United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2013
End Racial Profiling Act of 2013 - Prohibits any law enforcement agent or agency from engaging in racial profiling. Grants the United States or an individual injured by racial profiling the right to obtain declaratory or injunctive relief. Requires federal law enforcement agencies to maintain adequate policies and procedures to eliminate racial profiling and to cease existing practices that permit racial profiling. Requires state or local governmental entities or state, local, or tribal law enforcement agencies that apply for grants under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and the Cops on the Beat Program to certify that they maintain adequate policies and procedures for eliminating racial profiling and have eliminated any existing practices that permit or encourage racial profiling. Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants and contracts for the collection of data relating to racial profiling and for the development of best practices and systems to eliminate racial profiling. Requires the Attorney General to issue regulations for the collection and compilation of data on racial profiling and for the implementation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2013
Saving Homeowners from Onerous Rate Escalations Act of 2013 or SHORE Act of 2013 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to phase in, over an eight-year period, any increase in the flood insurance risk premium rate caused by the prohibition against extending subsidies to new or lapsed policies. Extends from a 5-year to a 10-year period the phase-in period for premium adjustment increases in the flood insurance risk rate. Prescribes a phase-in rate of: (1) 5% for each of the first 5 years after the effective date of an update, and 15% for each of the 5 ensuing years; and (2) 5% for each of the first 5 years following the effective date of designation as a special flood area of any area not previously so designated, and 15% for each of the 5 ensuing years.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2013
Every Child Deserves a Family Act - Prohibits an entity that receives federal assistance and is involved in adoption or foster care placements from discriminating against prospective adoptive or foster parents solely on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identification, or marital status or on the basis of the sexual orientation or gender identity of the child involved. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in order to ensure compliance with, and ensure understanding of the legal, practice, and culture changes required by this Act in making foster care and adoption placement decisions, to provide specified technical assistance to all entities covered by this Act. Requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study of whether states have substantially complied with this Act in eliminating policies, practices, or statutes that deny adoption rights on the basis of these criteria.
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2013
Foreign Language Education Partnership Program Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to replace the program providing incentive payments to public elementary schools for foreign language instruction with a partnership program in foreign languages that provides matching grants to partnerships composed of state or local educational agencies and institutions of higher education. Requires such partnerships to establish, improve, or expand model programs of foreign language learning from kindergarten through grade 12 that increase the number of high school graduates who attain advanced proficiency in at least one foreign language. Requires each model program to have a dimension allowing the student to gain an understanding of the historic, geographic, cultural, economic, and other contextual factors of countries whose people speak the language studied. Conditions a partnership's continued funding for two additional five-year periods, after an initial four-year funding period, on its demonstrating its program's effectiveness based on nationally recognized standardized foreign language assessments. Directs the Secretary of Education to collect and analyze data on such programs annually and disseminate aggregated program data nationally, as well as information on successful programs and practices.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2013
Chemical Safety Improvement Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to establish an evaluative framework for chemical risk assessment and management. Declares that it is the policy of the United States that: (1) this Act should protect the health of people and the environment from the unmanaged risks of chemicals; (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should have the appropriate hazard, use, and exposure information necessary to make safety determinations and the resources and tools necessary to implement TSCA; (3) the Administrator should have the authority to share confidential business information with states; and (4) adequate information should be available with respect to the effect of and exposure to chemicals on health and the environment and the development of such test data and information should be the primary responsibility of those who manufacture or process such chemicals. Replaces current chemical testing requirements for determining whether chemicals present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment with a framework for: (1) making a determination on whether a chemical meets the safety standard established by this Act; and (2) determining the relevance, quality, and reliability of related data and information. Requires such framework to integrate information from multiple sources. Defines “safety standard” as a standard that ensures that no unreasonable risk of harm to human health or the environment will result from exposure to a chemical substance. Directs the Administrator to require submitters of any health and safety study of chemicals to disclose funding sources of any funding used for the study. Requires the Administrator, within a year, to establish a risk-based screening process for identifying existing chemicals that are a high priority for a safety assessment and determination and a low priority for a safety assessment and determination. Directs the Administrator, in implementing the process, to: (1) only consider active chemicals as either high-priority or low-priority chemicals, and (2) only consider inactive chemicals if the Administrator determines that they have not been subject to regulatory or other enforceable action by the Administrator to ban or phase out the chemical and that they demonstrate high hazard and high exposure. Requires the Administrator to complete the prioritization screening process for all active chemicals in a timely manner. Authorizes the Administrator to screen categories or classes of chemicals to ensure an efficient prioritization screening process to allow for timely and adequate safety assessments and determinations. Requires the Administrator, from time to time, to publish a list of chemicals being considered in the prioritization screening process and request the submission of data on the chemicals. Requires the Administrator to publish for public comment a proposed screening process and establish criteria for determining whether a substance is a high or low priority. Requires such proposal to contain an initial list of chemicals that includes those substances prioritized by the Administrator before this Act’s enactment and for which assessments or safety determinations have not been completed. Authorizes the Administrator to defer a prioritization screening decision for a chemical for a reasonable period to allow for the submission and evaluation of additional information. Requires the Administrator to determine the order for performing safety assessments on high-priority chemicals. Prohibits the Administrator from performing a safety assessment on low-priority chemicals. Requires the Administrator to: (1) publish and keep current a list of both high- and low-priority chemicals, and (2) remove a high-priority chemical from the list when a safety determination for the chemical is published. Prohibits a decision by the Administrator to prioritize a chemical from affecting the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, or disposal of the chemical substance, or regulation of those activities. Requires the Administrator to make a prioritized screening decision for a chemical within 180 days of receiving a recommendation and relevant information from a state that an active chemical be identified as a priority. Prohibits decisions to prioritize a chemical by the Administrator from being considered to be a final agency action and from being subject to judicial review. Authorizes the Administrator to require the development of new test data for a chemical if the agency promulgates a rule, enters into a testing consent agreement, or issues an order based on a determination that additional data are needed to perform a safety assessment, make a safety determination, or meet the testing needs of the implementing authority under another federal statute. Requires the Administrator to develop a tiered testing framework. Requires tier one to include both a screening level exposure assessment and screening tests for hazards. Requires, if the Administrator determines that additional testing is necessary, tier two to include an exposure assessment. Requires the Administrator to minimize the use of animals in testing of chemicals. Directs the Administrator to make available to the public all testing consent agreements and orders and all data and information the Administrator requires to be developed by manufacturers and processors of chemicals, except data protected as confidential business information. Establishes notice requirements, including requiring manufacturers and processors to submit notice to the Administrator for the manufacture or processing of a chemical for a significant new use. Directs the Administrator to prohibit the manufacture of a chemical and the manufacture or processing of a chemical for a significant new use if the Administrator determines that the chemical will not likely meet the safety standard. Requires the Administrator to provide an opportunity for additional data to be submitted if the Administrator determines more data is needed in order to conduct a review of a notice to manufacture a new chemical or manufacture or process a chemical for a significant new use. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a safety assessment of each high-priority chemical, (2) establish requirements for risk management of such chemicals based on the assessment’s results, and (3) base such assessment solely on considerations of risk to human health and the environment. Requires the Administrator, as soon as possible after the safety assessment is completed for a high-priority chemical, to determine whether the chemical meets the safety standard under the intended conditions of use of the chemical. Requires the Administrator, after determining that a chemical does not meet the safety standard under the intended conditions of use, to promulgate a rule establishing necessary restrictions, including if appropriate a ban or phase out of the manufacture, processing, or use of the chemical substance. Requires the Administrator, after making such a determination, to consider and publish a statement on the: (1) availability of technically and economically feasible alternatives for the chemical under the intended conditions of use; (2) risks posed by those alternatives as compared to those of the chemical; (3) economic and social costs and benefits of the proposed regulatory action and options considered, and of potential alternatives; and (4) economic and social benefits and costs of the chemical, alternatives, and any necessary restrictions on the chemical or alternatives. