Education

Military and Veterans Education Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2012

Military and Veterans Education Protection Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require proprietary institutions of higher education to derive at least 10% of their revenue from sources other than title IV or federal educational assistance programs for military personnel and veterans, or become ineligible for title IV funding and participation in those programs. (Currently, this 90/10 rule requires these schools to derive at least 10% of their revenue from sources other than title IV or become ineligible for title IV funding.)

Recognizing Excellence in Veterans Education Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2012

Recognizing Excellence in Veterans Education Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish an honorary Excellence in Veterans Education Award to recognize institutions of higher learning that provide superior services to veterans. Makes such Award valid for up to three years. Requires the Secretary, during the valid period of an Award, to indicate that the institution has received such Award on the list of institutions approved for veterans education benefits, as maintained on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. Outlines Award criteria.

Schoolchildren's Health Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2012

Schoolchildren's Health Protection Act - Amends the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit the provision of federal education funding to state or local educational agencies that: (1) provide, or permit the provision of, postcoital emergency contraception or prescriptions for such contraception on the premises of elementary or secondary schools; or (2) contract with a school-based health center to provide students with health services, unless the center agrees to deny students postcoital emergency contraception or prescriptions for such contraception pursuant to the contract.

Mentor-Mentee Teen Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2012

Mentor-Mentee Teen Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2012 - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health Services) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award competitive grants to local educational agencies or community-based organizations for the creation of school-based programs that provide mentoring to at-risk teenage girls to prevent and reduce teen pregnancy. Requires program mentors to be individuals who: (1) have received at least a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education; (2) are mentoring no more than two program mentees; and (3) are trained and screened to encourage mentees to engage in responsible, goal-orientated behavior, delay their sexual activity, and increase their participation in school. Authorizes the Secretary to provide student loan forgiveness, under the Federal Family Education Loan, Direct Loan, or Perkins Loan programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965, to program mentors who serve for at least 200 hours in an academic year.

Cybersecurity Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2012

Cybersecurity Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with owners and operators of critical infrastructure, the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council, and other federal agencies and private sector entities, to: (1) to conduct a top-level assessment of cybersecurity risks to determine which sectors face the greatest immediate risk, and beginning with the sectors identified as having the highest priority, conduct, on a sector-by-sector basis, cyber risk assessments of the critical infrastructure; (2) establish a procedure for the designation of critical infrastructure; (3) identify or develop risk-based cybersecurity performance requirements; and (4) implement cyber response and restoration plans. Sets forth requirements for securing critical infrastructure, including notification of cyber risks and threats and reporting of significant cyber incidents affecting critical infrastructure. Defines "critical infrastructure" as systems and assets, whether physical or virtual, so vital to the United States that the incapacity or destruction of such systems and assets would have a debilitating impact on security, national economic security, or national public health or safety. Amends the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA) to revise information security requirements for federal agencies and provide for continuous monitoring of, and streamlined reporting of, cybersecurity risks. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to consolidate existing DHS resources for cybersecurity within a National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications. Sets forth the duties of the Center, including managing efforts to secure, protect, and ensure the resiliency of the federal information infrastructure, supporting private sector efforts to protect such infrastructure, prioritizing efforts to address the most significant risks to the information infrastructure, and ensuring privacy protections. Requires: (1) the DHS Secretary to implement outreach and awareness programs on cybersecurity; (2) the DHS Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program to identify, develop, and recruit talented individuals to work in cybersecurity; (3) the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a program to stimulate innovation in basic cybersecurity research and development and to recruit and train cybersecurity professionals; and (4) the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to assess the readiness and capacity of the federal workforce to meet cybersecurity needs and to establish a cybersecurity awareness and education curriculum for all federal employees and contractors. Requires the Secretary of Education to develop model curriculum standards to address cybersecurity issues for elementary school students and for students in institutions of higher education and career and technical institutions. Requires federal agencies to adopt OPM best practices for motivating employees to demonstrate leadership in cybersecurity. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a national cybersecurity research and development plan to advance the development of new technologies to protect against evolving cyberthreats. Requires the DHS Secretary to coordinate with private sector and academic experts, the Secretaries of Defense (DOD), Commerce, and State, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), and other federal agencies to develop and periodically update an acquisition risk management strategy to ensure the security of the federal information infrastructure. Authorizes private entities to disclose or receive lawfully obtained cybersecurity threat information to protect an information system. Establishes a process to designate cybersecurity exchanges for distributing, receiving, and exchanging cybersecurity threat information. Allows a non-federal entity to disclose lawfully obtained cybersecurity threat information to an exchange. Provides legal protections for entities engaged in cybersecurity monitoring activities, including a good faith defense. Directs the DHS Secretary and the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to report to Congress annually on major cyber incidents involving networks of executive agencies and military departments. Requires the Attorney General and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to report on investigations and prosecutions of cybercrimes. Requires the Attorney General to report on the ability of federal courts to grant timely relief in matters relating to cybercrime. Requires the DHS Secretary to report on: (1) available technical options to enhance the security of critical infrastructure, (2) legal or other impediments to public awareness of cybersecurity threats, and (3) the national security implications of a disruption of the U.S. electric grid caused by a cyber attack. Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to engaging in international cooperation to advance U.S. cyberspace objectives and combat cybercrime. Authorizes the Secretary of State to designate a senior State Department official to coordinate diplomatic efforts on the full range of international cyber issues. Requires the Secretary to assess and report on significant global issues, trends, and actors with respect to cybercrime and to give priority in foreign assistance to programs designed to combat cybercrime.

Youth Corps Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2012

Youth Corps Act of 2012 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations to carry out Youth Corps programs that utilize the Youth Corps model to provide eligible youth age 16 through 24 with education and work readiness training to enable them to find employment in the economy of the 21st century, and instill in them a sense of civic engagement and environmental stewardship. Defines "Youth Corps model" as a youth education and training program for which an eligible entity provides eligible youth, among other things, with stipended or paid work experience and basic and technical skills training leading to: (1) enrollment in postsecondary education or training, (2) attainment of an industry-recognized certification or credential, (3) meaningful employment in the economy of the 21st century, or (4) military service.

Josh Miller HEARTS Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2012

Josh Miller Helping Everyone Access Responsive Treatment in Schools Act of 2012 or Josh Miller HEARTS Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to: (1) purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for use in their schools, and/or (2) provide training to meet the grant requirement that at least five adult employees or volunteers at each school where an AED is to be used successfully complete training in its use and in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Requires LEA grant applicants also to demonstrate that: (1) the AEDs are integrated into the schools' emergency response procedures, and (2) emergency services personnel are notified of their locations. Gives grant priority to schools that: (1) lack an AED; (2) typically have a significant number of students, staff, and visitors present during the day; (3) generally have a longer wait for emergency medical services than other public facilities in the community; and (4) have not received funds under the Rural Access to Emergency Devices Act.

Federal Forests County Revenue, Schools, and Jobs Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2012

Federal Forests County Revenue, Schools, and Jobs Act of 2012 - Establishes the County, Schools, and Revenue Trust to provide a dependable source of revenue for each participating beneficiary county containing National Forest System land that was eligible to receive payments under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Requires County, Schools, and Revenue Trust Projects to generate amounts sufficient to satisfy the annual revenue requirement established for units of the National Forest System. Permits Trust Projects to include projects involving timber sales, mineral development, power generation, and community wildfire protection plans. Allows the Secretary to designate any project that is conducted in response to a catastrophic event in a System unit as a Trust Project. Requires 65% of the amounts derived from a Trust Project to be deposited in the County, Schools, and Revenue Trust and 35% of the amounts derived from a Trust Project to be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury for use by the Forest Service. Entitles counties or other eligible units of local government in which U.S.-owned entitlement land is located to certain payments under the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program through FY2017 and directs the Secretary of the Interior to submit annually to Congress a list of the states that have not submitted the data required for calculating payments under such Program. Directs the Secretary to set an annual fee for, and requires the payment of such fee to the United States by, an authorized owner of a privately built and owned recreational cabin located on National Forest System land.

To provide that claims presented to an Indian Health Service contracting officer pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act on or before October 31, 2005, involving claims that accrued after October 1, 1995 and on or before September 30, 1999, shall be deemed timely presented.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2012

Deems claims presented to an Indian Health Service contracting officer pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act on or before October 31, 2005, involving claims that accrued after October 1, 1995, and on or before September 30, 1999, to have been timely presented.

Veterans' Telehealth and Telemedicine Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2012

Veterans' Telehealth and Telemedicine Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to increase the use of: (1) teleconsultation, telemedicine, telehealth, and home telehealth by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and (2) teleretinal imaging in each Veterans Integrated Services Network. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require each VA facility involved in the training of medical residents to work with each university concerned to develop an elective rotation in telemedicine for such residents, and (2) provide VA health care professionals with education and training in the use of telemedicine to provide care for veterans in rural areas. Requires the Secretary to modify the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation system to: (1) provide incentives for the use of teleconsultation, teleretinal imaging, telemedicine, and telehealth coordination services; and (2) require the inclusion of all telemedicine visits in the calculation of facility workload. Authorizes the Secretary to waive the imposition or collection of copayments for teleconsultation, telemedicine, teleretinal imaging, telehealth, and home telehealth visits of veterans.

Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Human Rights Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2012

Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Human Rights Act of 2012 - Urges the President to initiate diplomatic efforts to expand the multilateral sanctions regime regarding Iran. Amends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to impose specified sanctions on a person that knowingly: (1) participates in certain petroleum resource development joint ventures outside of Iran if the Iranian government is a substantial partner or investor in the joint venture, or if Iran could, through such joint venture, receive new technology or equipment that could significantly contribute to its development of petroleum resources in Iran; (2) sells, leases, or provides to Iran certain petroleum development-related resources goods, services, technology, or support whose market values exceed specified ceilings; and (3) participates in certain joint ventures with Iran's government, Iranian firms, or persons acting for or on behalf of Iran in the mining, production, or transportation of uranium. Authorizes: (1) exclusion from the United States of an alien who is a corporate officer, principal, or controlling shareholder in a sanctioned firm; and (2) sanctions against the principal executive officer or other principal executive officers of a sanctioned firm. Blocks the property of a person that knowingly provides ships, insurance or reinsurance, or other shipping services for transportation of goods that materially contribute to Iran's proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program or its terrorism-related activities. Prohibits an entity owned or controlled by a U.S. person and established or maintained outside the United States from engaging in any transaction with Iran that would be prohibited if the transaction were engaged in by a U.S. person or in the United States. Requires the imposition of civil penalties for violations of such prohibition. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require securities issuers to disclose in their mandatory annual or quarterly reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) whether they or their affiliates have: (1) engaged in certain activities relating to Iran, terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; (2) knowingly engaged in specified activities, or knowingly violated certain regulations prescribed under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010; (3) knowingly conducted any transaction or dealing with a person whose property and interests in property are blocked by certain Executive Orders; or (4) knowingly conducted a transaction or dealing with any person listed in the Iranian Transactions Regulations. Directs the President to publish a list of senior Iranian officials (and family members) involved in Iran's: (1) illicit nuclear activities or WMD proliferation, (2) support for international terrorism, or (3) human rights abuses against Iranian citizens. Prohibits such persons from being granted U.S. immigration status for admission. Sets forth reporting requirements regarding: (1) financial communications services to the Central Bank of Iran; (2) foreign entities investing in Iran's energy sector; (3) petroleum imports to, and exports from, Iran; and (4) Iranian membership in, and U.S. contributions to, international organizations. Directs the President to identify and designate for sanctions, exclusion from the United States, and freezing of assets officials, affiliates, and agents of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Sets forth mandatory and discretionary measures to be taken against a foreign person or entity that provides the IRGC with material support. Requires certification by prospective U.S. government contractors that neither they nor their subsidiaries have engaged in significant economic transactions with designated IRGC officials, agents or affiliates. Amends the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to determine whether the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) or the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) is an IRGC agent or affiliate and submit such determination to Congress. Directs the President to identify and: (1) freeze the assets of a person that has knowingly transferred to Iran goods or technologies, or provided post-transfer services that are likely to be used to commit human rights abuses; and (2) impose specified sanctions against individuals and firms that have engaged in censorship or repression of the rights of freedom of expression or assembly of Iran's citizens. Requires the Office of Foreign Assets Control to expedite processing of Iran-related humanitarian, human rights and democratization aid by entities receiving funds from the Department of State, the Broadcasting Board of Governors, and other U.S. agencies. Directs the President to submit a comprehensive strategy to Congress regarding the promotion of Internet freedom and information access in Iran. Denies admission to, or excludes from, the United States an Iranian citizen seeking to enter the United States to study at an institution of higher education to prepare for a career in Iran's energy or nuclear sectors. Subjects certain Iranian assets to U.S. court jurisdiction. Prohibits anything in this Act from applying to authorized U.S. intelligence activities. Syria Human Rights Accountability Act of 2012 - Directs the President to identify and impose specified sanctions on: (1) Syrian government officials or persons acting on behalf of that government who are responsible for or complicit in the commission of serious human rights abuses against Syrian citizens or their family members, regardless of whether such abuses occurred in Syria; (2) persons who knowingly transfer or facilitate the transfer of goods or technologies (weapons, surveillance technology, or sensitive technology) that are likely to be used by Syria to commit human rights abuses against the Syrian people; and (3) persons who engage in censorship that prohibits, limits, or penalizes freedom of expression by Syrian citizens.

Student Right to Know Before You Go Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2012

Student Right to Know Before You Go Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) participating in title IV (Student Assistance) programs to participate in, and provide all the data required for, an individual-level integrated postsecondary education data system administered by a state, a multi-state compact, or the Secretary of Education. Allows system administrators to include, in addition to data from IHEs, data from certain other postsecondary education and training programs. Requires the systems to be certified by the Secretary as meeting certain data inclusion, quality, governance, and privacy requirements. Requires the systems to include: (1) all student components of reporting required for the Integrated Postsecondary Data System (IPEDS), and submit such data to IPEDS; (2) rates of remedial enrollment, credit accumulation, and postsecondary completion by high school completion status; and (3) earnings data, disaggregated by educational program, institution, degree, employment sector, and state to create an interoperable employment and learning exchange. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to educational institutions and system administrators to assist them in complying with, developing, and implementing individual-level integrated postsecondary education data systems.

Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2012

Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of comprehensive cancer care planning services. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to eligible entities to improve the quality of: (1) graduate and postgraduate training of physicians, nurses, and other health care providers in developing cancer care plans for, and communicating such plans to, patients; and (2) continuing professional education regarding the development and communication of written cancer care plans that outline a system of care that coordinates active treatment and palliative care. Requires the Secretary to provide investment, through existing programs, for research on topics related to cancer care planning and coordination, symptom management, palliative care, and comprehensive survivorship care.

Religious Freedom Protection Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2012

Religious Freedom Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit any guideline, regulation, or other requirement issued by any federal, state, or local government relating to preventive health services coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (HCERA) from: (1) requiring any individual or entity to offer, provide, or purchase health insurance coverage for a contraceptive or sterilization service, or related education or counseling, to which that individual or entity is opposed on the basis of religious belief or moral conviction; (2) requiring any individual or entity opposed on such basis to providing health insurance coverage of a contraceptive or sterilization service to engage in government-mandated speech regarding such a service; or (3) prohibiting any group health plan from offering or providing individual or group health insurance coverage that excludes coverage for a contraception or sterilization service, or related education or counseling, which the individual or entity purchasing the plan or coverage opposes on such basis. Declares that nothing in PPACA or HCERA or any requirement issued under such Acts shall be construed to disadvantage any individual or entity on the basis of a religiously or morally based decision made by that individual or entity to not offer, provide, or purchase health insurance coverage for a contraceptive or sterilization service or to engage in a government-mandated speech regarding such service. Creates a private cause of action for those individuals or entities protected under this Act. Permits any such individual or entity to assert a violation as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding. Grants the federal courts jurisdiction to prevent and redress actual or threatened violations. Permits: (1) an action under this Act to be instituted by the Attorney General or by any person or entity having standing to complain of a threatened or actual violation, and (2) the court to enter a restraining order or prohibition or take other necessary action pending final determination of any action under this Act. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive and coordinate the investigation of complaints of discrimination based on this Act.

Cavernous Angioma CARE Center Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2012

Cavernous Angioma CARE Center Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Cavernous Angioma Clinical Care, Awareness, Research, and Education Center of Excellence at a university health sciences research and clinical center in the southwest United States to: (1) provide basic, translational, and clinical research with respect to new diagnostic, prevention, and novel treatment methodology for individuals with cavernous angioma; and (2) serve as a model for, and provide support to, medical schools and research institutions. Requires the Director of the Center to: (1) ensure that the Center provides community-, family-, and patient-centered culturally sensitive care; (2) encourage and coordinate opportunities for individuals to participate in clinical research studies that will advance medical research and care; and (3) develop the Center as a model and training facility for other facilities throughout the United States that are engaged in research regarding, and care for individuals with, cavernous angioma.

A resolution designating the week of February 6 through 10, 2012, as "National School Counseling Week".

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2012

Designates the week of February 6-February 10, 2012, as National School Counseling Week.

Encouraging Innovation and Effective Teachers Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2012

