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.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2013
High-Capacity Ammunition Magazine Ban of 2013 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. Defines a "large capacity ammunition feeding device" to: (1) mean a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device that has an overall capacity of, or that can be readily changed to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition; and (2) exclude an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition. Provides exemptions for: (1) devices lawfully possessed before this Act's enactment; (2) federal, state, and local agencies and law enforcement officers; (3) licensees under the Atomic Energy Act for on-site security, off-site training, and transportation of nuclear materials; and (4) authorized testing or experimentation by a licensed firearms manufacturer or importer. Requires a device manufactured after this Act's enactment to be identified by a serial number and the date it was manufactured conspicuously engraved or cast on the device. Sets penalties for violations. Subjects devices used or involved in knowing violation of such Act to seizure and forfeiture. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the use of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants for buy-back programs for surrendered large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2013
Protecting America's Workers Act - Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to expand its coverage to federal, state, and local government employees. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, under specified conditions, to cede OSHA jurisdiction to another federal agency with respect to certain occupational standards or regulations for such agency's employees. Declares OSHA inapplicable to working conditions covered by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. Increases protections for whistle blowers under OSHA. Prescribes requirements relating to: (1) a employer's duty to furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to any individual (not just an employer's employee) performing work there; (2) the posting of employee rights; (3) employer reporting of employee work-related deaths or hospitalizations; (4) a prohibition against employers adopting or implementing policies or practices that discourage or discriminate against employee reporting of work-related injuries or illnesses; (5) a prohibition against the loss of wages or employee benefits due to an employee participating in a workplace inspection; (6) investigations of incidents resulting in death or the hospitalization of two or more employees which occur in a place of employment; and (7) a prohibition against the issuing, modifying, or settling of unclassified citations for occupational health and safety standard violations. Directs the Secretary to revise federal regulations concerning the recording and reporting of occupational injuries and illnesses occurring on a worksite to require site-controlling employers to keep a site log for recordable injuries and illnesses of all employees, including employees of the site-controlling employer or others (including independent contractors) performing work there. Defines "site-controlling employer" as one with primary control over a worksite at which employees of more than one employer work. Continues requirements relating to: (1) the rights of an employee (including a former employee or family member in lieu of an employee) who has sustained a work-related injury or illness that is the subject of an inspection or investigation; (2) an employer's right to contest citations and penalties; and (3) periods permitted for an employer to correct serious, willful, or repeated violations pending an employer's contest to a citation and procedures for stays of the time period for abatement of those violations. Increases civil and criminal penalties for certain OSHA violators. States that pre-final order interest on any penalties owed shall begin to accrue on the date a party contests a citation, at an interest rate calculated at the current underpayment rate. Prescribes requirements for the Secretary's evaluation of state occupational safety and health plans as well as workplace health hazard evaluations by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Requires a state that has an approved plan for the development and enforcement of occupational safety and health standards to amend its plan to conform to the requirements of this Act within 12 months after enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2013
Urban Jobs Act of 2013 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Labor to make competitive grants to national or regional private nonprofit community-based organizations to carry out Urban Jobs Programs to provide job training, education, and support services and activities for eligible urban youth to provide them with a pathway to employment, or education leading to employment. Defines "eligible youth" as individuals ages 18 to 24 who: (1) are not enrolled in secondary or post-secondary school, or (2) are or have been subject to the criminal justice process. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Jobs Council Advisory Committee. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) community-based affiliates should establish local jobs council advisory committees to aid in establishing local community support for local implementation of the program; and (2) at least one-third of the members of the committee should be employers in high-impact, high-growth industries in the locality.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2013
Healthy Families Act - Requires certain employers, who employ 15 or more employees for each working day during 20 or more workweeks a year, to permit each employee to earn at least 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Declares that an employer shall not be required to permit an employee to earn more than 56 hours of paid sick time in a calendar year, unless the employer chooses to set a higher limit. Allows employees to use such time to: (1) meet their own medical needs; (2) care for the medical needs of certain family members (including a domestic partner or the domestic partner's parent or child); or (3) seek medical attention, assist a related person, take legal action, or engage in other specified activities relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Prohibits an employer from interfering with an employee's exercise of such rights. Directs the Secretary of Labor to exercise certain investigative and enforcement authority for employees covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 or the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991. Grants the same authority, for employees under their jurisdiction, to the Librarian of Congress, the Comptroller General (GAO), the Board of Directors of the congressional Office of Compliance, and the Merit Systems Protection Board. Authorizes civil actions by employees, individuals, or their representatives for damages or equitable relief against employers who violate this Act. Waives a state's sovereign immunity with respect to a suit brought by an employee of a federally-assisted state program or activity for relief authorized under this Act. Requires the Commissioner of Labor Statistics to annually compile information on paid sick time and the Comptroller General to study related matters. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to discourage employers from adopting or retaining more generous leave policies.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2013