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt the use of a chemical from restrictions for specified reasons, such as exemptions for national security and significant disruption in the national economy, without having to provide clear and convincing evidence for such exemption as currently required under TSCA. Authorizes the Administrator to commence a civil action for: (1) seizure of an imminently hazardous chemical or any article containing the chemical; and (2) relief against any person who manufactures, processes, distributes in commerce, uses, or disposes of an imminently hazardous or any article containing the chemical. Requires the Administrator to promulgate rules requiring the reporting of information known or reasonably ascertainable by the person making the report so that the Administrator has the information necessary to carry out testing of chemicals and safety assessment and determinations. Requires the Administrator to make publicly available a candidate list of active chemicals. Directs the Administrator to issue a rule requiring manufacturers and processors to notify the Administrator that they have manufactured or processed a chemical on such candidate list or on the current inventory list compiled under TSCA for a nonexempt commercial purpose during the last five years. Requires the Administrator to designate chemicals as active or inactive based on the notifications received in response to such rule. Requires the Administrator to designate a chemical as active if it: (1) has been manufactured or processed for a nonexempt commercial purpose at any point during the last five years, (2) is added to the inventory list after this Act’s enactment, (3) is the subject of a notice received by the Administrator stating that a person intends to manufacture or process a chemical designated as inactive, or (4) is reported under the TSCA chemical data reporting requirements after this Act’s enactment. Requires the Administrator to designate a chemical as inactive if it has not been manufactured or processed for a nonexempt commercial purpose in the last five years. Directs: (1) any person who intends to manufacture or process for a nonexempt commercial purpose a chemical designated as an inactive to notify the Administrator before the chemical is manufactured or processed, and (2) the Administrator to then designate the chemical as active and review its priority for a safety assessment. Requires the Administrator to make available to the public specified information about chemicals on the list that designates chemicals as active or inactive. Authorizes any person to submit to the Administrator data reasonably supporting the conclusion that a chemical does not present a substantial risk of injury to health and the environment. Prohibits exempting from TSCA requirements those chemicals manufactured for export if they are new chemicals unlikely to meet the safety standard or existing chemicals that do not meet the safety standard. Requires a person to notify the Administrator if that person is exporting a new chemical not likely to meet the safety standard under the intended conditions of use, an existing chemical that does not meet the safety standard under the intended conditions of use, or a chemical for which the United States is obligated by treaty to provide export notification. Requires the Administrator to: (1) submit to the government of each country to which a chemical is exported a notice that information can be obtained from the Administrator about the substance, and (2) provide notice that satisfies the U.S. obligation under the applicable treaty if the chemical is covered by treaty. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to refuse entry into the customs territory of the United States any chemical if: (1) the Administrator has determined that the chemical does not meet the safety standard under the intended conditions of use of the chemical substance, or (2) the chemical is in violation of a rule or order in effect under TSCA. Establishes exemptions to such rule and notice requirements concerning imports. Revises provisions concerning protection of confidential business information from chemical disclosure requirements, including by: (1) identifying information not protected from disclosure, (2) requiring written documentation justifying why information qualifies for protection from disclosure, and (3) authorizing disclosure of information if the disclosure is necessary to protect human health or the environment. Revises provisions concerning federal preemption, including by preempting new state prohibitions or restrictions for any high-priority and low-priority chemical.
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2013
Keep Knives Out of Our Skies Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) from implementing any change to the prohibited items list of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that would permit passengers to carry small, non-locking knives through passenger screening checkpoints at airports, into sterile areas at airports, or on board passenger aircraft.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2013
Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act of 2013 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate rules to prohibit, as an unfair and deceptive act or practice, a person from advertising with the intent to deceptively create the impression that: (1) such person is a provider of abortion services if such person does not provide such services, or (2) such person is not a provider of abortion services if such person does provide such services. Defines "abortion services" as providing surgical and non-surgical procedures to terminate a pregnancy, or providing referrals for such procedures. Sets forth the enforcement authority of the FTC, including with respect to nonprofit organizations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2013
Drunk Driving Repeat Offender Prevention Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to withhold specified graduated percentages of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds for FY2015-FY2017 if the state has not enacted and is not enforcing a law requiring the installation of an ignition interlock device for a minimum of 180 days on each motor vehicle operated by an individual convicted of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence. Defines "driving while intoxicated" and "driving under the influence" as driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration greater than or equal to the lesser of: (1) the blood alcohol concentration limit of the state in which the individual is driving, or (2) 0.08%. Requires an ignition interlock device to: (1) require a driver to provide a breath sample before the motor vehicle starts, and (2) prevent a motor vehicle from starting if the alcohol concentration of the driver is above the legal limit.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2013
Designates the week of May 12-May 18, 2013, as National Police Week. Expresses support for law enforcement officers across the United States for their efforts to build safer and more secure communities, recognizes their selfless acts of bravery, and honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Recognizes the need to ensure that law enforcement officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2013
Student Loan Affordability Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend until June 30, 2015, existing interest rates for loans made to undergraduate students under the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify rules for required distributions from tax-exempt pension plans to an employee who dies before such employee's entire interest is distributed to require such interest to be distributed within five years after the death of such employee, subject to exceptions for an eligible designated beneficiary and surviving spouse of such employee. Defines "eligible designated beneficiary" to include a disabled or chronically-ill individual. Exempts from such modification a binding annuity contract in effect on the enactment date of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) limit the deductibility of interest payments made by a corporation which is an expatriated entity to a related person; (2) expand the definition of "crude oil" for purposes of the excise tax on petroleum to include crude oil condensates, natural gasoline, any bitumen or bituminous mixture, and any oil derived from a bitumen or bituminous mixture; (3) eliminate the requirement that such crude oil be produced in a well located in the United States; and (4) make permanent the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate. Exempts the budgetary effects of this Act from the requirements of specified PAYGO scorecards.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2013
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - Declares it an unlawful employment practice for employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and other specified entities to: (1) fail to make reasonable accommodations to known limitations related to the pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions of job applicants or employees, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on such an entity's business operation; (2) deny employment opportunities based on the need of the entity to make such reasonable accommodations; (3) require such job applicants or employees to accept an accommodation that they choose not to accept; or (4) require such employees to take leave if another reasonable accommodation can be provided to their known limitations. Sets forth enforcement procedures and remedies under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, and the rights and protections extended to presidential offices. Directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to issue regulations to carry out this Act, including the identification of reasonable accommodations addressing known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2013
Recognizes and honors the 20th anniversary of enactment of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA). Salutes all of the individuals who contributed to its enactment. Encourages all individuals in the United States to celebrate the advance of workplace protections and opportunities made possible by FMLA. Pledges to continue to work on a bipartisan basis to ensure that all such individuals are able to balance work and family responsibilities.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2013
Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2013 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to increase the maximum total of contributions for a major disaster by an amount equal to 4% of the estimated aggregate amount of grants to be made under the Act, if at the time of a declaration of a major disaster the affected state has in effect and is actively enforcing an approved state building code. Requires a state, to be eligible for the increased federal share, to submit its state building code to the President for approval. Directs the President to approve a state building code submitted upon determining that it: (1) is consistent with the most recent version of a nationally recognized model building code, (2) has been adopted by the state within six years of the most recent version of the nationally recognized code, and (3) uses the nationally recognized code as a minimum standard. Requires the President, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to set appropriate standards for the periodic update, resubmittal, and approval of state building codes, consistent with similar mitigation planning requirements under the Stafford Act. Authorizes the use by states and local governments of technical and financial assistance to implement predisaster hazard mitigation measures to establish and operate a building department and carry out enforcement activities to implement an approved state building code. Directs the President, in determining whether to provide technical and financial assistance to a state or local government, to take into account the extent to which that government is carrying out activities to implement an approved state building code.
