Summary:
Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act

This bill authorizes the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to promulgate regulations to implement and enforce the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, done at Cape Town, South Africa, on February 2, 2001.

This bill authorizes USFWS and NMFS to take action to conserve albatrosses and petrels, including to:

 reestablish albatrosses and petrels; prevent the introduction of, eradicate, or control invasive and nonnative species that have or may have an adverse effect on albatrosses and petrels; conserve, protect, and restore breeding sites; undertake measures for the conservation and protection of albatross and petrel habitat and other marine habitats that provide food for albatrosses and petrels; undertake scientific research to assess the effects of pollutants and marine debris on albatrosses and petrels; develop and implement measures to prevent, minimize, or mitigate the taking or disturbance of albatrosses and petrels in U.S. waters or by U.S. vessels; develop and undertake measures to minimize the bycatch of albatrosses and petrels; and share information on the conservation status of albatrosses and petrels, the threats facing albatrosses and petrels, and any actions taken under this bill. This bill prohibits the taking of an albatross or petrel without a permit, authorization, or exemption. USFWS, in consultation with NMFS, may authorize the taking of an albatross or petrel under exceptional circumstances or incidental to otherwise lawful activities.

This bill gives the USFWS, the NMFS, and the Coast Guard authority to enforce this bill.

This bill authorizes cooperation with other countries to achieve and maintain a favorable conservation status of albatrosses and petrels.

conservation act bill authorizes united_states fish_and_wildlife_service usfws national_marine_fisheries_service promulgate regulations implement enforce agreement conservation cape town south_africa february bill authorizes usfws action conserve including reestablish prevent introduction eradicate control invasive nonnative species adverse effect conserve protect restore breeding sites undertake measures conservation protection habitat marine habitats provide food undertake scientific research assess effects pollutants marine debris develop implement measures prevent minimize mitigate taking disturbance waters vessels develop undertake measures minimize share information conservation status threats facing actions taken bill bill prohibits taking permit authorization exemption usfws consultation authorize taking exceptional circumstances incidental lawful activities bill gives usfws coast_guard authority enforce bill bill authorizes cooperation countries achieve maintain favorable conservation status


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 6, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Ensuring Access to Pacific Fisheries Act

TITLE I--NORTH PACIFIC FISHERIES CONVENTION IMPLEMENTATION

This bill authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to promulgate regulations to implement U.S. participation in the North Pacific Fisheries Convention and South Pacific Fisheries Convention. These conventions are designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources and marine ecosystems in the North Pacific and South Pacific Ocean of the United States.

(Sec. 102) The United Statesmust be represented by five commissioners on the North Pacific Fisheries Commission.

(Sec. 103)The Department of State has the authority to receive and transmit various communications concerning the North Pacific commission.

(Sec. 104)The bill details NOAA's authority in implementing this bill and measures adopted by the commission.

(Sec.105)NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are required to administer and enforce this bill.

(Sec. 106)This bill lists 15 fishing and shipping activities that are prohibited in the North Pacific Ocean.

(Sec. 107)NOAA may cooperate with public and private institutions in the United Statesand abroad to carry out this bill. Federal agencies are authorized to cooperate with NOAA in conducting research and providing facilities and personnel to assist the commission.

(Sec.108)The State Department must ensure that American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands participate with the commission in the same manner as territories of other nations.

(Sec. 109)Operators of commercial fishing vessels that do not carry vessel monitoring systems capable of communicating with U.S. enforcement authorities must ensure that all fishing gear is stowed below deck and not readily available for fishing.

TITLE II--IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGH SEAS FISHERY RESOURCES IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

(Sec.202)The United States must be represented by no more than three commissioners on the Commission of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization.

(Sec.203)The State Department has the authority to receive and transmit various communications concerning the South Pacific commission, and can approve or disapprove bylaws and rules adopted by the commission.

(Sec.204)This bill details NOAA's authority in implementing this bill and measures adopted by the commission.

(Sec.205)NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are required to administer and enforce this bill.

(Sec.206)This bill lists 14 fishing and shipping activities that are prohibited in the South Pacific Ocean.

(Sec. 207)NOAA may cooperate with public and private institutions in the United Statesand abroad to carry out this bill. Federal agencies are authorized to cooperate with NOAA in conducting research and providing facilities and personnel to assist the commission.

(Sec.208)The State Department must ensure that American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands participate with the commission in the same manner as territories of other nations.

(Sec. 209)Operators of commercial fishing vessels that do not carry vessel monitoring systems capable of communicating with U.S. enforcement authorities must ensure that all fishing gear is stowed below deck and not readily available for fishing.