Congratulates the people of Greece as they celebrate the 192nd anniversary of Greece's independence, and notes the important role that Greece has played in the wider European region and in the community of nations. Supports the principles of democratic governance to which the people of Greece are committed.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2013
Smarter Borrowing Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) to notify their Pell Grant recipients, at least once every two years, of the remaining period they have before becoming ineligible for the Pell Grant. Requires IHEs whose cohort default rate on federal student loans equals or exceeds 30% (the threshold percentage) to make a summary of their plan to improve student repayment rates available to their students. Requires the exit counseling that IHEs provide to student borrowers of Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs), Direct Loans (DLs), and Perkins Loans to: include personalized information reflecting each borrower's actual borrowing circumstances; include a statement that such loans must be repaid even if students are dissatisfied with their education; be provided in a simple and understandable manner that includes comprehension checks; and be conducted in person or online. Requires the entrance counseling that IHEs provide to first-time student borrowers of DLs to: (1) be provided through interactive programs that test the borrower's understanding of the terms and conditions of the loan, using simple and understandable language and clear formatting; and (2) be provided in person or online. Adds to the information that must be presented to students during their entrance counseling: a disclosure that federal student loans offer generally more favorable terms and repayment options than private education loans; an explanation of the difference between fixed and variable interest rate loans; a recommendation that students examine their federal student loan options before applying for private education loans; an explanation, to be written by the Secretary of Education, of the benefits unique to DLs and the terms of private education loans that borrowers should examine carefully; an explanation, if applicable, of a student's option to refuse all or part of a DL; information regarding the IHE's cohort default rate; a statement that student loans must be repaid even if students are dissatisfied with their education; and the percentage of students at the IHE who obtain a degree or certificate within 150% of the normal time for completing their program. Requires student borrowers to provide their school with certain contact information during that entrance counseling and ensure that the school has their correct contact information during the exit counseling. Directs the Secretary to: (1) calculate, at least once every fiscal year, the loan repayment rate of each IHE participating in a title IV (Student Assistance) program or trying to regain eligibility to participate in that program; and (2) make that rate publicly available on the College Navigator website of the National Center for Education Statistics. Requires IHEs, in addition to the entrance and exit counseling, to provide an annual written notification to student borrowers of FFELs or DLs of: (1) the balance and interest on their loan, their repayment options, and the advantages federal student loans have over private loans; (2) their remaining DL eligibility period, if they have a DL; and (3) their remaining Pell Grant eligibility period, if they also have a Pell Grant. Requires borrowers to provide IHEs with written confirmation that they have received and understood those notifications. Imposes additional counseling requirements on IHEs that have a cohort default rate greater than the national average cohort default rate. Requires an IHE whose cohort default rate equals or exceeds the threshold percentage to: (1) notify students that it is at risk of losing, or has lost eligibility for, certain federal student aid programs; and (2) provide counseling to assist students in developing budgets. Directs the Secretary, through the Institute of Education Sciences, to conduct a longitudinal study of the effectiveness of student loan counseling. Requires: (1) the Secretary and the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to make recommendations to Congress regarding the inclusion of private student loans in the National Student Loan Data System, and (2) the Secretary of the Treasury to make recommendations to Congress about information that should be included in financial literacy counseling for first-time student loan borrowers. Directs the Secretary to establish a process for consumer testing the master promissory note (provided to first-time DL borrowers) and online entrance, exit, and interim loan counseling tools.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2013
Safeguard American Food Exports Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem equine (horses and other members of the equidae family) parts to be an unsafe food additive or animal drug. Prohibits the knowing sale or transport of equines or equine parts in interstate or foreign commerce for purposes of human consumption.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2013