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2013
Eliminates the time limit for ratification of the equal rights amendment (prohibits discrimination on account of sex) proposed to the states in House Joint Resolution 208 of the 92nd Congress, as agreed to in the Senate on March 22, 1972. Declares that such amendment shall be part of the Constitution whenever ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2013
Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2013 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) to authorize the President to increase the maximum total of contributions for a major disaster by an amount equal to 4% of the estimated aggregate amount of grants to be made under the Act if, at the time of a declaration of a major disaster, the affected state certifies that it has in effect and is actively enforcing a state building code that: (1) is consistent with the most recent version of a nationally recognized model building code, (2) has been adopted by the state within six years of the most recent version of the nationally recognized code, and (3) uses the nationally recognized code as a minimum standard. Directs the President to approve the additional assistance upon determining that such certification is sufficient and is submitted not later than 90 days after the date of a declared disaster. Requires the President, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to set appropriate standards for the periodic update, resubmittal, and approval of state building codes, consistent with similar mitigation planning requirements under the Stafford Act. Makes this Act applicable to major disasters declared on or after October 24, 2012. Allows 90 days from this Act's enactment for submission of the required certification for disasters declared between October 24, 2012, and such enactment.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2013
Alien Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2013 - Amends the federal criminal code to consider a legal alien to be a state resident for purposes of federal firearms possessions only if the alien is residing in a state in which he or she has resided for at least 90 days before the date of sale or delivery of a firearm. Makes it illegal for any person to sell or otherwise dispose of any firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such person is not a lawful U.S. permanent resident alien.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2013
Arbitration Fairness Act of 2013 - Declares that no predispute arbitration agreement shall be valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of an employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights dispute. Declares, further, that the validity and enforceability of an agreement to arbitrate shall be determined by a court, under federal law, rather than an arbitrator, irrespective of whether the party resisting arbitration challenges the arbitration agreement specifically or in conjunction with other terms of the contract containing such agreement. Exempts from this Act arbitration provisions in a contract between an employer and a labor organization or between labor organizations. Denies to any such arbitration provision, however, the effect of waiving the right of an employee to seek judicial enforcement of a right arising under the U.S. Constitution, a state constitution, a federal or state statute, or related public policy.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2013
Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act of 2013 - Prohibits a state from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (any trailer, semi-trailer, container, or other property-carrying unit longer than 53 feet, except for a fire-fighting unit) to operate on the National Highway System (NHS) (including the Interstate System), unless the operation of such unit is authorized by the state on June 1, 2008, and in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before that date. Prohibits a state from allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle combination on the NHS (except a vehicle or load that cannot be dismantled or divided easily, and that has been issued a special permit under state law) with more than one property-carrying unit (excluding the truck tractor) whose property-carrying units are more than: (1) the maximum combination trailer, semi-trailer, or other type of length limitation allowed by state law on June 1, 2008; or (2) the length of the property-carrying units of those commercial motor vehicle combinations, by specific configuration, in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continual seasonal operation) in such state on or before June 1, 2008. Prohibits a state from allowing the operation of a vehicle or combination (other than a longer combination vehicle) exceeding Interstate weight limits on the Interstate System unless its operation was lawful: (1) on July 1, 1956; (2) in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on January 4, 1975; or (3) under a special permit pursuant to state (grandfather) law. Declares that Interstate weight limitations on vehicles and combinations (other than longer combination vehicles) that operate on the Interstate System shall apply to such vehicles and combinations that operate on non-Interstate segments of the NHS, unless: (1) such segments are subject to lower state weight limits; or (2) a state allows the operation of any vehicle or combination on an existing non-Interstate segment of the NHS that could have been lawfully operated on June 1, 2008.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2013
Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act of 2013 - Establishes the Commission to Accelerate the End of Breast Cancer to help end breast cancer by January 1, 2020. Directs the Commission to identify, recommend, and promote initiatives, partnerships, and research within the public and private sectors, basic and applied sciences, and epidemiology that can be turned into strategies to prevent breast cancer and breast cancer metastasis while giving priority to those that are: (1) not prioritized within the public sector, and (2) unlikely to be achieved by the private sector due to technical and financial uncertainty. Requires the Commission to: (1) submit within six months to the President and to the relevant congressional committees a description of the Commission's strategic plan; (2) submit an annual report to the President, Congress, and the public; and (3) ensure that its activities are coordinated with, and do not duplicate the efforts of, programs and laboratories of other government agencies. Directs the President to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to evaluate the Commission's progress. Terminates the Commission on June 1, 2020.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2013
Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to provide for employee leave to care for a domestic partner (including a same-sex spouse) or his or her child, parent-in-law, adult child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law (as well as for a spouse, child, or parent), if such person has a serious health condition. Amends federal civil service law to apply the same leave allowance to federal employees.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013
Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity by covered entities (employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, or joint labor-management committees). Prohibits preferential treatment or quotas. Allows only disparate treatment claims. Prohibits related retaliation. Makes this Act inapplicable to: (1) religious organizations, and (2) the relationship between the United States and members of the Armed Forces. Declares that this Act does not repeal or modify any federal, state, territorial, or local law creating a special right or preference concerning employment for a veteran. Prohibits this Act from being construed to: (1) prohibit an employer from requiring an employee to adhere to reasonable dress or grooming standards, or (2) require the construction of new or additional facilities. Prohibits the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from compelling collection or requiring production of statistics from covered entities on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Provides for enforcement, including giving the EEOC, the Librarian of Congress (LOC), the Attorney General (DOJ), and U.S. courts the same enforcement powers as they have under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, and other specified laws. Allows actions and proceedings, subject to exception, against the United States and the states.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013
Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, as amended by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to: (1) make permanent the reduction in the income threshold (from $10,000 to $3,000) for determining the refundable portion of the child tax credit, (2) eliminate the inflation adjustment to such amount, and (3) allow an annual inflation adjustment after 2012 to the $1,000 maximum credit amount and the adjusted gross income threshold amounts used to reduce the allowable amount of such credit. Modifies the earned income tax credit to: (1) make permanent the increase in the rate of such credit for taxpayers with three or more children, (2) increase the credit for taxpayers with no qualifying children, (3) reduce from 25 to 21 the qualifying age for such credit, (4) revise eligibility rules relating to married individuals living apart and qualifying children claimed by another family member, and (5) repeal the denial of such credit for taxpayers with excess investment income.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013
Big Oil Bailout Prevention Unlimited Liability Act of 2013 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to make the party responsible for an offshore facility, except a deepwater port, from which oil is discharged into or upon navigable waters or adjoining shorelines liable for all discharge removal costs and damages for each incident (under current law such party is liable for the total of all removal costs plus $75 million).