Encouraging Innovation and Effective Teachers Act - Replaces title II (Preparing, Training, and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) with a new title II (Teacher Preparation and Effectiveness). Directs the Secretary of Education, under part A (Supporting Effective Instruction) of title II, to make formula grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to develop and implement a teacher evaluation system that: (1) uses student achievement data as a significant factor in determining a teacher's evaluation, (2) uses multiple measures of evaluation, (3) uses more than two categories for rating teachers, (4) is used by the LEA to make personnel decisions, and (5) is based on input from parents and school staff. Directs the Secretary, under part B (Teacher and School Leader Flexible Grant) of title II, to make formula grants to states and, through them, competitive matching subgrants to LEAs, institutions of higher education, and business or nonprofit entities to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive programs and activities that may include: (1) initiatives to assist in recruiting, hiring, and retaining highly effective teachers and school leaders; (2) recruitment of qualified individuals from other fields; (3) model instructional programs in the core academic subjects; (4) high-quality professional development for teachers and school leaders; and (5) programs that are based on the current science of learning. Preserves the teacher liability protection provisions under part C (Innovation for Teacher Quality) of title II, but eliminates the other programs under part C. Replaces part D (Enhancing Education through Technology) of title II with a new part D (General Provisions). Requires LEAs receiving grants under title II to notify parents of the availability of the results of the evaluations of their children's teachers. Treats charter schools as LEAs under title II. Replaces title III (Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students) of the ESEA with a new title III (Parental Engagement and Local Flexibility). Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that part B of title V (Promoting Informed Parental Choice and Innovative Programs) of the ESEA be: (1) reauthorized as it was amended by the Empowering Parents through Quality Charter Schools Act (H.R. 2218), as passed by the House of Representatives on September 13, 2011; and (2) transferred to a new subpart 1 (Charter School Program) of part A (Parental Engagement) of title III. Amends part C of title V of the ESEA and transfers it to a new subpart 2 (Magnet Schools Assistance) of part A of title III. Establishes a subpart 3 (Family Engagement in Education Programs) of part A of title III. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to statewide organizations to establish Statewide Family Engagement Centers that provide comprehensive training and technical assistance to states, LEA, schools, and organizations that support family engagement in education. Establishes a part B (Local Academic Flexible Grant) of title III under which the Secretary allots funds to states for: (1) state activities that include developing state educational assessments and standards; (2) competitive grants to LEAs, community-based organizations, and businesses to improve student academic achievement through student support programs; and (3) competitive matching grants to nongovernmental entities to improve academic achievement. Repeals title IV (21st Century Schools), as amended by the Student Success Act which was introduced on February 9, 2012, and replaces it with the Impact Aid program currently under title VIII of the ESEA. (The Impact Aid program compensates LEAs for the financial burden of federal activities affecting their areas.) Amends the Impact Aid program to alter methods used and considerations made in determining whether LEAs are eligible for Impact Aid payments, as well as formulae used in determining the amounts they are owed. Requires the Secretary to complete Impact Aid payments to eligible LEAs within three fiscal years of their appropriation. Authorizes appropriations for the programs under titles II, III, and IV of the ESEA for FY2013, with increases in those amounts for FY2014-FY2018 that match the inflation rate. Transfers responsibility for the operation and administration of the Troops-to-Teachers program (currently under title II of the ESEA) from the Department of Education to the Department of Defense (DOD), and amends the program. (The Troops-to-Teachers program provides veterans with teacher certification stipends in exchange for three years of service in an elementary or secondary school.) Repeals title VI (Flexibility and Accountability) of the ESEA. Amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act's program of grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the education of homeless youth. Includes amendments that: (1) require student-centered factors to be considered before an LEA places a homeless youth in a school, (2) require schools to enroll homeless youth immediately despite missed application or enrollment deadlines, (3) protect the privacy of information about a homeless youth's living situation, and (4) focus on the identification of homeless youth. Authorizes appropriations for that program for FY2013, with increases matching the inflation rate for FY2014-FY2018.

Student Success Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2012

Student Success Act - Replaces title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) with a new title I (Aid to Local Educational Agencies). Amends the education accountability requirements under part A of title I of the ESEA and places them in a new subpart 1 (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies) under part A (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the ESEA. Eliminates the requirement that local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools make adequate yearly progress toward state academic performance standards or be subject to specified improvements, corrective action, or restructuring. Requires states to adopt academic content and achievement standards for mathematics and reading or language arts that ensure that all their public school students graduate from high school fully prepared for postsecondary education or the workforce. Requires states to implement a set of high-quality assessments of student progress toward those standards that measure the overall performance of students in each public school and the performance of their poor, minority, disabled, and English learner subgroups. Allows states to adopt alternate academic achievement standards and assessments for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Allows states to measure student growth toward those standards, and develop and administer computer adaptive assessments that measure student proficiency against, and growth toward, the standards for the student's grade level. Requires education accountability efforts to include school improvement systems that require LEAs to implement interventions that address weaknesses in low-performing schools. Amends Schoolwide programs, that allow LEAs to consolidate educational funds to upgrade the entire educational program of schools, to eliminate the requirement that such schools serve a high proportion of low-income families. Eliminates the requirement that teachers be highly qualified. Requires states to designate an ombudsman to ensure that private school children receive educational services and benefits that are equitable to those received by public school children under subpart 1. Strikes parts B (Student Reading Skills Improvement Grants), F (Comprehensive School Reform), G (Advanced Placement Programs), and H (School Dropout Prevention) of title I of the ESEA. Amends part C of the current title I and transfers it to a new subpart 2 (Education of Migratory Children) under part A of the ESEA. Amends part D of the current title I and transfers it to a new subpart 3 (Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth who are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk) under part A. Amends part A of title III ( Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students) and transfers it to a new subpart 4 (English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement) under part A. Refers to limited English proficient students as English learners. Amends requirements for the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and Language Instruction Educational Programs under part C of title III and transfers them to subpart 4 under part A. Amends part B (Rural Education Initiative) of title VI (Flexibility and Accountability) and transfers it to a new subpart 5 (Rural Education Achievement Program) under part A. Amends part A (Indian Education) of title VII and transfers it to a new subpart 6 (Indian Education) under part A. Omits subpart 3 (National Activities) of part A of title VII from subpart 6. Gives states and LEAs flexibility in transferring funds among the programs under part A of title I. Removes maintenance of effort requirements that require states and LEAs to maintain their education funding at certain levels in order to be eligible for federal education funds. Amends part E (National Assessment) of title I and transfers it to a new part B of title I of the ESEA. Repeals the Demonstrations of Innovative Practices grant program and the Close Up Fellowship program. Authorizes appropriations for parts A and B of title I of the ESEA for FY2013, with increases in those amounts for FY2014-FY2018 that match the inflation rate. Amends part I (General Provisions) of title I and transfers it to a new part C of title I of the ESEA. Replaces title V (Promoting Informed Parental Choice and Innovative Programs Innovative Programs) of the ESEA with a new title V (General Provisions). Amends title IX (General Provisions) and transfers it to the new title V. Requires the Secretary of Education to establish a multi-disciplinary peer review team to review requests for waivers of statutory or regulatory requirements under the ESEA. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing new or additional requirements that are not specified in the ESEA on states, LEAs, or Indian tribes in exchange for the receipt of a waiver. Establishes requirements regarding the peer review panels used under the ESEA to review program applications. Prohibits federal employees from participating in, or working to influence, the peer review process. Places the gun-free school requirements in part A (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities) of title IV of the ESEA in the new title V.

Southern Nevada Higher Education Land Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2012

Southern Nevada Higher Education Land Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey three parcels of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land to: (1) the Nevada System of Higher Education for the Great Basin College and the College of Southern Nevada; and (2) the System for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Authorizes the Nevada System of Higher Education to use the conveyed federal land for: (1) any purpose related to the establishment, operation, growth, and maintenance of the System; and (2) other related uses, including residential and commercial development that would generally be associated with an institution of higher education.

Cavernous Angioma CARE Center Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2012

Cavernous Angioma CARE Center Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Cavernous Angioma Clinical Care, Awareness, Research, and Education Center of Excellence at a university health sciences research and clinical center in the southwest United States to: (1) provide basic, translational, and clinical research with respect to new diagnostic, prevention, and novel treatment methodology for individuals with cavernous angioma; and (2) serve as a model for, and provide support to, medical schools and research institutions. Requires the Director of the Center to: (1) ensure that the Center provides community-, family-, and patient-centered culturally sensitive care; (2) encourage and coordinate opportunities for individuals to participate in clinical research studies that will advance medical research and care; and (3) develop the Center as a model and training facility for other facilities throughout the United States that are engaged in research regarding, and care for individuals with, cavernous angioma.

Strengthening America's Public Schools Through Promoting Foreign Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2012

Strengthening America's Public Schools Through Promoting Foreign Investment Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit a lawful alien who enters the United States on a nonimmigrant student visa (including Mexican and Canadian commuter students) to attend a U.S. public secondary school for longer than one year if such alien reimburses the local educational agency for the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of providing education at such school for the period of the alien's attendance.

EASY Voting Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2012

Equal Access to Support Youth Voting Act or EASY Voting Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the dissemination of false information with the intent of discouraging students who attend an institution of higher education (IHE) from voting or registering to vote in a federal election. Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require state and local election officials to accept a current and valid student photo identification issued by the IHE the student attends as a current and valid photo identification when such identification is required to obtain a ballot or vote in a federal election.

Domestic Violence Judicial Support Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2012

Domestic Violence Judicial Support Act of 2012 - Amends the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, as amended by the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005, to authorize the Attorney General to make grants to state and local governments, Indian tribal governments, courts and other specified providers for: (1) supervised visitation and safe visitation exchange of children and youth by and between parents in situations involving domestic violence, dating violence, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, or stalking; and (2) court-related and child protective services workers education on the dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault (including child sexual abuse), and stalking. Amends the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 to: (1) ensure that by January 1, 2015, a court-appointed special advocate shall be available to every victim of child abuse or neglect in the United States that needs one; and (2) reauthorize through FY2017 the court-appointed special advocate program and the child abuse training programs for judicial personnel and practitioners.

