportation and parking fringe benefits. Extends such benefits to federal employees.

Date: 2011-05-19
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Taxation
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) reinstate in 2013 and extend through 2017 the additional deduction for real property taxes in the standard tax deduction, and (2) allow an annual inflation adjustment to the allowable amount of the standard tax deduction.

Date: 2013-01-03
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Taxation
Extends until January 31, 2014: (1) specified agricultural programs under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, (2) suspension of permanent price support authorities, and (3) supplemental agricultural disaster assistance.

Exempts from such extensions: (1) mandatory funding for nutrition education; (2) the conservation stewardship program, the farmland protection program, the environmental quality incentives program, and the wildlife habitat incentives program; (3) Commodity Credit Corporation funding for local and regional food aid procurement projects, the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, and a survey of foods purchased by school food authorities; (4) rural development programs for micro entrepreneur assistance, pending rural development loans and grants, value-added agricultural market development grants, and the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center; (5) market loss assistance for asparagus producers; (6) supplemental agricultural disaster assistance; (7) Pigford claims determinations; and (8) specified requirements of the Heartland, Habitat, Harvest, and Horticulture Act of 2008 relating to supplemental agricultural disaster assistance, revenue and tax, and trade.

Backdates the effective date of this Act to September 30, 2013.

Date: 2013-12-11
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to equalize and increase to $245, with a cost-of-living adjustment to such increased amount after 2013, the tax exclusion for both transportation and parking fringe benefits.

Date: 2013-12-12
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Taxation
Honesty in Consumer Price Index Reporting Act

This bill directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor to report regularly and routinely an additional data set designed to replicate the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (or CPI-W set) reflecting a fixed market basket of goods and services, omitting consideration of substitution of goods and services due to changes in individual consumption patterns caused by price increases, utilizing the methodology that was employed by the Bureau in 1980.

Date: 2015-09-11
Topic: Macroeconomics (Interest Rates)
Subject: Labor and employment
Congress Must Co-Sign Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide advance written notice to Congress before any Department of Transportation (DOT) funds may be used to make a loan in the amount of $1 billion or more. Prohibits DOT from making such loan until Congress has enacted a law specifically approving the loan.

Date: 2007-02-16
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and implement a plan entitled the National Strategy for Rail and Public Transportation Security. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations that require each high- or medium- risk tier railroad carrier, public transportation operator, or over-the-road bus private operator to submit for approval by the Secretary: (1) an assessment of the vulnerability of the rail or public transportation system or over-the-road bus to terrorism; and (2) a security plan that addresses the vulnerabilities identified in the assessment. Requires the Secretary to implement a security program for covered transportation not assigned to a high- or medium-risk tier. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to railroad carriers, designated public transportation recipients, and over-the-road bus private operators for certain security improvements. Makes grants to Amtrak for certain fire and life-safety improvements to tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a training program to prepare railroad, public transportation, and over-the-road bus workers for potential threat conditions; and (2) establish a security exercises program for such workers and other named entities to respond to acts of terrorism. Sets forth certain whistleblower protections for DHS, Department of Transportation (DOT), rail and public transportation, and over-the-road bus employees (including contractors and subcontractors) who have provided information or otherwise assisted in any investigation regarding conduct related to, or who have refused to violate or assist in, the violation of any regulation related to national or homeland security. Requires an increase in the number of DHS surface transportation security inspectors. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of regulations and orders of the Secretary.

Date: 2007-03-01
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a flexibility incentive grant pilot program to encourage states to establish new sources of revenue for public transportation projects and services and to reward states for creating more flexibility in the use of their existing transportation funds. Requires the Secretary to make a grant for FY2008-FY2011 to: (1) each state whose increase in expenditures for public transportation projects and services over the preceding fiscal year was 10% or more and aggregate expenditures for such projects and services was $1 billion or less; (2) each large state whose increase in expenditures for such projects and services over the preceding fiscal year was 1% or more and aggregate expenditures for such projects and services was more than $1 billion; (3) each state that established in the first preceding fiscal year a dedicated source of revenue (i.e., state motor fuels tax, sales tax, or other specified sources of revenue) for carrying out public transportation projects and services that was not in effect in the second preceding fiscal year and which will result in a 10% increase of state funds expended for such projects and services within two years after such implementation; and (4) each state that in the preceding fiscal year amended state law or the state constitution to allow restricted highway funds to also be used for public transportation projects and services. Sets forth certain grant eligibility requirements. Directs the Secretary to conduct, and report to Congress on, a study to evaluate the pilot program.