TITLE III--WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC FISHERIES COMMISSION

(Sec. 301)The bill also amends the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act to include commercial fishing as practical experience the President must consider when selecting a commissioner for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. The advisory committee is required to submit agenda recommendations at least 30 days prior to the annual Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting. The recommendations must be considered in formulating the U.S. position for meetings and negotiations. In addition, NOAA must conduct negotiations to secure agreements with other nations to ensure access and equal treatment of United States fishing boats in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean while taking conservation and management measures into consideration.

TITLE IV--ILLEGAL, UNREGULATED, AND UNREPORTED FISHING

(Sec. 401)The bill amends the High Seas Drifnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to direct NOAA to submit a biennial report on international compliance with fishery agreements to Congress by June 1 of the submission year.

TITLE V--NORTHWEST ATLANTIC FISHERIES CONVENTION AMENDMENTS ACT

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Amendments Act

(Sec. 509)The bill amends the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995 to repeal the provisions requiring NOAA to establish and report a new fishing quota allocation practice in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean.

measure amended reported house september summary version repeated ensuring access pacific fisheries act title north pacific fisheries convention implementation bill authorizes national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa promulgate regulations implement participation north pacific fisheries convention south pacific fisheries convention conventions designed ensure long term conservation sustainable use fishery resources marine ecosystems north pacific south pacific_ocean united_states sec united represented commissioners north pacific fisheries commission sec department_of_state authority receive transmit communications concerning north pacific commission sec bill details noaa authority implementing bill measures adopted commission coast_guard required administer enforce bill sec bill lists fishing shipping activities prohibited north pacific_ocean sec cooperate public private institutions united abroad carry bill federal agencies authorized cooperate noaa conducting research providing facilities personnel assist commission state_department ensure american_samoa guam commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands participate commission manner territories nations sec commercial fishing vessels carry vessel monitoring systems capable communicating enforcement authorities ensure fishing gear deck readily available fishing title implementation convention conservation management high seas fishery resources south pacific_ocean united_states represented commissioners commission south pacific regional fisheries management organization state_department authority receive transmit communications concerning south pacific commission approve disapprove bylaws rules adopted commission bill details noaa authority implementing bill measures adopted commission coast_guard required administer enforce bill bill lists fishing shipping activities prohibited south pacific_ocean sec cooperate public private institutions united abroad carry bill federal agencies authorized cooperate noaa conducting research providing facilities personnel assist commission state_department ensure american_samoa guam commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands participate commission manner territories nations sec commercial fishing vessels carry vessel monitoring systems capable communicating enforcement authorities ensure fishing gear deck readily available fishing title iii western central pacific fisheries commission sec bill amends western central pacific fisheries convention implementation act include commercial fishing practical experience president consider selecting commissioner western central pacific fisheries commission advisory_committee required submit agenda recommendations days prior annual western central pacific fisheries commission meeting recommendations considered formulating position meetings negotiations addition noaa conduct negotiations secure agreements nations ensure access equal treatment united_states fishing boats western central pacific_ocean taking conservation management measures consideration title illegal unregulated unreported fishing sec bill amends high seas fishing moratorium protection act direct noaa submit biennial report international compliance fishery agreements congress june submission year title northwest atlantic fisheries convention amendments act northwest atlantic fisheries convention amendments act sec bill amends northwest atlantic fisheries convention act repeal provisions requiring noaa establish report new fishing quota allocation practice atlantic_ocean


Summary:
Protecting Girls' Access to Education in Vulnerable Settings Act

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that it is critical to ensure that children, particularly girls, displaced by conflicts overseas are able to receive a quality education and that the educational needs of women and girls are considered in implementing U.S. foreign assistance policies and programs.

The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) may advance programs that:

 provide safe, quality, primary and secondary education for displaced children; build the capacity of institutions in countries hosting displaced people to prevent displaced children from facing educational discrimination; and help increase the access of displaced children, especially girls, to educational, economic, and entrepreneurial opportunities. The State Department and USAID may:

 coordinate with multilateral organizations to work with foreign governments to implement programs and policies that collect data disaggregated by sex and age on displaced people; and work with domestic and foreign private sector and civil society organizations to promote safe, quality, primary and secondary education for displaced children.

protecting girls access education vulnerable settings act bill expresses sense congress critical ensure children particularly girls displaced conflicts overseas able receive quality education educational needs women girls considered implementing foreign assistance policies programs department_of_state agency international_development usaid advance programs provide safe quality primary secondary education displaced children build capacity institutions countries hosting displaced people prevent displaced children facing educational discrimination help increase access displaced children especially girls educational economic entrepreneurial opportunities state_department usaid coordinate multilateral organizations work foreign governments implement programs policies collect data disaggregated sex age displaced people work domestic foreign private sector civil society organizations promote safe quality primary secondary education displaced children


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Ensuring Access to Pacific Fisheries Act

TITLE I--NORTH PACIFIC FISHERIES

Subtitle A--North Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation

 (Sec.102)This bill authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to promulgate regulations to implement U.S. participation in the North Pacific Fisheries Convention. The convention is designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources and marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean.