Providing Resources Early for Kids Act of 2013 or the PRE-K Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to states to enhance or improve state-funded preschool programs. Sets forth a grant formula favoring states that: (1) have curricula aligned with state early learning standards; (2) use nationally-established, or better, best practices for class size and teacher-to-student ratios; (3) require each teacher to have at least an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field; (4) require such programs to operate for at least a full academic year; and (5) have a plan for meeting the requirement, within five years of receiving such grant, that teachers have at least a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education or have such degree in a related field, but have also completed specialized training in early childhood education. Directs the Secretary to establish a competitive process for awarding grants to other states that demonstrate that they will meet such requirements within two fiscal years. Prohibits state grantees from reducing their preschool or child care expenditures. Requires states to give priority, in using grant funds, to preschool programs in communities with high concentrations of impoverished children. Includes among grant uses: (1) increasing the qualifications of, and benefits provided to, teachers, teacher aides, and program directors; (2) decreasing class size and improving teacher-to-student ratios; (3) providing certain comprehensive services that support healthy child development; (4) extending program duration; (5) improving program monitoring and learning environments; and (6) providing classroom supplies or equipment. Reserves funds for competitive grants to Indians for their preschool programs.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2013
Supports the goals of International Women's Day. Recognizes that the empowerment of women is linked to the potential of countries to generate economic growth, sustainable democracy, and inclusive security. Honors the women in the United States and around the world who have worked to ensure that women are guaranteed equality and basic human rights. Reaffirms the Senate's commitment to ending discrimination and violence against women and girls and to pursuing policies that guarantee the basic human rights of women and girls worldwide.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2013
Brownfields Utilization, Investment, and Local Development Act of 2013 or the BUILD Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to include among entities eligible for brownfields revitalization funding: (1) a tax-exempt charitable organization, (2) a limited liability corporation in which all managing members are tax-exempt charitable organizations or limited liability corporations whose sole members are such organizations, (3) a limited partnership in which all general partners are tax-exempt charitable organizations or limited liability corporations whose sole members are such organizations, or (4) a qualified community development entity. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to provide multipurpose grants to carry out inventory, characterization, assessment, planning, or remediation activities at brownfield sites in a proposed area. Revises the brownfield site characterization and assessment grant program to authorize an eligible entity that is a governmental entity to receive a grant for property acquired by such governmental entity prior to January 11, 2002, even if the governmental entity does not qualify as a bona fide prospective purchaser as defined under such Act. Increases the maximum amount the President may give in grants and loans to eligible entities for brownfield remediation. Repeals prohibitions on giving grants and loans for brownfields revitalization for administrative costs and the cost of complying with federal law. Excludes from the meaning of "administrative costs" costs for investigating and identifying the extent of the contamination, designing and performing a response action, or monitoring a natural resource. Requires the Administrator to give priority to small communities, Indian tribes, rural areas, or low-income areas with a population of not more than 15,000 in providing assistance to facilitate the inventory of brownfield sites, site assessments, remediation of brownfield sites, community involvement, or site preparation. Requires the Administrator, in giving grants for brownfields revitalization, to give consideration to waterfront brownfield sites. Requires the Administrator to establish a program to provide grants to: (1) carry out inventory, characterization, assessment, planning, feasibility analysis, design, or remediation activities to locate a clean energy project at brownfield sites; and (2) capitalize a revolving loan fund for such purposes. Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants for state response programs. Extends the authorizations of appropriations for brownfields revitalization funding and state response programs.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2013
Designates the last full week of July 2013 as National Moth Week. Recognizes the importance of moths in the United States and the value of National Moth Week for promoting the conservation of moths and increasing the awareness, study, and appreciation of moths, their biodiversity, and their importance to ecosystem health.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2013
Health Insurance Rate Review Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that federal requirements that the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) review unreasonable premium increases in health care coverage shall not be construed to prohibit a state from imposing additional rate requirements on health insurance issuers that are more protective of consumers. Expands such review to include all rate increases, not only premium increases. Directs the Secretary or the relevant state insurance commissioner (or state regulator) to take corrective actions to ensure that any excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates are corrected before, or as soon as possible after, implementation, including through mechanisms such as denying rates, modifying rates, or requiring rebates to consumers. Authorizes civil monetary penalties and ineligibility as a qualified health plan for failing to comply with any corrective action taken by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to determine whether the state insurance commissioner or regulator or the Secretary will undertake such corrective actions based on whether the state can adequately undertake such actions. Applies this Act to health plans grandfathered under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2013
Fair Access to Credit Scores Act of 2013 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require certain consumer reporting agencies to disclose, without charge, as part of a consumer's free annual disclosure upon request, a current credit score generated using the scoring methodology most frequently used to generate scores sold to creditors, including information regarding other risk scores or predictors in the consumer's file. Requires the agencies also to furnish such other consumer information as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) considers appropriate with respect to consumer financial education, including where the consumer's credit score falls with respect to a range of possible credit scores, and the general factors contributing to the credit scores of consumers. Requires such agencies, upon consumer request for either a credit score or a risk score, to supply any such score in the consumer's file at the agency. Requires the agencies to maintain credit scores or other risk scores or predictors in the consumer's file for at least one year after the data is generated. Directs the CFPB to develop regulations establishing a mandatory format for consumer file disclosures.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2013
Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to increase the federal minimum wage for employees to: (1) $8.20 an hour on the first day of the third month after the enactment of this Act; (2) $9.15 an hour after one year; (3) $10.10 an hour after two years; and (4) the amount determined by the Secretary of Labor (based on increases in the Consumer Price Index) after three years, and annually thereafter. Increases the federal minimum wage for tipped employees to $3.00 an hour for one year on the first day of the third month after the enactment of this Act. Provides a formula for subsequent annual adjustments of the wage increase to ensure that it remains equal to 70% of the wage in effect under FLSA for other employees. Directs the Secretary of Labor, 60 days before any increase in the minimum wage, to publish it in the Federal Register and on the Department of Labor's website.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2013
Alice Paul Women's Suffrage Congressional Gold Medal Act - Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the posthumous presentation of a congressional gold medal in commemoration of Alice Paul (founder of the National Woman's Party), to recognize her role in the women's suffrage movement and in advancing equal rights for women.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2013
Medicare Diabetes Prevention Act of 2013 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of diabetes prevention program services to an eligible diabetes prevention program individual. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the criteria for a diabetes prevention program in accordance with the standards under the National Diabetes Prevention Program established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Excludes items and services under a diabetes prevention program from the skilled nursing facility prospective payment system. Includes: (1) items and services under a diabetes prevention programs among federally qualified health center services, (2) rates of referrals of eligible individuals to diabetes prevention programs among the quality measures for covered professional services in the Medicare physician quality reporting system, and (3) an individual's diabetes risk assessment in the individual's Medicare personalized prevention plan. Expresses the sense of the House that the National Diabetes Prevention Program presents an opportunity for states to reduce the incidence of diabetes among individuals enrolled in their Medicaid programs.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2013
Keep Our Commitment to Veterans Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out specified major medical facility leases in FY2013-FY2014 in New Mexico, New Jersey, South Carolina, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Reduces lease amounts authorized in previous fiscal years for VA outpatient clinics in: (1) Johnson County, Kansas; (2) San Diego, California; and (3) Tyler, Texas.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2013
Students First Act of 2013 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise the process for reviewing an institution of higher education's (IHE's) compliance with Student Assistance program requirements under title IV. Directs the Secretary of Education to conduct either mandatory or risk-based program reviews, including on-site visits, of IHEs that pose a significant risk of failing to comply with those requirements. Requires mandatory reviews to be conducted annually on IHEs that meet certain criteria that include: (1) high student loan default rates; (2) the receipt, in the case of proprietary schools, of more than 85% of their revenue from federal funds; (3) high complaint rates; (4) low graduation rates; (5) the expenditure of more than 20% of their revenues on recruiting, marketing, and executive compensation; (6) burgeoning enrollment rates; (7) the manipulation of student loan default rates; (8) placement on probation or show cause by their accrediting agency; and (9) other compliance problems the IHE acknowledges or a state or federal agency discovers. Requires an IHE to inform students and prospective students that it will be subject to a mandatory program review and the reason for such review. Directs the Secretary to annually conduct a risk-based review of at least 2% of the IHEs that are not subject to a mandatory review. Lists the risk factors that would warrant such a review, including a change in a proprietary school's ownership or for-profit status. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct additional program reviews of IHEs that are not determined to pose a significant risk of violating title IV requirements. Requires an IHE that is found to have knowingly and willfully or with gross negligence violated a title IV requirement to inform students of that finding until the violation is rectified or one year after the final program review report concerning that violation is issued, whichever comes last. Requires program reviews to include, at a minimum, an assessment of specified institutional information and student information. Requires the Secretary to immediately sanction any IHE that, after the full program review process, is found to have violated a title IV requirement. Sets forth those sanctions, including sanctions applicable to officers of IHEs. Provides for the establishment of a Student Relief Fund to assist students attending sanctioned schools. Directs the Secretary to conduct a follow-up review of each IHE found to be in violation of a title IV requirement within one year of that finding to determine whether the violation has been rectified. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) a central database of information on IHE accreditation, eligibility, and certification; and (2) a single, toll-free telephone number, website, database, and office to facilitate the centralized collection of, monitoring of, and response to student and staff complaints regarding IHEs. Requires the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of each IHE participating in the title IV program to sign the IHE's participation agreement and be liable for the school's compliance with that agreement and program requirements.
![Official portrait of Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/l000123_200.jpg)