Date: 2007-03-20
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability in Transportation Projects Through Public Inspection Act of 2007 - Requires public employees to perform construction inspections on all surface transportation projects receiving federal funding.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Repeals certain personnel management authorities, including a provision authorizing the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to employ and fix the compensation, terms, and conditions of employment for passenger and property screeners. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Homeland Security to take any measures necessary to provide for the uniform treatment of all TSA screeners; and (2) the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the pay system that applies to such employees.

Date: 2007-07-27
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to revise the item descriptions of specified high priority project authorizations. Increases, decreases, or terminates certain project authorizations. Authorizes funds for a transportation improvement project for reconstructing the I-95/S.R. 1 interchange in the state of Delaware, and adding a fifth lane. Revises the item description of the Cuming Street transportation improvement project in Omaha, Nebraska, to include the narrowing of 24th Street from Cuming Street to Cass Street and adjacent lighting, landscaping, and pedestrian safety enhancements.

Date: 2007-07-31
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
TSA Acquisition Reform Act of 2007 - Repeals provisions exempting the Transportation Security Administration from specified federal procurement requirements.

Date: 2007-08-01
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safety, Accountability, and Funding Efficiency for Transportation Act of 2007 - Requires government agencies to prepare cost benefit analyses before entering any private contract of $100,000 or more to procure private sector architectural, engineering, and related services for a surface transportation project. Provides for public disclosure of the results of such cost-benefit analysis if the government agency determines it is in the public interest to enter into the contract. Authorizes the waiver of such requirements if it is determined that the government agency cannot perform the work to be conducted under the contract with existing or additional government employees because such work is of an emergency, specialty, or intermittent nature.

Date: 2007-09-20
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Transportation Job Corps Act of 2008 - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to establish workforce development councils and governing boards in each of its ten regions. Replaces the current discretionary grant and contract programs addressing human resource needs as they apply to public transportation activities. Directs the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the Administrator, to establish programs for the award of grants to: (1) nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to introduce disconnected youth (ages 16 through 24 who are unemployed and out of school) to careers in the transit industry by providing them with basic skills education and pre-apprenticeship skills; (2) partnerships of transit agencies and unions representing non-managerial employees to develop education programs to improve job skills of transit employees and to provide education and training to assist individuals to enter the transit profession; and (3) the same or similar partnerships to develop special projects to increase education opportunities for disadvantaged transit industry individuals, including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented in transit management, by providing student scholarships, pre-entry preparation, and retention activities.

Date: 2008-09-24
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to waive, through FY2009, any requirement that would otherwise require a state or local government to contribute non-federal funds toward the cost of a covered transportation program or activity authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) or an amendment made by that Act.Declares, however, that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a state or local government from contributing non-federal funds toward the cost of a covered transportation program or activity.

Date: 2008-12-10
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Telecommuters Tax Fairness Act of 2007 - Prohibits a state from imposing an income tax on the compensation of a nonresident individual for any period in which such individual is not physically present in or working in such state or from deeming such nonresident individual to be present in or working in such state on the grounds that: (1) such individual is present at or working at home for convenience; or (2) such individual's work at home fails any convenience of the employer test or any similar test.

Date: 2007-03-06
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Taxation
Makes technical corrections to the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users or SAFETEA-LU and other laws related to public transportation. Excludes sightseeing from the term "public transportation." Names a certain program authorizing the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to carry out qualified projects to enhance the protection and enjoyment of national parks and public lands as the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program. Makes specified allocations for fixed guideway modernization through FY2009. Increases the total obligation ceiling for FY2008 for the Mass Transit Account. Makes specified changes to: (1) a certain project designated under the alternative analysis program; (2) certain project authorizations for new fixed guideway capital projects; (3) certain projects for bus and bus-related facilities; (4) the hydrogen fuel cell shuttle deployment demonstration program; and (5) the Advanced Propulsion Control System program. Directs the Secretary to resolve the delay of a certain commuter rail extension in Rhode Island by negotiating the extension of the existing agreement of a specified segment of such project. Requires the Secretary to take certain additional factors into consideration when evaluating the local matching share of costs for the extension of certain light rail lines.