Elder Protection and Abuse Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2012

Elder Protection and Abuse Prevention Act - Amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Aging to: (1) ensure that all programs funded under such Act include appropriate training in elder abuse prevention and the provision of services that address elder justice and exploitation, and (2) update periodically the need for and benefit of such training related to prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation (including financial exploitation) of older adults. Makes it a duty and function of the Administration on Aging to: (1) establish priority information and assistance services for older individuals; (2) ensure full collaboration between all governmental information and assistance systems that serve older individuals; and (3) develop a National Eldercare Locator Service, with a nationwide toll free number. Directs the Assistant Secretary, by grant or contract with a national nonprofit entity, to establish a National Adult Protective Services Resources Center to improve the capacity of state and local adult protective services programs to: (1) respond effectively to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, including home care consumers and residents of long-term care facilities; and (2) coordinate with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Requires each area plan to provide that the area agency on aging: (1) increases public awareness of elder abuse and financial exploitation, and removes barriers to elder abuse education, prevention, investigation, and treatment; (2) coordinates elder justice activities of the area agency on aging, community health centers, other public agencies, and nonprofit private organizations; (3) develops standardized, coordinated, and reporting protocols with respect to elder abuse; and (4) reports instances of elder abuse. Directs the Assistant Secretary to make grants to states under approved state plans for elder abuse and neglect screening. Requires a state operating a nutrition project to encourage individuals who distribute nutrition services to distribute information on diabetes, elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and the annual Medicare wellness exam. Requires a state, an area agency on aging, a nonprofit organization, or a tribal organization that receives a grant for an older individuals' protection from violence project to use it to research and replicate successful models of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention and training. Directs the Assistant Secretary to award grants and enter into contracts with eligible organizations to carry out projects to engage volunteers over 50 years of age in providing support and information to older adults (and their families or caretakers) who have experienced or are at risk of elder abuse. Allows a state to use funds under the National Family Caregiver Support Program to support the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

To consolidate programs at the Department of Justice and enact the CAMPUS Safety Act of 2011.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2012

Transfers the Office of Dispute Resolution in the Department of Justice to the Office of Legal Policy. Directs the Attorney General to save $1 million by consolidating ineffective or duplicative programs through FY2016. Enacts into law H.R. 2342 (Center to Advance, Monitor, and Preserve University Security Safety Act of 2011 or CAMPUS Safety Act of 2011), as introduced. (H.R. 2342 amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to establish and operate a National Center for Campus Public Safety.)

Veterans Gardens Employment and Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2012

Veterans Gardens Employment and Opportunity Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to award grants to eligible entities to establish gardens that are fully operated by veterans and are designed to produce food that can be sold to individuals, schools, and restaurants through farmers' markets or otherwise. Gives priority to entities seeking to establish a garden located on, or convenient to, the grounds of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility.

To amend section 8007 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to extend eligibility for emergency and modernization grants to local educational agencies in which at least 10 percent of the property in each such agency is nontaxable due to the presence of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2012

Amends the Impact Aid program (which compensates local educational agencies [LEAs] for the financial burden of federal activities affecting their areas) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to make certain LEAs eligible for emergency school repair grants and school modernization grants if they serve areas where at least 10% of the property is nontaxable due to the federal government's presence. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from requiring: (1) those LEAs to serve areas where more than 10% of the property is nontaxable due to the federal government's presence, or (2) other LEAs (those currently eligible for such grants by reason of having a student enrollment at least 40% of which resides on Indian lands) to have a student enrollment more than 40% of which resides on Indian lands before being deemed eligible for such grants.

Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2012

Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit any guideline or regulation issued relating to the coverage of preventive health services under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) or any other provision of PPACA to: (1) require any individual or entity to offer, provide, or purchase coverage for a contraceptive or sterilization service, or related education or counseling, to which that individual or entity is opposed on the basis of religious belief; or (2) require any individual or entity opposed by reason of religious belief to provide coverage of a contraceptive or sterilization service or to engage in government-mandated speech regarding such a service. Declares that nothing in PPACA and no regulations or guidelines issued under PPACA shall be construed to authorize the imposition of a sanction or otherwise disadvantage an individual or entity on the basis of a religiously based decision made by that individual or entity to not offer, provide, or purchase coverage or a contraceptive or sterilization service, or to engage in a government-mandated speech regarding such service.

Wildlife VET Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2012

Wildlife Veterinarians Employment and Training Act or the Wildlife VET Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award grants to wildlife or veterinary institutions to create additional clinical and research positions for wildlife and zoological veterinarians, with preference to institutions that will create positions in areas of need, including wildlife disease research and training, disease surveillance, ecology and wildlife population management, and conservation and management of the health of endangered, threatened, and sensitive species. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) the Wildlife and Zoological Veterinary Workforce Loan Repayment Program to repay educational loans of applicants who have received a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine or a graduate degree in veterinary medicine after receiving such doctoral degree, or who are enrolled in an accredited program that leads to such a degree, and who agree to serve for at least four consecutive years at a wildlife or veterinary institution as a wildlife or zoological veterinarian; and (2) the Wildlife and Zoological Veterinary Workforce Scholarship Program to award students enrolled in an accredited school or college of veterinary medicine scholarships in exchange for entering a contract to serve for at least four consecutive years as wildlife or zoological veterinarians at wildlife or veterinary institutions. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a pilot program to award competitive grants to accredited schools and colleges of veterinary medicine to develop or improve new or existing curricula that specialize in wildlife or zoological veterinary medicine; and (2) award competitive grants to eligible wildlife or veterinary institutions to establish or expand, for traineeship candidates, training programs (including externship, internship, fellowship, or residency programs) that will enhance the ability of a trainee to practice as a wildlife or zoological veterinarian.

Chemawa Indian School Trust Transfer and Self-Determination Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2012

Chemawa Indian School Trust Transfer and Self-Determination Act of 2012 - Directs the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to transfer to the Secretary of the Interior administrative jurisdiction over federally owned property occupied by the Chemawa Indian School and Chemawa Cemetery in Salem, Oregon. Requires the Secretary to hold that property in trust for nine federally recognized Indian tribes in Oregon. Requires the tribes to agree to use the Chemawa Indian School property only for their educational or cultural benefit, or for other purposes that are authorized by the Chemawa Indian School Board of Trustees (Board) and approved by the Secretary. Prohibits gaming on such lands. Directs the Secretary to establish the Board, which is to be composed of nine trustees appointed by the tribes and two adjunct trustee advisors appointed by the Secretary. Authorizes the Board to assume operation of the Chemawa Indian School or use the trust land for purposes authorized by this Act if it enters into a self-determination or self-governance agreement with the Secretary regarding such assumption or use. Requires the Board to use land occupied by the Chemawa Indian School for the collective benefit of the Oregon tribes, if the Secretary certifies that it is no longer needed for Indian education.

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend the reduced interest rate for Federal Direct Stafford Loans.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2012

Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make the 3.4% interest rate on Direct Stafford loans first disbursed to undergraduate students between July 1, 2011, and July 1, 2012, applicable to Direct Stafford loans first disbursed to undergraduate students on or after July 1, 2012.

Currency Optimization, Innovation, and National Savings Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2012

Currency Optimization, Innovation, and National Savings Act - Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve Board) to sequester all $1 coins bearing the design common to those $1 coins minted and issued from 1979-1981 and again in 1999. Allows the release of such sequestered coins to collectible coin dealers and countries that have adopted the U.S. dollar as their base unit of exchange. Directs the Federal Reserve Board to: (1) undertake efforts to improve, and remove barriers to, the circulation of all other $1 coins; and (2) work with the U.S. Mint, consumer groups, media outlets, and schools to publicize the Presidential $1 Coin Program. Declares it is U.S. policy that after consumers and retailers are comfortable using and able to obtain adequate supplies of $1 coins, such $1 coins should replace $1 Federal Reserve notes as the only $1 monetary unit issued and circulated by the Federal Reserve System.

Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2012

Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make matching demonstration grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) in which the student-to-school nurse ratio in each of their public elementary and secondary schools is 750 or more students to every school nurse to reduce such ratio. Gives grant priority to LEAs that serve a high number or percentage of impoverished students and demonstrate the greatest need for new or additional nursing services for their students.

A resolution recognizing the goals of National Catholic Schools Week and honoring the valuable contributions of Catholic schools in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2012

Recognizes the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that recognizes the vital contributions of thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United States. Commends Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers for their ongoing contributions to education and the future of this country.

Growth to Excellence Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2012

Growth to Excellence Act of 2012 - Amends part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow states to measure student progress toward academic achievement standards using adaptive assessments that are computerized, aligned with grade-level academic content standards, and measure student growth above and below grade level. Allows states, upon the Secretary of Education's approval, to adopt an alternative accountability model requiring their local educational agencies (LEAs) and public elementary and secondary schools to achieve adequate student growth toward college and career readiness standards. Requires such states to: (1) adopt college and career ready academic content standards; (2) adopt college and career ready assessments that measure annual student growth in mathematics and reading or the language arts; (3) measure secondary school graduation rates; (4) assess at least two additional specified indicators of students' college or career readiness; and (5) require schools that do not meet adequate student growth targets to be categorized, provided with appropriate support, and subject to consequences that include intervention measures. Requires an alternative accountability model to establish annual progress targets for each school that: (1) aim to reduce by half, in less than six years, the difference between the percentage of students (overall and in specified student subgroups) at the top performing schools who meet the college and career readiness standards or make adequate student growth, and the percentage of such students at each school that is not a top performing school; (2) ensure that each student is making adequate yearly growth to be college and career ready by the end of the 2019-2020 school year; or (3) are calculated in another manner, but result in ambitious and achievable targets for students overall and in specified student subgroups. Requires annual progress targets for secondary schools that: (1) aim to reduce by half, in less than six years, the difference between the percentage of students (overall and in specified student subgroups) who graduate and 90%; or (2) establish another single graduation rate goal for each specified student subgroup that is ambitious and achievable. Requires states using an alternative accountability model to establish a system of categorization and related interventions and rewards that groups LEAs based on their schools' and students' annual progress toward such targets. Describes what shall be considered adequate student growth toward college and career readiness standards.