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013
Big Oil Bailout Prevention Trust Fund Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate: (1) the $1 billion per incident limitation on expenditures from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for cleanup of oil spills, and (2) the limitation on the borrowing authority of such Trust Fund. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to direct the President to promulgate regulations to allow advance payments from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to states and localities to prepare for and mitigate substantial threats from the discharge of oil.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013
Tobacco Tax and Enforcement Reform Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the taxation of tobacco products, to: increase excise taxes on small cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco, and other tobacco products; 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 2013 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 Secretary 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 the Secretary of the 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.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013
Shareholder Protection Act of 2013 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require that any solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any security of an issuer: (1) describe the specific nature (to the extent known) and total amount of expenditures proposed for political activities for the forthcoming fiscal year but not yet authorized by a vote of the issuer's shareholders, and (2) provide for a separate shareholder vote to authorize such proposed expenditures. Prohibits an issuer from making an expenditure for political activities in any fiscal year unless: (1) such expenditure is of the nature of those proposed by the issuer according to the requirements of this Act, and (2) authorization for such expenditure has been granted by votes representing a majority of outstanding shares. Deems a violation of this requirement to be a breach of the fiduciary duty of the officers and directors who authorized such expenditure. Subjects officers and directors who authorize the expenditure without prior shareholder authorization to joint and several liability to any shareholder or class of shareholders for the amount of such expenditure. Requires certain institutional investment managers to disclose annually in mandatory reports how they voted (proxies) in certain shareholder votes. Prohibits any person from bringing any civil, criminal, or administrative action against an institutional investment manager, or any of its employees, officers, or directors, based solely upon the investment manager's decision to divest from, or not to invest in, securities of an issuer because of expenditures for political activities made by that issuer. Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to direct the national securities exchanges and national securities associations to prohibit the listing of any equity security of an issuer whose corporate bylaws do not expressly provide for a vote of the issuer's directors on any individual expenditure for political activities in excess of $50,000. Requires an issuer to make public, within 48 hours, the individual votes of the directors regarding any such expenditure. Directs the SEC to: (1) require issuers to disclose expenditures for political activities made during the preceding quarter and the individual votes by board members authorizing such expenditures, and (2) make such reports publicly available through the SEC website. Requires the SEC to make annual assessments of the compliance by public corporations and their management with the reporting and disclosure requirements of this Act, and the Comptroller General (GAO) to evaluate periodically the effectiveness of SEC oversight of these requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013
Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2013 - Amends the Egg Products Inspection Act to revise provisions concerning housing and treatment of egg-laying hens and enforcement of such requirements. Sets forth separate caging device and environmental and housing conversion provisions for California. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to delegate to the California Department of Food and Agriculture certain enforcement authority with respect to eggs produced, shipped, handled, transported, or received in California prior to the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013
Protecting Communities from Chemical Explosions Act of 2013 - Amends the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 to make any owner or operator of a chemical facility that holds a quantity of a chemical of interest that is at or above the screening threshold quantity established under interim final regulations establishing security performance standards and requiring site security plans for chemical facilities, and that does not file a Chemical Security Assessment Tool Top-Screen with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), liable for a civil penalty. Subjects an officer of an entity that owns or operates, or an owner or operator of, a chemical facility that holds a quantity of a chemical of interest that is at or above the screening threshold quantity, who intentionally fails to file a Chemical Security Assessment Tool Top-Screen with DHS, to a fine, up to six years' imprisonment, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013
Peace Corps Equity Act of 2013 - Amends the Peace Corps Act to subject abortion service coverage by the Peace Corps for volunteers to the same limitations that apply to Peace Corps employees regarding coverage of abortion services. States that such provision shall not be construed to limit medical evacuation coverage.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013
Thanks teachers for their service. Promotes the teaching profession. Recognizes students, parents, school administrators, and public officials who participate in National Teacher Appreciation Week.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013
Supports the ideals of World Malaria Day, including the target of ending malaria deaths by 2015. Recognizes the importance of reducing malaria to improve child and maternal health, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Commends the progress made toward reducing global malaria prevalence and deaths, particularly through the efforts of the President's Malaria Initiative and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Welcomes public-private partnerships to develop more effective and affordable tools for malaria diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination. Recognizes the goals to combat malaria in the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008. Supports continued U.S. leadership in bilateral, multilateral, and private sector efforts to combat malaria and to work with developing countries to create long-term strategies to increase ownership over malaria programs. Encourages members of the international community to sustain and scale up their support for efforts to combat malaria.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013
Honors the memories of Officer Sean Collier, Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell, and Lu Lingzi and conveys prayers for a complete recovery to Officer Richard Donohue, Jr., and all of the other victims injured in the attacks in Boston, Massachusetts, in April 2013. Expresses thanks to the men and women of law enforcement for bringing to justice the people responsible for the bombings that occurred during the running of the 117th Boston Marathon.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2013
Superstorm Sandy Unemployment Relief Act of 2013 - Directs the President, in the case of an individual eligible to receive unemployment assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act as a result of the disaster declaration made for Hurricane Sandy after October 20, 2012, to make such assistance available for 39 weeks after the date of the declaration (currently limited to 26 weeks). Requires the payments to a state to equal 100% of the amount of unemployment compensation (UC) paid under state law to affected individuals in each affected state or any area within it. Makes payments available until July 28, 2013. Makes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act. Expresses the sense of the Senate that upon receiving a reimbursement or advance under this Act, a state should, if its law allows: reverse or waive any charges to employer accounts related to UC paid to affected individuals for which the reimbursement or advance is provided; or reimburse for such costs any state or local governmental entity, non-profit organization, Indian tribe, or other employer which elected to reimburse the state for UC paid to affected individuals in lieu of paying taxes based on charges to its employer account; and provide for retroactive payment of UC to affected individuals who received a waiting period credit instead of an UC payment in relation to their initial week of unemployment. Allows the state to receive reimbursement under this Act for any such retroactive payment.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2013
Extends the authorities provided to the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the Coastal Heritage Trail Route in New Jersey until September 30, 2018.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2013
Commends employees of the Senate Post Office, employees of the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, members of the Capitol Police, and members of the Capitol Hill community for their courage, professionalism, and dedication to serving the public in response to the biochemical attack against the Senate on April 16, 2013. Recognizes the congressional leadership and employees, the Capitol Police, and the Office of the Attending Physician for establishing effective screening methods and response plans that prevented injury and death within the U.S. Capitol Complex. Requests that the President recognize the courage and professionalism of the employees of the Senate Post Office, employees of the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, members of the Capitol Police, and members of the Capitol Hill community for their steadfast service to the public in defiance of those who seek to disrupt the constitutional duties of the legislative branch.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2013
Expresses support for the goals of National Safe Digging Month (April). Encourages homeowners and excavators to call 811 (the toll-free, nationwide number to call to obtain information on the location of underground utility lines) before digging.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2013
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Chained Consumer Price Index should not be used to: (1) calculate cost of living adjustments for Social Security benefits or benefits for disabled veterans and their survivors, or (2) increase the tax burden on low- and middle-income taxpayers.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2013
Explosive Materials Background Check Act - Amends federal criminal code provisions governing the importation, manufacture, distribution, and storage of explosive materials to: (1) include smokeless powder and black powder substitute within the definition of an "explosive" to which such provisions apply; (2) revise the definition of "manufacturer" to mean any person engaged in manufacturing (currently, in the business of manufacturing) explosive materials; and (3) delete the exemption for commercially manufactured black powder in quantities of less than fifty pounds. Prohibits knowingly distributing explosive materials to any person who: (1) is subject to a court order (issued after a hearing meeting specified requirements) that restrains such person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or a child of such intimate partner or person or from engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child; (2) has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; or (3) the Attorney General has determined is an individual known or appropriately suspected to be or have been engaged in, conduct constituting or related to terrorism or providing material support or resources for terrorism and the Attorney General has a reasonable belief that such person may use explosives in connection with terrorism. Makes it unlawful for any such person to ship or transport any explosive in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or to receive or possess any explosive that has been shipped or transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce. Exempts a limited explosives material permit holder who certifies that the permit will only be used to purchase black powder, black powder substitute, and smokeless powder from provisions limiting the receipt of explosive materials to six separate occasions during a 12-month period. Authorizes the Attorney General to deny or revoke an explosives materials license or permit upon determining that the licensee or holder is known to be or have been engaged in such terrorist conduct and may use explosives in connection with terrorism. Directs the Attorney General to issue guidelines describing the circumstances under which the Attorney General will exercise such authority and make such determinations.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2013
Designates April 2013 as Financial Literacy Month to raise public awareness about the importance of personal financial education in the United States and the serious consequences that may result from a lack of understanding about personal finances.