Date: 2007-06-13
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Build America Bonds Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax credit to a taxpayer holding a Build America bond on one or more of its credit allowance dates. Defines a "Build America bond" as any bond issued by the Transportation Finance Corporation as part of an issue if 95% or more of the proceeds from such issue are to be used for expenditures incurred for one or more qualified projects. Requires proceeds from the sale of bonds issued under this Act to be held in a Build America Bonds Trust Account. Defines "qualified project" as the capital improvements to any transportation infrastructure project (including roads, bridges, rail and transit systems, ports, and inland waterways) proposed by one or more states and approved by the Transportation Finance Corporation. Grants Congress' consent and recognition to the establishment by two or more state infrastructure banks of the Transportation Finance Corporation. Authorizes the Transportation Finance Corporation to: (1) issue Build America bonds for the financing of qualified projects; (2) establish and operate the Build America Bonds Trust Account; (3) leverage resources and stimulate public and private investment in transportation infrastructure; and (4) perform any other function the sole purpose of which is to carry out the financing of qualified projects through Build America bonds. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend certain customs fees for the processing of merchandise entered into the United States through October 14, 2026.

Date: 2007-09-06
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Taxation
Transportation Empowerment Act - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for the interstate maintenance program, emergency relief, the interstate bridge program, the federal lands highways program, highway safety programs, surface transportation research, and certain administrative expenses. Authorizes a state, upon determining that excess funds have been made available, to transfer the excess funds to, and use them for, any surface transportation purpose (including mass transit and rail) in the state. Revises requirements regarding state apportionments under the interstate maintenance component for resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing the Interstate System. Prohibits any restriction on the ability of a state, as part of any highway improvement project, to impose and collect a toll on any highway that is part of the Interstate System. Allows a state to use revenue collected from such toll only for a new highway infrastructure project in the state. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to: (1) extend, for five years, the availability of HTF funds for certain authorized expenditures; (2) set a core programs financing rate for gasoline, special motor fuels, kerosene, and diesel fuel; (3) establish in the HTF an Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund; and (4) provide for the return of excess tax receipts to states for transportation purposes. Grants consent to states to enter into interstate compacts to establish infrastructure banks to invest in the construction of surface transportation projects. Amends the IRC to reduce taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and special fuels funding the HTF.

Date: 2008-04-07
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to redescribe the high priority highway project for I-10 Ryan Street exit ramp, including relocation and realignment of Lakeshore Drive (including portions of Front Street and or Ann Street), and expansion of Contraband Bayou Bridge, for the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Redescribes such project as one to make improvements to the on/off ramp system from I-10 to Ryan Street (LA 385), including installation of an exit ramp for eastbound traffic on I-10, incorporating, as necessary, portions of Front Street and Ann Street, including the repair of Lakeshore Drive, and providing for the realignment of Lakeshore Drive and the expansion of Contraband Bayou Bridge.

Date: 2008-05-07
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 350,000 $1 coins in commemoration of the centennial of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.Requires the coin design to be emblematic of such centennial.Requires such coins to be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities, from only one U.S. Mint facility.Declares the sense of Congress that such facility should be the U.S. Mint at West Point, New York, to the greatest extent possible.Authorizes the Secretary to issue such coins only during calendar 2011.Applies a $10 per coin surcharge to all coin sales. Requires all surcharges received to be paid to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America for efforts involved in marking it centennial, which may include efforts to preserve the birthplace of founder Juliette Gordon Low.

Date: 2008-09-23
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Commemorations
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to waive, through FY2009, any requirement that would otherwise require a state or local government to contribute non-federal funds toward the cost of a covered transportation program or activity authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFTETEA-LU) or an amendment made by that Act. Declares, however, that nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a state or local government from contributing non-federal funds toward the cost of a covered transportation program or activity.

Date: 2009-01-13
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2009 - Expands the federal prohibition against state taxation of interstate commerce to: (1) include taxation of out-of-state transactions involving all forms of property, including intangible personal property and services (currently, only sales of tangible personal property are protected); and (2) prohibit state taxation of an out-of-state entity unless such entity has a physical presence in the taxing state. Sets forth criteria for determining that a person has a physical presence in a state.

Date: 2009-02-13
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Taxation
E-fencing Enforcement Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a duty on any online market provider to disclose the contact information (i.e., name, telephone number, and address for service of legal process) of any high volume seller who has listed goods or items for sale on such provider's online marketplace that match the description of stolen goods listed in a signed report from a criminal law enforcement agency. Defines "high volume seller" as any person who, through an online marketplace, sells or offers for sale in a single offering goods or items worth more than $5,000, or more than $12,000 in one or more offerings during the preceding 365 days. Requires an online market provider to: (1) retain contact information on high volume sellers for three years; and (2) deny high volume sellers access to the marketplace if such provider has good reason to believe that such sellers acquired their goods unlawfully. Allows high volume sellers to bring a civil action to challenge the denial of access to an online marketplace.