Honest Budget Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2012

Honest Budget Act of 2012 - Amends procedures in the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 that make it out of order in the Senate to consider appropriations legislation until the Senate agrees to a concurrent resolution on the budget. Permits waivers or suspension of such requirements, or successful appeals from a ruling of the Chair, by an affirmative vote of three-fifths (60) of the Senate. Makes it out of order in either chamber to consider certain bills, joint resolutions, or conference reports that designate as: (1) an emergency requirement any provision that creates discretionary or direct spending or decreases revenues, or (2) being for disaster relief. Requires an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members to successfully appeal a ruling of the Chair on a point of order against such a measure. Establishes a procedure for emergency designations by amendment. Makes it out of order in the House of Representatives to consider a rule or order that waives the application of such prohibitions against consideration of such measures or amendments. Amends the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (FCRA) to revise the budgetary treatment of federal direct loans and loan guarantees to account for them on a fair value basis (currently, a FCRA accrual basis). Expands such new budgetary treatment to financial investments beginning in FY2015. Defines "financial investment" as a federal government investment in any securities (debt or equity) or futures, swaps, or other derivatives, issued by a non-federal entity, regardless of whether the issuances are federally guaranteed, or issued by a federal entity if the issuance consists of marketable securities. Requires the President's budget: (1) from FY1992 on to reflect the Treasury discounting component of direct loan and loan guarantee programs; and (2) from FY2015 on to reflect the costs of direct loan, loan guarantee, and financial investment programs. Defines "Treasury discounting component" as the estimated long-term cost to the federal government of a direct loan, loan guarantee, or financial investment calculated on a net present value basis, excluding administrative costs and any incidental effects on governmental receipts or outlays. Revises other requirements for the President's budget including conditions for new direct loan obligations incurred and loan guarantee commitments made for FY1992 and thereafter, and new financial investment commitments for FY2015 and thereafter. Requires new budget authority for such loans or loan guarantee or financial investment commitments to be provided in advance in an appropriations Act. Exempts a direct loan or loan guarantee program that constitutes an entitlement (such as the guaranteed student loan program or the veteran's home loan guaranty program) as well as all existing credit programs of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) from: (1) the above requirement; and (2) the prohibition against modification of an outstanding direct loan, loan guarantee, or financial investment in a manner that increases its costs unless budget authority for the additional cost has been provided in advance in an appropriations Act. Revises requirements for Treasury transactions with financing accounts (nonbudget accounts associated with each program account which holds balances, receives the cost payment from the program account, and also includes all other cash flows to and from the federal government resulting from such obligations or commitments made on or after October 1, 1991). Limits the availability of amounts in liquidating accounts to specified payments resulting from direct loan obligations or loan guarantee commitments made before October 1, 1991. Prescribes requirements for consideration of legislation in both chambers after agreement on a budget resolution (in effect, extending a point of order against certain changes in mandatory programs to all such programs in appropriations bills). Prohibits the congressional budget committees from counting rescissions of budget authority that do not result in outlay savings over the period covered by a budget resolution when determining the levels of new budget authority, outlays, direct spending, new entitlement authority, and revenues for a fiscal year. Suspends within-grade step increases in the compensation of certain federal employees from the date of enactment of this Act until December 31, 2012. Makes it out of order in both chambers to consider any legislation that would provide an advance appropriation, except for specified programs or activities, including the Employment and Training Administration, education for the disadvantaged, Head Start, rental assistance, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and veterans' medical services. Allows: (1) waiver of this rule in either chamber by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Members; and (2) successful appeals in the Senate from the ruling of the Chair, only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths (60). Makes it out of order in the House, notwithstanding the allowance of such a waiver by the vote of a super-majority, to consider a rule or order that waives the application of such prohibition. Prohibits shifts in outlays or revenues from one year to another by a date change to act as an offset for other provisions that increase the deficit for a time period. Makes it out of order in the House to consider a rule or order that waives the application of such prohibition. Prescribes a budget scoring rule for transfers from the Treasury General Fund to the Highway Trust Fund that increase the level of indebtedness subject to the current applicable statutory public debt limit. Makes it out of order in the House to consider a rule or order that waives the application of such requirement.