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2013
Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day. Encourages state and local governments to recognize and support such a day. Promotes effective and comprehensive HIV prevention education programs as a tool to ensure that all people in the United States are educated about HIV. Urges youth-friendly and accessible health care services to better provide for the early identification of HIV through voluntary routine testing and to connect those in need to clinically and culturally appropriate care and treatment as early as possible. Commends the work of AIDS service organizations, community and faith-based organizations, and school-based health centers that are providing youth-friendly, effective, prevention, treatment, care, and support services to young people living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. Recognizes the importance of interventions that address structural barriers faced by young people to living healthy lives. Prioritizes youth leadership and development in order to ensure youth involvement in decisions that impact their health and well-being and to provide the next generation of HIV/AIDS professionals as a necessary means to achieving an AIDS-free generation.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2013
Military Spouse Job Continuity Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces (military spouse) who moves with such member to another state under a permanent change of station order a tax credit for up to $500 of qualified relicensing costs incurred by such spouse. Defines "qualified relicensing costs" as costs for a state license or certification to engage in the profession that such military spouse engaged in while residing in the former state.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2013
Campus Fire Safety Education Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a program to award grants, on a competitive basis, to institutions of higher education or consortiums of such institutions for: (1) initiating, expanding, or improving fire safety education programs; and (2) increasing fire safety awareness among enrolled students. Directs the Secretary to give priority to institutions that plan to use funds to initiate, expand, or improve fire safety education programs that include educational material specifically prepared for students with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. Sets forth provisions regarding grant periods, limits on awards, and matching and other requirements. Requires an institution to use grant funds to initiate, expand, or improve a fire safety education program that: (1) reaches all enrolled students; (2) ensures maximum exposure to and increased awareness of, and that effectuates change in behavior regarding, fire safety by students through conducting outreach to students a minimum of twice per academic year and through measures that provide fire safety information to any student upon request; (3) includes minimum instruction regarding fire behavior, fire injury and death, ignition scenarios, fire safety systems and equipment, the importance of means of egress, fire prevention techniques, and actions to be taken if a fire occurs to minimize the potential for death, injury, and property damage; and (4) includes a mechanism for carrying out evaluations of program effectiveness. Requires the Secretary to publish a report of best practices for initiating, expanding, or improving fire safety education programs.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2013
Condemns the senseless attack in Boston, Massachusetts, on Monday, April 15, 2013. Honors the medical personnel, first responders, and citizen heroes who aided the injured and the community. Commits to providing all necessary resources to law enforcement officials who are investigating the terrorist attacks and to bringing those responsible to justice.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2013
Repeals certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military retired pay or would be entitled to such pay, except for being under 60 years of age. Prohibits recoupment by the Secretary of Defense (DOD) of certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund. Repeals the optional authority of (and instead requires) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. Directs the Secretary concerned to restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to a surviving child or children of a member.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2013
Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2013 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. Requires the Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health regarding the manner in which such officials can: (1) ensure interagency coordination and communication and minimize overlap regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases, (2) identify opportunities to coordinate efforts with other federal agencies and private organizations addressing such diseases, (3) ensure interagency coordination and communication with constituency groups, (4) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints are represented in public health policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is balanced, and (5) advise relevant federal agencies on priorities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Directs the Committee to regularly review published public and private treatment guidelines and evaluate such guidelines for effective representation of a wide variety of views. Requires the Secretary, acting as appropriate through various federal officials, to provide for the coordination of all federal programs and activities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and the conduct or support of specified activities, including: (1) developing sensitive and accurate diagnostic tools and tests, (2) improving the efficient utilization of diagnostic testing currently available, (3) surveillance and reporting of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, (4) providing and promoting access to a clearinghouse of information on such diseases, (5) increasing public education related to such diseases, (6) creating a physician education program to educate health professionals on the latest research and diversity of treatment options for Lyme disease, (7) establishing epidemiological research objectives, and (8) determining the effectiveness of different treatment modalities.
United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2013
Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education for Alzheimer's Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for comprehensive Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and services.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2013
Safe Chemicals Act of 2013 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to state that it is the policy of the United States to: (1) protect the health of children, workers, consumers, and the public and to protect the environment from harmful exposures to chemical substances; (2) promote the use of safer alternatives and other actions that reduce the use of and exposure to hazardous chemical substances and reward innovation toward safer chemicals, processes, and products; (3) require that chemicals in commerce meet a risk-based safety standard that protects vulnerable and affected populations and the environment; (4) require companies to provide sufficient health and environmental information for the chemical substances that the companies manufacture, process, or import as a condition of allowing those companies to distribute chemical substances in commerce; (5) improve the quality of information on chemical safety and use; (6) guarantee the right of the public and workers to know about the hazards and uses of chemical substances that they may be exposed to by maximizing public access to information on chemical safety and use; and (7) strengthen cooperation among the federal, state, municipal, tribal, and foreign governments. Declares that it is the goal of the United States to address the harmful exposure of vulnerable or affected populations caused by the distribution of chemical substances in commerce by: (1) reviewing all chemical substances for safety and identifying the highest priority substances for expedited review, (2) determining whether chemical substances in commerce meet the safety standard under TSCA, (3) applying appropriate restrictions to the use of a chemical substance, and (4) encouraging the replacement of harmful chemicals and processes with safer alternatives. Adds and revises definitions under TSCA. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine that a variant of a chemical substance is a new chemical substance. Redefines "distribute in commerce" to include exporting a chemical substance, mixture, or article. Defines “toxic” as a chemical substance or mixture that has a toxicological property: (1) meeting the criteria for Category 1or Category 2 for any of the toxicity endpoints established by the Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labeling of Hazardous Substances, (2) that causes an adverse effect that has been demonstrated in humans or other exposed organisms, or (3) for which the weight of evidence demonstrates the potential for an adverse effect in humans or other exposed organisms. Defines "toxicological property" to mean actual or potential toxicity or other adverse effects of a chemical substance or mixture, including effects of exposure on: (1) mortality; (2) morbidity, including carcinogenesis; (3) reproduction; (4) growth and development; (5) the immune system; (6) the endocrine system; (7) the brain or nervous system; (8) other organ systems; or (9) any other biological functions in humans or nonhuman organisms. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a rule that: (1) establishes minimum information sets to evaluate chemical substances; (2) provides for varied or tiered information to be provided for different chemical substances; (3) identifies the particular set that applies to a chemical substance; (4) requires each set to include sufficient information to conduct a screening-level risk assessment of the chemical substance; (5) specifies information quality and reliability requirements applicable to the information submitted; (6) accommodates the use of alternative testing methods and strategies to generate information quickly, at low cost, and with reduced use of animal-based testing to the extent such methods and strategies would yield information of equivalent quality and reliability; and (7) establishes sets sufficient to carry out categorization of new and existing chemical substances, assignment of chemical substances to priority classes, and safety standard determinations. Requires chemical manufacturers and processors to submit and update their minimum information sets. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) require by rule or order the testing of, and the submission of test results for, any chemical substance; (2) require submission of a sample of any chemical substance for testing by a specified date; and (3) impose restrictions on violators of testing requirements, including a prohibition against manufacturing, processing, or distributing chemical substances. Requires such rule or order to: (1) include standards for the development of test information for a substance, and (2) specify testing deadlines. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe standards for the development of test information for health and environmental information. Requires the Administrator to review such standards at least once every three years and make revisions if necessary. Requires any rule or order that requires the testing and submission of information for a particular chemical substance or for a category of chemical substances to expire by the end of the applicable reimbursement period. Sets forth exemptions to such testing requirements. Requires the Administrator, within 15 days after the receipt of test information pursuant to such rule or order, to publish a notice that: (1) identifies the chemical substance for which information has been received, (2) lists the uses of such substance and the information required by the applicable standards for the development of test information, and (3) describes the nature of such information developed. Requires each person who submits information under TSCA, rule, or order to certify that such information is accurate and reliable and includes all material facts. Prohibits a person from commercially manufacturing a new substance or processing a substance for a new use unless the person submits to the Administrator a notice of the intention to manufacture or process such substance and complies with data submission requirements, and the Administrator finds that: (1) the chemical substance is likely to meet the applicable safety standard under TSCA; or (2) the person has established that such use is in the paramount interest of national security, that the lack of availability of such substance would cause significant disruption in the national economy, and that such use is a critical or essential use for which no feasible safer alternative is available or that such use, as compared to alternatives, provides a substantial net benefit to human health, the environment, or public safety. Requires the Administrator to promulgate a rule that: (1) designates the categories for substances of very high concern, substances likely to meet the safety standard, substances with insufficient information, and substances unlikely to meet the safety standard; (2) specifies the process and criteria the Administrator will use to categorize new chemical substances; and (3) describes criteria and factors the Administrator will use to assess the weight of evidence and the quality and reliability of information used to inform categorization decisions. Requires the Administrator to assign a new chemical substance to one of such categories within 90 days after receiving such notice. Requires the Administrator to designate as a "substance of very high concern" any new substance that: (1) is toxic, persists in the environment, and is bioaccumulative; or (2) is highly hazardous. Prohibits manufacturing or processing such substance unless notice has been submitted pursuant to TSCA and the criteria for a substance of very high concern has been met. Requires the Administrator to designate as a "substance likely to meet the safety standard" any new chemical substance that the Administrator determines would likely meet the safety standard under TSCA: (1) for uses and under conditions specified by the submitter of such notice for such substance, and (2) for uses and under additional conditions that could be specified by the Administrator in making a safety standard determination for such substance. Requires the Administrator to assign to such category any new chemical substance that meets the criteria specified for "substances of very low concern" and "substances to undergo safety standard determinations." Authorizes a chemical substance designated as a "substance likely to meet the safety standard" to be manufactured or processed under specified conditions, pending the completion of a safety standard determination. Requires the Administrator to designate as a "substance with insufficient information" any new chemical substance for which the Administrator concludes that needed information for such substance is not available, is insufficient, or is not of sufficient quality and reliability to allow for an informed categorization decision. Prohibits any person from manufacturing or processing a chemical substance designated under this category until the Administrator has recategorized the substance. Requires the Administrator to designate as a "substance unlikely to meet the safety standard" any new chemical substance that the Administrator determines would be unlikely to meet such standard: (1) for uses and under conditions specified by the submitter of a notice of the intention to manufacture or process the substance, or (2) for other uses or under additional conditions that the Administrator may evaluate in making a safety standard determination for the substance. Prohibits the manufacture and process of such substances. Prohibits, subject to an exemption, any person from manufacturing or processing an existing chemical substance for which the Administrator has not made a safety standard determination for a use that was not ongoing prior to this Act's enactment or at a volume that is significantly increased from the volume as of this Act's enactment. Prohibits manufacturing, processing, distributing in commerce, using, or disposing of an existing chemical that has met the applicable safety standard for uses at production volumes or in manners other than those specified in the safety determination, unless: (1) notice is made of the intention to manufacture and process such chemical; and (2) the Administrator determines that the person submitting such notice will continue to meet such standard. Sets forth provisions concerning amending safety standards and safety standard determinations. Requires the Administrator to determine that a variant of a chemical substance exhibiting special substance characteristics: (1) is a use that is separate from any use of the substance that does not exhibit such characteristics, or (2) is a distinct substance. Requires manufacturers or processors of: (1) a variant that the Administrator determines has a separate use, to satisfy conditions established by the Administrator; and (2) a distinct chemical substance that is not listed in the active inventory of chemical substances manufactured or processed published by the Administrator, to comply with requirements for new chemicals. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt from requirements for new chemicals and new uses of chemicals an intrinsically safe chemical substance that does not and would not pose any risk of injury to human health or the environment under any intended or reasonably anticipated levels of production, patterns of use, or exposures arising at any stage across the lifecycle of such substance. Authorizes the Administrator to order a manufacturer or processor to revise quality control procedures that are inadequate to prevent a chemical substance from presenting a risk of injury to human health or the environment. Sets forth provisions concerning notice requirements for polymeric chemical substances. Authorizes the Administrator to permit a person to manufacture or process of a chemical substance for test marketing purposes: (1) upon a showing that the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, and disposal of such substance will not endanger human health or the environment; and (2) under such restrictions as the Administrator considers appropriate. Requires the Administrator to provide fair and equitable reimbursement for the costs incurred to comply with information submission requirements for a chemical substance when information has already been submitted for an equivalent substance. Sets forth exemptions from notice and data submission requirements for chemical substances that are manufactured and processed in small quantities solely for the purpose of: (1) scientific experimentation or analysis; or (2) chemical research on, or analysis of, substances. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt from notice and data submission requirements the manufacturing or processing of any chemical substance: (1) that exists temporarily as a result of a chemical reaction in the manufacturing or processing of a mixture or another substance; and (2) to which there is, and will be, no human or environmental exposure. Requires that each submission of information required under TSCA be accompanied by a certification of the accuracy, reliability, and inclusion of all material facts of such submission. Repeals provisions prohibiting federal agencies from selling, distributing, or transferring elemental mercury. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish a system for assigning chemical substances into batches to ensure that an efficient and orderly process and pace are established for the determination of safety of chemical substances in commerce and the application of risk management measures as needed, (2) assign chemical substances on the active portion of the inventory to batches of chemical substances at least once every five years until all such substances have been so assigned, and (3) publish the list of substances assigned to each batch. Requires the initial batch to include substances for which reports are submitted to the Administrator under the chemical data reporting rule as of this Act’s enactment. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) include in such batch substances that are manufactured at volumes below the threshold for substances subject to basic reporting under such rule but that are used or released into the environment in a manner that warrants early evaluation by the Administrator; and (2) exclude from such batch substances that are reported under such rule but that are used or released into the environment in a manner that does not warrant early evaluation. Requires the Administrator to assign chemical substances to subsequent batches in a manner that reflects the extent to which the substances warrant earlier or later evaluation. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations that: (1) establish the categories and specify the process and criteria the Administrator will use to categorize chemical substances; (2) designate the process and criteria the Administrator will use to prioritize substances that are placed in the category of chemical substances to undergo safety standard determinations; (3) describe how the categorization and prioritization process and criteria relate to and take into account the categorization and prioritization decisions made in other jurisdictions, including states and foreign governments; (4) describe criteria and factors the Administrator will use to weigh evidence and assess the quality and reliability of information used to inform categorization and prioritization decisions; (5) incorporate and establish criteria for substances of very high concern, substances of very low concern, substances to undergo safety standard determinations, and substances with insufficient information; and (6) establish specified priority classes and criteria. Prohibits a chemical substance from being simultaneously in more than one the following categories: substances of very high concern, substances likely to meet the safety standard, substances with insufficient information, and substances unlikely to meet the safety standard. Requires the Administrator to publish: (1) such category assignments for chemical substances in the initial and subsequent batches, and (2) the priority class assignments for the chemical substances in the initial batch of chemical substances that the Administrator has assigned to the category of "substances to undergo safety standard determinations and for the substances in subsequent batches that the Administrator has assigned to the category of "chemical substances to undergo safety standard determinations." Requires the Administrator to designate as "Priority Class 1" those chemical substances that the Administrator determines warrant safety standard determinations in the near term. Requires the Administrator to initially assign as "Priority Class 1" substances that possess relatively greater hazard potential and for which there is evidence of more significant or widespread exposure. Authorizes the Administrator to designate as "Priority Class 1" any substance initially assigned to a lower priority class as safety determinations for the substance are completed. Directs the Administrator to: (1) designate as "Priority Class 2" those chemical substances that the Administrator determines are of lower priority than Priority Class 1 substances with respect to the timing for conducting safety standard determinations, and (2) require submission of the applicable minimum information set within five years of this Act’s enactment and within five years after the assignment of a substance to such priority. Requires the Administrator to designate as "Priority Class 3" those chemical substances that the Administrator determines may be set aside for further assessment until such time as: (1) safety stand determinations are completed on all Priority Class 1and 2 substances, and (2) new information arises that warrants reprioritization of such substance to a higher priority class. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring submission of the applicable minimum information set for a substance designated under such class until such time as the substance is reassigned to Priority Class 1 or 2. Sets forth provisions concerning reprioritizing chemical substances. Requires chemical substance manufacturers and processors to: (1) bear the burden of proving that chemical substances meet applicable safety standards, and (2) provide sufficient information for the Administrator to determine whether such standards have been met. Allows a chemical substance that undergoes a safety standard determination to be manufactured, processed, or distributed in commerce only if the Administrator determines that the chemical substance: (1) meets the safety standard, or (2) can meet the safety standard for uses through the imposition of additional conditions. Requires the Administrator to base a determination of whether such standard has been met solely on considerations of human health and the environment. Prohibits the Administrator from being required to conduct a risk assessment to determine that a manufacturer or processor has not met the burden of proof. Prohibits a determination by the Administer that a manufacturer or processor has not established that the chemical substance meets the applicable safety standard from being subject to judicial review. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct safety standard determinations of all chemical substances assigned to the category of "substances to undergo safety standard determinations," beginning with substances initially designated as Priority Class 1; (2) complete and publish such determinations for all substances designated as Priority Class 1 in the initial batch within five years of this Act’s enactment; (3) complete and publish such determinations for all substances designated as Priority Class 1 in subsequent batches within five years of the designation of a substance as Priority Class 1; and (4) complete and publish such determinations for Priority Class 2 or 3 substances that have been reprioritized as Priority Class 1 within five years after such reprioritization. Requires the Administrator, in making such determinations, to determine whether the manufacturers and processors of a chemical substance have established that the substance meets the safety standard. Requires the Administrator to seek to publish such determinations and risk management decisions concurrently. Prohibits the Administrator from unduly delaying the issuance of any safety standard determination if more information or analysis is required to make a determination regarding risk management. Requires the Administrator to publish completed determinations no less frequently than annually and at a pace sufficient to demonstrate steady progress toward completing all such determinations within the required time frame. Prohibits manufacturing, processing, or distributing substances subject to such determinations for any use or under any condition other than those specified in such orders within specified periods. Authorizes the Administrator to grant an extension of such deadline if the manufacturer or processor demonstrates: (1) a compelling technological need to continue a restricted activity beyond such period, and (2) that a factor wholly beyond the control of the manufacturer or processor prevents compliance with such restriction within such period. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) initiating a redetermination of whether a substance meets such standards, and (2) petitions for redeterminations. Authorizes the Administrator, after a chemical substance has been assigned to the category of substances of very high concern, to require the submission of additional information that is necessary to conduct an expedited assessment of the known uses of, and exposures to, such substance. Requires the Administrator to complete and publish an identification and assessment of the known uses, and exposures to, a substance within a year of the date on which a substance is assigned to such category. Requires the Administrator to impose use restrictions and other conditions within 18 months on the manufacturing, processing, use, distribution, and disposal of such substance that are necessary to achieve the maximum practicable reduction in human or environmental exposure to the chemical. Prohibits manufacturing, processing, or distributing substances subject to such determinations for any use or under any condition other than those specified in such orders. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) require that the manufacturer or processor submit a description of the quality control procedures followed in such manufacturing or processing of a chemical substance if the Administrator has a reasonable basis to conclude that the substance is being manufactured or processed in a manner that may present a substantial endangerment to health or the environment, (2) order the manufacturer or processor to revise such procedures to remedy such inadequacy, and (3) order the manufacturer or processor to give notice when such procedures have resulted in the distribution of a substance that may present a substantial endangerment to human health or the environment and provide for the replacement or repurchase of such substance. Sets forth provisions concerning exemptions from restrictions on manufacturing a new chemical substance and substances of very high concern and safety standard determination requirements. Prohibits an agency from conveying, selling, or distributing any elemental mercury, other than mercury contained within an article containing a chemical substance, under the agency's control or jurisdiction. Exempts from such prohibition: (1) a transfer between federal agencies of elemental mercury for the sole purpose of facilitating storage of mercury to carry out such Act; or (2) a conveyance, sale, distribution, or transfer of coal. Requires the Administrator to: (1) designate asbestos as a chemical substance of very high concern; (2) complete and publish an identification and assessment of the known uses of, and exposures to, asbestos; (3) impose, by order, use restrictions and other conditions on the manufacturing, processing, use, distribution in commerce, and disposal of asbestos to achieve the maximum practicable reduction in human or environmental exposure to asbestos; and (4) select conditions that permanently reduce or eliminate the possibility of exposures to the maximum extent practicable. Prohibits manufacturing, processing, or distributing in commerce asbestos for any use or under any condition other than those specified in such order. Requires the Administrator to publish guidance describing the steps agencies must take to: (1) enhance protections for public health and safety and the environment; and (2) better solicit information from, and protect the health and safety of, people located near areas where asbestos is located, transported, and disposed. Provides that nothing in such guidance should be construed to affect or limit the application of, or obligation to comply with, any environmental law. Redefines asbestos to include any: (1) material formally classified as tremolite, including winchire asbestos and richterite asbestos; and (2) asbestiform amphibole mineral. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) commence a civil action for seizure of and relief from a chemical substance that may present an imminent and substantial (currently imminent) endangerment to health or the environment, and (2) issue orders to protect health or the environment from such substances. Authorizes such action to be: (1) commenced notwithstanding the existence of a rule or order under TSCA and the pendency of any administrative or judicial proceeding under TSCA, and (2) proceeded against by process of libel for seizure and condemnation of such substance. Revises provisions concerning venue and consolidation of such actions. Requires each manufacturer to submit to the Administrator a declaration of the interest of the manufacturer for a chemical substance in which the manufacturer has a commercial interest. Requires such declarations notwithstanding any exclusions or exemptions from other notification or reporting requirements of TSCA. Authorizes: (1) a processor of a substance in which the processor has a current or potential commercial interest to voluntarily submit a declaration for such substance; and (2) a manufacturer or processor to submit a declaration of a cessation of producing, importing, processing, and exporting a substance. Establishes criteria for identifying substances to which such declarations apply. Requires the Administrator to issue guidance describing such criteria and specifying the supporting information manufacturers and processors are to include in such declarations. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the Administrator reviewing such declarations and establishing a periodic reporting program on such chemical substances; (2) manufacturers and processors maintaining records to support such declarations and report; and (3) manufacturers and processors updating information contained in such reports at least every four years, when they come into possession of or generate significant new information regarding the production, processing, use, distribution, hazard, or exposure potential of such substances, and when there is a significant change in the production, distribution, or use of such substances. Revises provisions concerning the inventory of chemical substances manufactured or processed that the Administrator is required to publish. Requires the Administrator to establish an Internet-accessible database for storing and sharing information relating to the toxicity and use of, and exposure to, chemical substances. Requires any person that manufactures, processes, or distributes any chemical substance to maintain and, on request, submit to the Administrator records of significant adverse reactions to human health or the environment alleged to have been caused by the substance. Requires any person that manufactures, processes, or distributes a chemical substance and that obtains information that reasonably supports the conclusion that the substance presents a substantial risk of injury to health or the environment to immediately inform the Administrator of the information unless the person has actual knowledge that the Administrator has been adequately informed of the information. Requires the Administrator to report to federal agencies in cases where action may be taken under law not administered by the Administrator to address activities involving, uses of, or exposures to a chemical substance that do not meet a safety standard under TSCA. Revises provisions concerning inspections, including by allowing the Administrator to: (1) inspect any place at which records relating to substances or compliance with TSCA are held, and (2) require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of reports and information. Repeals provisions concerning exemptions to TSCA for chemical substances that are manufactured, processed, or distributed in commerce for export. Establishes deadlines for notifications to the Administrator relating to the exportation of such chemical substances. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (currently the Secretary of the Treasury) to refuse entry into the U.S. customs territory of chemical substances under specified circumstances. Revises data disclosure requirements, including provisions concerning designating and releasing confidential data. Requires the Administrator to treat as confidential: (1) precise information describing the manufacture, processing, or distribution of a chemical substance; (2) marketing and sales information; (3) information identifying the customers of a manufacturer, processor, or distributor; (4) details of the full composition of a mixture of a particular manufacturer or processor; (5) precise information about the use, function, or application of a substance in a process, mixture, or product of a particular manufacturer or processor; and (6) precise production or import volumes of a particular manufacturer, processor, or distributor. Requires the Administrator to disclose: (1) the identity of a chemical substance; (2) safety standard determinations; (3) specified health and safety study data; (4) health and safety data in notices of substantial risk; (5) general information describing the manufacturing volumes and the functions and uses of substances; (6) any information indicating the presence of a substance in consumer products intended for use by children aged 14 years or younger if such substance is a known or probable reproductive, developmental, neurological, or immunological toxicant, carcinogen, or mutagen, is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic, or has been found by the Administrator to not meet a safety standard. Provides that such requirements do not authorize the release of data that discloses a process used in the manufacturing or processing of a substance. Establishes exemptions from requirements to disclose identities of substances. Requires the Administrator to promulgate rules that specify: (1) the acceptable bases on which written requests to maintain confidentiality of information may be approved, (2) the nature of the documentation and justification that must accompany such a request, and (3) the types of information the Administrator determines warrant protection for an indefinite period of time. Sets forth provisions concerning the review of such requests. Requires the Administrator, if a request to maintain confidentiality of information is approved, to specify a time period not to exceed five years for which such information will be kept confidential, unless the information otherwise becomes available to the public or the request for confidentially is exempted from such time constraint. Establishes a civil penalty for: (1) wrongful disclosure of information by current and former officers or employees of the United States, and (2) false requests for confidential treatment by officers or employees of companies that submit information. Requires all information reported to or otherwise obtained by the Administrator under TSCA to be made available to Congress upon request. Requires the Administrator to facilitate the sharing of information pertaining to chemical substances that workers may come into contact with or that they may otherwise be exposed to during the course of work with those workers and their bargaining agents. Prohibits any person from manufacturing, processing, distributing, using, or disposing of chemical substances that such person knew or had reason to know was manufactured, processed, or distributed in violation of any rule, order, prohibition, restriction, or other requirement imposed by TSCA. Prohibits any person from failing or refusing to establish or maintain records or to submit accurate and complete reports, notices, information submissions, disclosures, declarations, certifications, or other information as required by TSCA. Prohibits any person from making or submitting a statement, declaration, disclosure, certification, writing, data set, or representation that is materially false or from falsifying or concealing any material fact in taking any action or making any communication pursuant to TSCA. Increases the cap on the amount of civil and criminal penalties for each violation of TSCA. Authorizes fining and imprisoning individuals who knowingly violate TSCA and who know at that time that the violation places another person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury. Revises enforcement provisions, including by authorizing the Administrator to: (1) commence a civil action in the appropriate U.S. district court to compel compliance of any person with any provision of, or any rule or order promulgated pursuant to, TSCA; and (2) seek civil or criminal penalties. Revises preemption provisions by providing that nothing in TSCA affects the right of a state to adopt or enforce any requirement that is different from, or in addition to, a requirement under TSCA unless compliance with both requirements is impossible, in which case the applicable provisions of TSCA shall control. Revises provisions concerning citizens’ civil action by allowing a person to commence a civil action for a violation of this Act or order issued under this Act (currently actions are limited to specific violations). Revises provisions concerning citizens’ petitions by allowing a person to petition the Administrator to initiate a proceeding for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule or order under TSCA (currently petitions are limited to initiating proceedings for issuing, amending, or repealing specific requirements). Repeals a cap on fees from persons required to submit data to defray the cost of administering TSCA. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator to carry out TSCA for 2013-FY2020. Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) the Children’s Environmental Health Research Program to provide grants to further the understanding of the vulnerability of children to chemical substances, and (2) the Interagency Science Advisory Board on Children’s Health Research. Requires the Administrator, when a chemical substance has been identified as being present in human biological media that may have adverse effects on early childhood development, to coordinate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a biomonitoring study to determine the presence of such substance in such media in, at a minimum, pregnant women and infants. Requires: (1) the Secretary to publish such study, and (2) manufacturers and processors to disclose any substance that is determined to be present in such study. Requires the Administrator to: (1) take action to minimize the use of animals in testing of chemical substances, and (2) establish the Interagency Science Advisory Board on Alternative Testing Methods. Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) a program to create market incentives for the development of safer alternatives to existing chemical substances that reduce or avoid the use and generation of hazardous substances, (2) a network of no less than four green chemistry and engineering centers to support the development and adoption of safer alternatives to chemical substances, and (3) a program to facilitate the development of a workforce that produces such alternatives. Requires the Administrator to make grants to promote and support the research, development, and adoption of such alternatives. Requires the Secretary of State, the heads of other appropriate federal agencies, and the Administrator to cooperate with international efforts to develop: (1) a common protocol or electronic database relating to substances, or (2) safer alternatives for substances. Requires the Administrator to establish and implement procedures to ensure data reliability. Requires the Administrator to: (1) identify localities of the United States that are subject to exposure to toxic substances at levels that are significantly greater than the average exposure, (2) publish a list of such localities, (3) update such list at least every five years, and (4) develop and publish action plans to reduce such disproportionate exposure. Requires the Administrator to implement and support the implementation by the United States of the provisions of the Stockholm Convention, the Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP POPs Protocol), and the Rotterdam Convention that have entered into effect for the United States. Prohibits manufacturing, processing, distributing, using, disposing of, or taking any other action with respect to a chemical that is listed on any Annex of the Stockholm Convention the LRTAP POPs Protocol, or the Rotterdam Convention or that is identified by notification to the Secretariat of the Rotterdam Convention by the United States as banned or severely restricted in the United States if such listings have entered into force for the United States, in a manner inconsistent with obligations for such chemicals under such agreements. Requires the Administrator to provide public notice of the chemicals that are subject to the instrument of ratification for the Stockholm Convention, LRTAP POPs Protocol, or Rotterdam Convention and of any chemical added after such instrument has entered into force for the United States within 30 days of the deposit of such instrument or the listing of any chemical added. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations to carry out the Stockholm Convention, the LRTAP POPs Protocol, and the Rotterdam Convention and to ensure compliance with any obligations under such instruments.
![Official portrait of Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000123_200.jpg)