Date: 2009-02-25
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Complete Streets Act of 2009 - Requires each state to have in effect within two years a law, or each state department of transportation and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) an explicit policy statement, that requires all federally-funded transportation projects, with certain exceptions, to accommodate the safety and convenience of all users in accordance with certain complete streets principles. Defines "complete streets principles" as federal, state, local, or regional level transportation laws, policies, or principles which ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of a transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, children, older individuals, motorists, and individuals with disabilities, are accommodated in all phases of project planning and development. Allows such law or policy to make project-specific exemptions from such principles only if: (1) affected roadways prohibit specified users by law from using them, the cost of a compliance project would be excessively disproportionate to the need, or the population and employment densities or level of transit service around a roadway is so low that there is no need to implement such principles; and (2) all such exemptions are properly approved. Requires: (1) the Secretary to establish a method for ensuring compliance by state departments of transportation and MPOs with complete streets principles; and (2) states to require every agency responsible for a project within an approved transportation improvement program to review and certify project compliance with complete streets principles. Requires states noncompliant with complete streets principles to use a portion of their surface transportation program funds to carry out a highway safety program. Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue final standards for accessibility of new construction and alterations of pedestrian facilities for public rights-of-way. Requires the Secretary to conduct research regarding complete streets to: (1) assist states, MPOs, and local jurisdictions in developing and implementing complete streets-compliant plans, projects, procedures, policies, and training programs; and (2) establish benchmarks for, and provide technical guidance on, implementing complete streets policies and principles.

Date: 2009-03-11
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Southwestern Transit Corridor Planning and Fuel Use Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to make a grant to: (1) the New Mexico Mid Region Council of Governments to study the feasibility of extending the New Mexico rail runner express commuter rail service south from Belen, New Mexico, to El Paso, Texas, or to intermediate points; and (2) the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and the city of El Paso, Texas, to study the feasibility for a public transit system, including the option of commuter rail, that would connect Las Cruces and El Paso.

Date: 2009-05-07
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following non-sale activities by the seller: (1) the seller was the manufacturer of the product; (2) the seller participated in the design of the product; (3) the seller participated in the installation of the product; or (4) the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer. Requires, where a claimant proves one or more of such activities, that: (1) the activity be negligent; and (2) damages be limited to those directly caused by the activity.

Date: 2009-05-20
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Law
Directs the Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) within the Department of Transportation (DOT) to: (1) develop a strategic plan annually to guide DOT surface transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities for the following three years; (2) develop and execute a review process to assess the performance of university transportation centers (UTCs); and (3) report to Congress on how best to strengthen the transfer of transportation-related technology, including through the establishment of transportation technology extension centers at UTCs. Authorizes the Administrator, in order to expand the workforce of transportation professionals, to establish a grant program to fund internships for students participating in the UTC program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a visiting committee on surface transportation research. Moves the Office of Climate Change and Environment into RITA and requires it to coordinate research, development, and technology transfer activities: (1) that focus on transportation-related emissions and energy reduction strategies; and (2) on the impacts of climate change on surface transportation infrastructure. Revises the surface transportation, research, development, and technology program to direct the Administrator to make grants to institutions of higher education (including consortia) to establish regional UTCs to carry out research, development, and technology transfer activities in the field of green transportation infrastructure (i.e., infrastructure that preserves and restores natural processes, utilizes natural design techniques, and minimizes energy consumption and pollution). Directs the Administrator to: (1) contract with the National Research Council to review the research, development, and technology transfer activities at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research facility; and (2) establish a pavement research, deployment, and education program. Reauthorizes: (1) the surface transportation research, development, and technology program; and (2) university transportation research.

Date: 2009-05-21
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to prohibit automobile manufacturers receiving assistance under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) from opening a new foreign subsidiary or expanding any current foreign subsidiary.

Date: 2009-05-21
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to increase from 95% to 100% the federal share of costs for federal-aid highway projects and public transportation projects for the state of Michigan for FY2010-FY2011.

Date: 2009-06-26
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works
National Metro Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, notwithstanding certain prohibitions, to: (1) develop, implement, and enforce national safety standards for transit agencies operating heavy rail on fixed guideways; and (2) require such standards to include National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding crashworthiness, emergency access and egress, event recorders, and hours of service.

Date: 2009-07-24
Topic: Transportation (General)
Subject: Transportation and public works