American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2012

American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Alternative Transportation Account) equal to current federal highway funding levels for FY2013-FY2016 for: (1) certain core federal-aid highway programs, and (2) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administrative expenses. Authorizes appropriations out of the HTF Alternative Transportation Account equal to such levels for FY2013-FY2016 for certain other core federal-aid highway programs. Prescribes ceiling obligations for: (1) federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs, and (2) the Alternative Transportation Account. Directs the Secretary of Transportation of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to apportion the remainder of federal-aid highway funds to the states for the National Highway System (NHS), the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement (CMAQ), the surface transportation, and the highway safety improvement programs. Directs the Secretary to identify deficient highway bridges in each state and determine their replacement and rehabilitation costs. Requires states to develop and implement a risk-based state asset management plan identifying actions for the maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of NHS infrastructure and that lead to the achievement of the national goals for infrastructure condition and performance. Replaces the interstate maintenance program with the NHS program. Revises NHS program, surface transportation program, and CMAQ eligibility requirements. Revises formulae for the state apportionment of federal-aid highway funds in urbanized areas with populations over 200,000 as well as in other areas. Authorizes a state to obligate the apportionment of CMAQ funds for projects: (1) resulting in new capacity for single occupant vehicles only if it will contribute to the mitigation of congestion or improvement of air quality, and (2) for PM-10 nonattainment areas. Revises the equity bonus program. Requires the Secretary to ensure that a state's apportionment of funds for specified federal-aid highway programs is at least 94% (currently, 92%) of the amount obtained from a specified formula involving estimated highway use taxes paid into the HTF by a state. Reauthorizes and revises the emergency relief fund program. Revises program eligibility requirements to include the costs of debris removal as an eligible disaster project cost only in certain cases. Authorizes the Secretary to obligate fund amounts for the repair or reconstruction of disaster-affected tribal roads, federal lands highways, and other federally-owned roads open to public travel, whether or not they are federal-aid highways. Revises the apportionment of funds to states for the construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities (excluding ferry maintenance facilities). Revises the highway bridge program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) inventory all highway bridges and tunnels, (2) identify structurally deficient or functionally obsolete bridges or tunnels, (3) assign a risk-based priority for replacement or rehabilitation of each structurally deficient bridge or tunnel, (3) establish national inspection standards for evaluating all highway bridges and tunnels, and (4) establish a training program for highway bridge and tunnel inspectors. Makes 10% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds available only for National Highway System (NHS) bridge replacement projects. Amends the federal-aid highway program to modify the minimum penalties states are required to impose on motorists convicted multiple times for driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol. Requires repeat offenders to have: (1) all their driving privileges (currently, only a driver's license) suspended for at least one year; or (2) their unlimited driving privileges suspended for one year, with limited driving privileges permitted, if an ignition interlock device is installed for at least one year on each of the motor vehicles they own or operate. Amends the the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) to revise DOT's TIFIA program of direct loans, loan guarantees, and credit for surface transportation projects. Makes eligible for TIFIA program assistance: (1) a program of related transportation projects coordinated to achieve a common transportation goal and meet certain other requirements; and (2) a highway, transit, or pedestrian project that improves mobility within the station area of a transit, passenger rail, or intercity bus station. Authorizes a state, local government, state or local government agency, or public authority to apply to the Secretary for assistance under a master credit agreement. Requires the Secretary to establish procedures for processing such applications. Increases from 33% to 49% the maximum amount of direct loans, loan guarantees, and credit for project costs. Revises the state infrastructure bank program. Revises the toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries program. Allows a state, interstate compact of states, or public entity to: (1) reconstruct, restore, or rehabilitate a Interstate System (IS) high occupancy vehicle (HOV) highway, bridge, or tunnel toll facility over which it has jurisdiction provided certain requirements are met, and (2) levy tolls on vehicles (excluding HOVs). Requires all federal-aid highway toll facilities to implement technologies or business practices that provide for the interoperability of electronic toll collection programs. Revises the highway safety improvement program. Requires state strategic highway safety plans to be updated biannually and meet certain requirements. Prohibits a state from obligating highway safety improvement program funds to purchase, operate, or maintain an automated traffic enforcement system. Requires states to report to the Secretary on: (1) the 10 railway-highway crossings with the greatest need for safety improvement; and (2) an action plan that identifies projects to improve safety at those railway-highway crossings. Directs the Secretary to develop a five-year National Freight Policy for the expansion and improvement of freight transportation infrastructure in the United States. Requires the Secretary to encourage states to develop freight plans. Prescribes certain federal weight limitations requirements for trucks operating on the IS. Authorizes tribal transportation and federal lands transportation programs for various transportation planning and highway improvement projects. Repeals specified federal-aid highway programs. Authorizes the governor of a state to use the state's apportionment of federal-aid highway funds for the repair or replacement of transportation facilities in the event of an emergency. Directs the Secretary to conduct a survey to evaluate the capacity of each state to provide adequate parking and rest facilities for commercial motor vehicles. Encourages the Secretaries of Labor and of Education to use funds to develop training and employment education programs for transportation-related careers and trades. Public Transportation Act of 2012 - Revises capital investment grant requirements for new fixed-guideway capital projects. Requires the Secretary to enter into full funding grant agreements for new fixed-guideway capital projects under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) New Starts and Small Starts programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make bus and bus facilities formula grants to assist states and local governments in financing capital projects to: (1) replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment; and (2) construct bus-related facilities. Directs the Secretary to apportion a specified percentage of rural area formula grants to states to develop and support public transportation and intercity bus transportation in rural areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive coordinated access and mobility program formula grants to states, local governments, nonprofits organizations, or private operators of public transportation services for: (1) public transportation projects to meet the special needs of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities; (2) job access and reverse commute projects to transport welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals to and from jobs; and (3) new public transportation services and public transportation alternatives for individuals with disabilities. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake, or make grants and contracts for, programs that provide training and technical assistance to providers of public transportation services. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants or enter into contracts with a public university to establish a National Transit Institute to support training and educational programs for federal, state, and local transportation employees engaged in government-aid public transportation work. Revises the apportionment of appropriations for job access and reverse commute formula grants for certain urbanized areas with populations less than 200,000. Reauthorizes and revises the fixed guideway modernization program. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) formula and bus grants; (2) capital investment grants; (3) transit research, training and outreach, and technical assistance activities; and (4) administration. Prescribes procedures for expediting the environmental review of surface transportation projects. Revises and makes permanent the surface transportation project delivery pilot program. Requires the Secretary to establish an alternative relocation payment process for the payment of relocation assistance to persons displaced by federally-assisted programs and projects. Amends the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to provide increases in payments made by a displacing agency for: (1) relocation expenses for displaced farms, nonprofit organizations, or small businesses; and (2) replacement housing for displaced homeowners and certain other tenants. Revises metropolitan transportation planning requirements. Requires the designation of a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for an urbanized area with a population of more than 100,000 individuals. Requires MPOs, in cooperation with state and public transportation operators, to develop metropolitan long-range transportation plans and transportation improvement programs (TIPs) that provide for the development and operation of transportation systems and facilities (including environmental mitigation activities) for metropolitan planning areas (i.e. urbanized areas and nonattainment areas for ozone or carbon monoxide). Requires the Secretary to identify as a transportation management area each urbanized area with a population over 200,000 individuals. Requires the selection of congestion mitigation projects for a metropolitan planning area serving a transportation management area from an approved metropolitan long-range transportation plan and TIP. Requires states to develop statewide strategic long-range transportation plans and statewide TIPs. Directs the Secretary to develop a national strategic transportation plan for transportation projects (including major roadways, public transportation facilities, intercity bus facilities, multimodal and intermodal facilities, and intermodal connectors) that facilitate the development of: (1) a national transportation system, and (2) an integrated regional transportation system. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a national performance management system, and (2) certain core performance measures. Authorizes appropriations for NHTSA for: (1) highway safety programs, (2) the National Driver Register, and (3) administrative expenses. Revises highway safety program requirements. Revises the formula for the apportionment to states of highway safety funds to require specified percentages of funds going only to states that have enacted and are enforcing: (1) a primary safety belt use law, (2) an ignition interlock law, and (3) a graduated drivers licensing law. Directs the Secretary to require the governor of each state to develop for DOT approval a highway safety plan that includes: (1) certain quantifiable performance targets for traffic crashes and resulting fatalities and serious injuries; and (2) the state's strategy for using its funds apportionment for projects and activities that will allow the state to meet those performance targets. Repeals specified highway safety programs. Motor Carrier Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability Act of 2012 - Authorizes appropriations from the HTF (other than the Alternative Transportation Account) for FY2013-FY2016 for the Secretary to: (1) make grants to states for the development of commercial motor vehicle safety programs, and (2) pay administrative expense of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the commercial driver's license (CDL) improvement grant program, and (2) the commercial vehicle information systems and networks deployment grant program. Revises commercial motor vehicle registration requirements. Requires the Secretary to issue a distinctive registration number to persons registered to provide transportation or service as a motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker. Requires the Secretary to register a person to provide motor carrier services if, in addition to meeting other criteria, that person has also: (1) completed a DOT proficiency examination demonstrating knowledge of motor carrier safety regulations and requirements; (2) disclosed any relationship involving common stock, common ownership, common control, common management, or common familial relationship between the carrier and any other motor carrier in the three-years preceding the filing of an application for registration; and (3) been issued a DOT number. Authorizes the Secretary to register a person to provide transportation of household goods as a household goods motor carrier only after that person demonstrates: (1) the ability to comply with the DOT household goods consumer protection rules, and (2) knowledge of household goods motor carrier safety regulations and requirements through completion of a DOT proficiency examination. Requires the Secretary to register a person to provide service as a freight forwarder or to be a broker for transportation of property if that person is qualified by experience to act as one. Revises requirements for the registration as a motor carrier of freight forwarders and brokers. Authorizes the Secretary to deny, suspend, amend, or revoke the registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder for failure to disclose in its application a material fact with respect to its ability to comply with federal law, regulations, or a registration condition. Prohibits two or more employers from using common ownership, common management, common control, or common familial relationship to avoid compliance, or conceal noncompliance or a history of noncompliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations or a DOT order. Revises financial security requirements for brokers and freight forwarders. Authorizes the Secretary to register a person as a broker or freight forwarder only if that person files with the Secretary a surety bond, proof of trust fund, or other financial security (or combination of them) to ensure financial responsibility of $100,000. Prohibits certain persons, including certain ocean freight forwarders, customs brokers, or indirect air carriers holding an approved Standard Security Program from providing interstate brokerage services unless the person: (1) is registered and in compliance with federal broker registration requirements, and (2) has satisfied federal financial security requirements. Authorizes an employer (or employee) to operate a commercial motor vehicle only if that employer is registered by the Secretary and receives a DOT number. Requires the Secretary to administer a motor carrier safety assistance program to make grants to states to develop motor carrier safety improvement programs and enforce federal and state commercial motor vehicle safety and hazardous materials transportation safety regulations, standards, and orders. Requires state plans to establish performance targets for enforcement activities and other benchmarks to reduce commercial motor vehicle fatalities and crashes. Requires the Secretary to carry out a performance and registration information systems management program to link federal motor carrier safety information systems with state commercial vehicle registration and licensing systems. Revises commercial motor vehicle driver safety fitness requirements. Directs the Secretary to require a safety review of newly registered commercial motor vehicle owners or operators that: (1) transport hazardous materials (hazmat) within 9 months after the beginning of operations, and (2) transport passengers within 90 days after the beginning of operations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine the safety fitness and assign a rating for each registered motorcoach owner and operator; and (2) establish a process for monitoring regularly the safety performance of each owner or operator following the assignment of a rating. Revises medical examiner requirements. Requires the Secretary to establish a national registry of medical examiners. Requires a medical examiner to pass an examination developed by the Secretary in order to be listed in the national registry. Directs the Secretary to issue safety standards for new motorcoaches with respect to: (1) occupant protection systems (including seatbelts) to protect against collisions and rollovers, (2) roof strength, (3) fire prevention and mitigation, and (4) emergency passenger evacuation. Directs the Secretary to revise window glazing standards for new motorcoaches to prevent passenger ejection. Directs the Secretary to establish a national clearinghouse for verified positive alcohol and controlled substance test results and test refusals or failures to comply with testing program requirements. Prohibits an employer from hiring an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle or perform any other safety sensitive function unless the employer requests information from the clearinghouse that indicates, during the preceding three-year period, the individual: (1) did not violate testing program requirements; or (2) is eligible to return to safety sensitive duties, pursuant to an established return-to-duty process, after violating such requirements. Prescribes new and revises current penalties for violations of certain commercial motor vehicle drug and alcohol prohibitions and specified other requirements. Directs the Secretary to issue final regulations establishing minimum training requirements for commercial motor vehicle operators. Requires states to request information from the CDL information system concerning a CDL applicant from the drug and alcohol clearinghouse before renewing or issuing a CDL. Requires states to submit plans for complying with specified CDL program requirements to avoid the withholding of the state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds. Requires states to have approved CDL program plans to receive a CDL program improvement grant. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring individuals with class A CDLs to obtain a hazmat endorsement to operate a truck carrying diesel fuel of 1,000 gallons or less if: (1) the fuel tank is clearly marked with a placard reading "Diesel Fuel," and (2) the individual is acting within the scope of employment as an employee of certain farm-related service industries. Directs the Secretary to establish accelerated licensing procedures to assist veterans to acquire CDLs. Directs the Secretary to conduct a field study of the efficacy of FMCSA's 2011 restart rule (the 34-hours of service [HOS] restart rule) with respect to commercial motor vehicle operators subject to federal maximum driving time requirements. Requires any regulations the Secretary issues regarding electronic logging devices to monitor compliance with HOS requirements to include specified performance standards. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to extend through FY2017 FMCSA's Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee. Amends the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 to revise exemptions from federal maximum driving and on-duty time motor carrier regulations for drivers transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies during planting and harvest periods. Extends such exemptions to drivers transporting agricultural farm supplies between specified points within a 150-mile radius. Extends these exemptions also to drivers transporting grapes: (1) during a harvest period, and (2) to an area within 175 air-miles radius from the location where the grapes are picked or distributed. Exempts certain covered farm vehicles from commercial motor vehicle safety requirements relating to CDLs, drug testing, medical certificates, and HOS. Requires the Comptroller General to study the impact of federal motor carrier safety regulations on small trucking companies. Directs the Secretary to issue a rule to improve the daytime and nighttime visibility of agricultural equipment that may be operated on a public road. Prohibits the transportation of horses in a motor vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of each other. Authorizes appropriations for FY2013 and FY2016 for specified transportation research and education programs. Replaces the Surface Transportation Research Program with the Surface Transportation Research, Development, and Technology Program. Replaces the National Technology Deployment Program with the Research and Development Program. Authorizes the Secretary to establish centers for surface transportation excellence. Directs the Secretary to carry out a technology and innovation deployment program. Revises the intelligent transportation system (ITS) program. Directs the Secretary to carry out an ITS program to research and develop intelligent vehicles and intelligent infrastructure systems for application to U.S. surface transportation systems. Repeals the national university transportation centers grant program, as well as grants to specified Tier II centers. Extends the regional university transportation research center grant program through FY2013-FY2016. Repeals or revises certain intercity passenger rail capital grant programs. Amends the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to authorize appropriations for FY2012-FY2013 for National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) operations. Prohibits Amtrak from using federal funds to hire or contract with any outside legal professional to pursue any cause of action in federal or state court against a passenger rail service provider, including any action against a provider arising from a competitive bid process in which Amtrak and the provider participated. Allows Amtrak to provide food and beverage service on its trains only if the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) selects a qualified bidder whose bid would result in the lowest cost, or the greatest source of revenue, to Amtrak. (Under current law, Amtrak may provide such services on its trains only if revenues from the services each year at least equal the cost of providing them.) Authorizes the FRA to exempt Amtrak from such requirement if no qualified bidder responds to FRA requests for proposals. Prescribes an environmental review process for freight or intercity passenger rail capital project development decisionmaking. Authorizes the federal lead agency (DOT), at project sponsor request, to adopt and use a planning product (decisionmaking process) that integrates the planning and environmental review process of a rail project in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) proceedings. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to eliminate duplicative state and federal environmental reviews and approvals of rail projects. Directs the Secretary to treat a rail project as a class of action categorically excluded (because not involving significant environmental impact) from environmental review requirements promulgated by the Council on Environmental Quality, if specified circumstances apply. Directs the Secretary to carry out a rail project delivery program. Makes high-speed rail facilities eligible for railroad rehabilitation and improvement direct loans and loan guarantees. Requires the Secretary to give priority to projects that enhance the installation of positive train control systems. Revises the railroad safety risk reduction program. Extends from December 31, 2015, to December 31, 2020, the deadline for submission to DOT by each Class I railroad carrier and each entity providing regularly scheduled intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation of a plan for implementing a positive train control system on certain of its tracks. Authorizes such plans, in lieu of installing positive train control, to provide an alternative risk reduction strategy that would reduce the risk of release of poison- or toxic-by-inhalation hazmat to the same extent such risk of release would be reduced if positive train control were installed. Prescribes requirements for improving regulations issued by Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Hazardous Material Transportation Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability Act of 2012 - Revises hazmat transportation safety requirements. Eliminates training grants for training instructors to train hazmat employees in the safe loading, unloading, handling, storing, and transporting of hazmat. Directs the Secretary to review implementation of the hazmat safety permit program. Authorizes the Secretary to make hazmat planning and training grants to states or Indian tribes in a fiscal year only if they certify that they are in compliance with certain fairness requirements for fees charged to transport hazmat. Prohibits the Secretary from denying an application for a modification or renewal of a special permit granting a variance from regulations for the safe transport of hazmat, or an application for party status to an existing special permit, for the sole reason that the applicant has a greater than national average hazmat out-of-service percentage. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to implement the Uniform Motor Carrier Permit Program. Authorizes a designated DOT officer, employee, or agent to inspect a package for transportation if the officer, employee, or agent reasonably believes that the package may contain an undeclared hazmat and the inspection takes place at a properly equipped DOT-designated facility. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 for specified hazmat transportation safety programs. Directs the Secretary to establish pilot projects to evaluate the feasibility and cost effectiveness of electronic shipping paper systems. Requires DOT studies: (1) of the transportation of flammable liquids in the external product piping of cargo tank motor vehicles (wetlines); and (2) on whether it is necessary to continue to designate any amount or form of finished pharmaceutical, finished cosmetic, or similar product containing ethyl alcohol as a hazmat. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is not being used for its intended purpose, (2) the Administration should request full use of the Fund for operating and maintaining the nation's navigation system, and (3) Congress should fully expend amounts in the Fund to operate and maintain such system. Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2012 - Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to continue through FY2016 the authorized distribution of funds under such Act for coastal wetlands, recreational boating safety, projects under the Clean Vessel Act of 19921, boating infrastructure projects, and the National Outreach and Communications Program. Extends the set-aside for administrative expenses for carrying out such projects. Earmarks amounts allocated to the Secretary for recreational boating safety programs for: (1) payment of expenses of the Coast Guard for personnel and related activities, and (2) National Boating Safety Advisory Council activities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2016 authority for expenditures from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012 - Amends the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II to continue through FY2012, and authorizes appropriations through that date for, specified federal-aid highway programs under SAFETEA-LU, the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections Act of 2008, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Includes among extended funds those for: (1) the surface transportation research, development, and deployment program; (2) training and education; (3) the Bureau of Transportation Statistics; (4) university transportation research; and (5) intelligent transportation systems (ITS) research. Subjects funding for such programs generally to the same manner of distribution, administration, limitation, and availability for obligation as funds authorized to be appropriated for such programs and activities out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for FY2011. Subjects contract authority for such programs, however, to the same limitation on obligations included in any Act making appropriations for FY2012 or a portion of that fiscal year. Waives this obligation limitation, though, for emergency relief and for the equity bonus program. Extends the allocation of certain transportation program funds to: (1) states for specific programs, including the Interstate and National Highway System program, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program, the highway safety improvement program, the Surface Transportation program, and the Highway Bridge program; and (2) the territories and Puerto Rico. Authorizes appropriations for administrative expenses of the federal-aid highway program through FY2012. Amends SAFETEA-LU to extend through that date the authorization of appropriations for specified NHTSA safety programs and FMCSA programs (including NHTSA and FMCSA administrative expenses). Extends through FY2012 the funding for hazmat research projects. Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to continue through that date the authorized distribution of funds under such Act for coastal wetlands, recreational boating safety, projects under the Clean Vessel Act of 19921, boating infrastructure projects, and the National Outreach and Communications Program. Extends the set-aside for administrative expenses for carrying out such projects. Extends through FY2012 the allocation of capital investment grant funds for federal transit programs, including the metropolitan planning program and the state planning and research program. Extends the special rule authority of the Secretary to award urbanized area formula grants to finance the operating cost of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation in an urbanized area with a population of at least 200,000. Allocates through FY2012 certain amounts for formula and bus grants and capital investment grants for: (1) certain new fixed guideway capital projects; (2) new fixed guideway ferry systems and extension projects in Alaska and Hawaii; (3) payments to the Denali Commission for docks, waterfront development projects, and related transportation infrastructure; (4) ferry boats or ferry terminal facilities; (5) a set-aside for the national fuel cell bus technology development program; (6) projects in nonurbanized areas; (7) intermodal terminal projects; and (8) bus testing. Extends the apportionment of nonurbanized area formula grants for public transportation on Indian reservations. Eliminates the special rule for the apportionment for October 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012, of capital investment grant funds for certain fixed guideway modernization projects. Extends through FY2012 the authorization appropriations from the HTF Mass Transit Account for: (1) formula and bus grant projects, (2) capital investment grants, (3) transit research, and (4) administration expenses. Extends through FY2012 certain SAFETEA-LU programs, including: (1) the contracted paratransit pilot program, (2) the public-private partnership pilot program, (3) project authorizations for final design and construction and preliminary engineering of specified fixed guideway projects, and (4) the elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities pilot program. Extends certain allocations for national research and technology programs.

Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2012

Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit any guideline or regulation issued relating to the coverage of preventive health services under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) or any other provision of PPACA to: (1) require any individual or entity to offer, provide, or purchase coverage for a contraceptive or sterilization service, or related education or counseling, to which that individual or entity is opposed on the basis of religious belief; or (2) require any individual or entity opposed by reason of religious belief to provide coverage of a contraceptive or sterilization service or to engage in government-mandated speech regarding such a service. Declares that nothing in PPACA and no regulations or guidelines issued under PPACA shall be construed to authorize the imposition of a sanction or otherwise disadvantage an individual or entity on the basis of a religiously based decision made by that individual or entity to not offer, provide, or purchase coverage for a contraceptive or sterilization service, or to engage in a government-mandated speech regarding such service.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of January 28, 2012, as "National Data Privacy Day".

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2012

Expresses support for the designation of January 28, 2012, as National Data Privacy Day. Encourages: (1) state and local governments to observe the day with appropriate activities and initiatives that raise awareness about data privacy; (2) privacy professionals and educators to discuss data privacy and security with teens and young adults in schools across the United States; (3) corporations to take steps to protect the privacy and security of the personal information of their clients and consumers, design data privacy into products, and promote trust in technologies; and (4) individuals to learn about data privacy and the specific steps they can take to protect personal information.

DRIVES Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2012

Driving Research through Innovative Viable Economic Solutions Act of 2012 or DRIVES Act of 2012 - Amends federal transportation law related to: (1) surface transportation research, (2) technology deployment, (3) transportation training and education, (4) intelligent transportation systems, (5) University Transportation Centers, and (6) the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Reauthorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for up to 80% of the costs of those programs and entities for FY2013-FY2016. Allows the Secretary to carry out surface transportation research and development activities to: (1) improve highway safety; (2) improve infrastructure integrity; (3) reduce congestion, improve highway operations, and enhance freight productivity; and (4) assess policy and system financing alternatives. Eliminates the Long-Term Pavement Performance, Seismic Research, and Long-Term Bridge Performance programs. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) implement a competitive prize program to stimulate surface transportation innovations, and (2) establish up to four Centers for Surface Transportation Excellence to assist states in implementing surface transportation programs. Requires the Secretary to implement a technology deployment program relating to all aspects of highway transportation. Eliminates the Innovative Bridge Research and Construction, Innovative Pavement Research and Deployment, and Safety Innovation Deployment programs. Directs the Secretary to implement the recommendations of the Future Strategic Highway Research program administered by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Sets the federal share of the costs of local technical assistance center activities at 50%. Requires amounts provided to institutions of higher education (IHEs) under the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship program to be used for student expenses. Eliminates the authority of states to use for surface transportation workforce development, training, and education certain federal funds they received to maintain the Interstate Highway System or replace or rehabilitate highway bridges. Repeals the International Highway Transportation Outreach and Surface Transportation-Environmental Cooperative Research programs. Requires the Secretary to develop a strategic five-year plan to guide federal transportation research and development activities. Repeals the National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research and Future Strategic Highway Research programs. Requires the Secretary to develop a five-year National Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) program plan. Amends SAFETEA-LU to require the Secretary to ensure that ITS programs conform with regional ITS architecture and standards. Authorizes the Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, with a 50% federal share, to carry out collaborative research and development with non-federal entities, federal laboratories, and other federal agencies. Revises the university transportation centers program to establish competitive grants to IHEs to establish and operate university transportation centers for 65% of the costs to: (1) improve highway safety; (2) improve infrastructure integrity; (3) reduce congestion, improve highway operations, and enhance freight productivity; and (4) assess policy and system financing alternatives.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend the reduced interest rate for Federal Direct Stafford Loans.

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2012

Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make the 3.4% interest rate on Direct Stafford loans first disbursed to undergraduate students between July 1, 2011, and July 1, 2012, applicable to Direct Stafford loans first disbursed to undergraduate students on or after July 1, 2012.

Deborah S. Delisle, of South Carolina, to be Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Education, vice Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana.

United States · United States Senate · 24 January 2012

After School for America's Children Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2012

After School for America's Children Act of 2012 - Amends the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program under part B of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). (21st Century Community Learning Centers provide students with before and afterschool programs to improve their academic performance.) Requires the Centers to provide: (1) students with activities that are targeted to their academic needs and aligned with the instruction they receive during the school day, and (2) students' families with opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children's education. Includes Indian tribes or organizations among the local public or private entities that are eligible for grants from states to establish the Centers. Requires states to use at least 93% (currently 95%) of their allotment from the Secretary of Education to provide grants to those entities. Allows states to use up to 5% (currently, 3%) of their allotment for certain state activities. Requires states to use a rigorous peer review process in reviewing grant applications. Allows states to renew a grant under part B based on the grantee's performance during the original grant period. Prohibits the Secretary or states from giving funding priority to applicants that propose to use the funds to extend the regular school day. Includes among the activities grants may fund: (1) core academic subject education activities, including those that allow students to recover or attain credits; (2) literacy education programs; (3) programs that support a healthy, active lifestyle; (4) services for the disabled; (5) programs that support global education and competence; (6) social and emotional learning programming; and (7) programs that build science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills and support innovative STEM teaching methods. Reauthorizes the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program through FY2017.

ARMS Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2012

Adjusted Residency for Military Service Act or the ARMS Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional nonimmigrant status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her 16th birthday and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding this Act's enactment; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; (4) has not participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; (5) has not been convicted of certain offenses under federal or state law; (6) has been admitted to an institution of higher education or has earned a high school diploma or general education development certificate in the United States; (7) has never been under a final order of exclusion, deportation, or removal unless the alien has remained in the United States under color of law after such order's issuance, or received the order before attaining the age of 16; and (8) was under age 30 on the date of this Act's enactment. Authorizes the Secretary to waive specified grounds of inadmissibility or deportability for humanitarian, family unity, or public interest purposes. Provides for a $525 application surcharge (in addition to other applicable application fees). Requires an alien to apply for cancellation of removal and conditional nonimmigrant status within one year after the later of: (1) earning a high school diploma or general education development certificate in the United States, or (2) the effective date of related interim regulations. Requires prior to cancellation of removal or granting of conditional nonimmigrant status: (1) an alien to submit biometric and biographic data, and (2) completion of security and law enforcement background checks. Requires an alien applying for relief to: (1) register under the Military Selective Service Act if so required, and (2) undergo a medical examination. Prohibits the Secretary from removing an alien with a pending application who establishes prima facie eligibility for cancellation of removal and conditional nonimmigrant status. Establishes an initial five-year period of conditional nonimmigrant status which shall include employment and military enlistment authorization. Terminates such status if the alien: (1) fails to be accepted for enlistment within nine months of receiving conditional nonimmigrant status; (2) becomes a public charge; (3) receives a dishonorable or other than honorable military discharge; or (4) ceases to be a person of good moral character, becomes inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds, has participated in racial, religious, social, or political persecution, or has been convicted of certain federal or state offenses. Extends such conditional status for an additional five-year period if the alien: (1) has demonstrated good moral character; (2) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds, has not participated in racial, religious, social, or political persecution, and has not been convicted of certain federal or state offenses; (3) has not abandoned U.S. residency; and (4) has served as a member of a regular or reserve component of the Armed Forces on active duty for at least two years or as a member of a reserve component in active status for at least four years, and, if discharged, received an honorable discharge. Provides for a $2,000 extension application surcharge (in addition to other applicable application fees). Authorizes a conditional nonimmigrant to file an application to adjust his or her status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Requires such application to be filed during the period beginning on the date of extension and ending on either the date that is 10 years after the date of the granting of initial conditional nonimmigrant status or any other expiration date as extended by the Secretary. Requires such application to show that the alien: (1) has demonstrated good moral character; (2) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds, has not participated in racial, religious, social, or political persecution, and has not been convicted of certain federal or state offenses; (3) has not abandoned U.S. residency; and (4) if granted a hardship exception with respect to extension of conditional status, has subsequently complied with the appropriate requirements. Requires an alien, prior to adjusting from conditional to permanent resident status, to: (1) satisfy citizenship and federal tax requirements, (2) submit biometric and biographic data, and (3) have had security and law enforcement background checks completed. Authorizes an alien who adjusts to permanent resident status (and meets other specified requirements) to apply after three years in such status for naturalization. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to cancel removal and grant conditional nonimmigrant status to an alien who has satisfied the conditional status requirements prior to enactment of this Act, and (2) an alien who has met the appropriate requirements during the entire period of conditional nonimmigrant status to apply for permanent resident status. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) jurisdiction of the Secretary and the Attorney General (DOJ), (2) penalties for false application statements, (3) confidentiality of information, (4) military enlistment, and (5) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.

Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2012

Expresses support for the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to recognize the vital contributions of the thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in this country. Applauds the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on their selection of a theme that all can celebrate.

Expressing support for designation of the week of February 6 through February 10, 2012, as "National School Counseling Week".

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2012

Honors the contributions of school counselors to the success of students in our elementary and secondary schools. Encourages the observation of National School Counseling Week with ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the crucial role school counselors play in preparing students for fulfilling lives as contributing members of society.

POST Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2012

Protecting Our Students and Taxpayers Act or POST Act - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require proprietary institutions of higher education to derive at least 15% of their revenue from sources other than federal funds or become ineligible for title IV funding. (Currently, the 90/10 rule requires these schools to derive at least 10% of their revenue from sources other than title IV or become ineligible for title IV funding.) Defines "federal funds" as federal financial assistance provided through a grant, contract, subsidy, loan, guarantee, insurance, or other means to a proprietary institution, including federal financial assistance that is provided to an institution on behalf of a student or to a student to attend the institution. Excludes monthly housing stipends provided under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance program from consideration as federal funds. Limits what a proprietary institution may treat as revenue to the school in calculating whether it derives at least 15% of its revenue from non-federal funds.

Investing for Tomorrow's Schools Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2012

Investing for Tomorrow's Schools Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into cooperative agreements with states to establish state and multistate infrastructure banks that make loans to local educational agencies, public libraries, and charter schools or their developers to construct or renovate public elementary or secondary schools and public libraries. Grants congressional consent to states for interstate compacts to establish multistate infrastructure banks. Directs the Secretary to make grants to such banks to provide initial capital for such loans. Requires states to contribute from nonfederal sources at least 25% of the amount of each federal capitalization grant made to the state and contributed to the bank. Lists types of projects eligible for such bank loans. Requires borrowers to use, to the maximum extent practicable, green construction or renovation practices that are consistent with: (1) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating standards, (2) Energy Star standards, (3) Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) criteria, (4) Green Building Initiative environmental design and rating standards (Green Globes), or (5) equivalent standards adopted by the entities that have jurisdiction over them.

Improving Cancer Treatment Education Act of 2012

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2012

Improving Cancer Treatment Education Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, to provide for Medicare coverage of comprehensive cancer patient treatment education services. Expresses the sense of Congress wih respect to continued support by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the area of symptom management and the role of nurses in providing those interventions. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the NIH Director to expand, intensify, and coordinate programs for the conduct and support of research with respect to: (1) improving the treatment and management of symptoms and side effects associated with cancer and cancer treatment, and (2) evaluating the role of nursing interventions in the amelioration of such symptoms and side effects.

SKILLS Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2012

Strengthening Kids' Interest in Learning and Libraries Act or SKILLS Act - Amends part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require the inclusion of effective school library programs in school improvement programs. Defines an "effective school library program" as one that: (1) is staffed by a state sanctioned school librarian; (2) has up-to-date materials and technology, including broadband; (3) includes regular collaboration between teachers and school librarians concerning school reform efforts; and (4) supports the development of digital literacy skills. Replaces the existing program under subpart 4 (Improving Literacy Through School Libraries) of part B of title I of the ESEA with a new program (Improving Literacy and College and Career Readiness Through Effective School Library Programs) awarding competitive three-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to develop and enhance effective school library programs. Makes LEAs eligible for such grants only if at least 20% of their students are impoverished. Amends part A (Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund) of title II of the ESEA to rename part A the Teacher, School Librarian, and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund. Requires states and LEAs to use funds under the program to train school librarians, and recruit and retain highly effective school librarians.