 The United Statesmust be represented by five commissioners on the North Pacific Fisheries Commission.

Additionally, a permanent advisory committee is established, which shall be comprised of 11 members. Advisory committee members shall represent groups concerned with fishery resources covered by the North Pacific Fisheries Convention.

(Sec. 103)The Department of State has the authority to receive and transmit various communications concerning the North Pacific commission, and can approve or disapprove bylaws and rules adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 104) The bill details NOAA's authority in implementing this bill and measures adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 105)NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are required to administer and enforce this bill.

(Sec. 106)This bill lists 15 fishing and shipping activities that are prohibited in the North Pacific Ocean.

(Sec. 107)NOAA may cooperate with public and private institutions in the United Statesand abroad to carry out this bill. Federal agencies are authorized to cooperate with NOAA in conducting research and providing facilities and personnel to assist the commission.

(Sec. 108)The State Department must ensure that American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands participate with the commission in the same manner as territories of other nations.

(Sec. 109)Operators of commercial fishing vessels that do not carry vessel monitoring systems capable of communicating with U.S. enforcement authorities must ensure that all fishing gear is stowed below deck and not readily available for fishing.

Subtitle B--Miscellaneous

(Sec.121)The State Department may pay the necessary travel expenses of the advisory panel and commission.NOAA may reimburse the State Department for such expenses.

TITLE II--IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGH SEAS FISHERY RESOURCES IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

(Sec.202)The bill authorizes NOAA to promulgate regulations to implement U.S. participation in the South Pacific Fisheries Convention. The convention is designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources and marine ecosystems in the South Pacific Ocean.

The United Statesmust be represented by no more than three commissioners on the Commission of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation.

Additionally, a permanent advisory committee is established, which shall be comprised of seven members. Advisory committee members shall represent groups concerned with fishery resources covered by the South Pacific Fisheries Convention.

(Sec. 203)The State Department has the authority to receive and transmit various communications concerning the South Pacific commission, and can approve or disapprove bylaws and rules adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 204) The bill details NOAA's authority in implementing this bill and measures adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 205)NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are required to administer and enforce this bill.

(Sec. 206)This bill lists 14 fishing and shipping activities that are prohibited in the South Pacific Ocean.

(Sec. 207)NOAA may cooperate with public and private institutions in the United Statesand abroad to carry out this bill. Federal agencies are authorized to cooperate with NOAA in conducting research and providing facilities and personnel to assist the commission.

(Sec. 208)The State Department must ensure that American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands participate with the commission in the same manner as territories of other nations.

(Sec. 209)Operators of commercial fishing vessels that do not carry vessel monitoring systems capable of communicating with U.S. enforcement authorities must ensure that all fishing gear is stowed below deck and not readily available for fishing.

TITLE III--WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC FISHERIES COMMISSION

(Sec.301)The bill also amends the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act to include commercial fishing as practical experience the President should consider when selecting a commissioner for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. The advisory committee is required to submit agenda recommendations at least 30 days prior to the annual Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting. The recommendations must be considered in formulating the U.S. position for meetings and negotiations. In addition, NOAA should conduct negotiations to secure agreements with other nations to ensure access and equal treatment of United States fishing boats in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean while taking conservation and management measures into consideration.

TITLE IV--ILLEGAL, UNREGULATED, AND UNREPORTED FISHING

(Sec.401)The bill amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Act to direct NOAA to submit its biennial report on international compliance with fishery agreements to Congress by June 1 of the submission year.

TITLE V--NORTHWEST ATLANTIC FISHERIES CONVENTION AMENDMENTS ACT

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Amendments Act

(Sec. 502) The bill reauthorizes and amends the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995, which provides for: (1) the implementation of the Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, done in Ottawa on October 24, 1978 (1978 Convention); and (2) the management and conservation of fish in the convention area (specified waters in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean). The Convention on Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, which was adopted in Lisbon on September 28, 2007, is implemented as well. The 2007 Convention amends the 1978 Convention.

(Sec. 508) The bill applies to all fish, mollusks, and crustaceans within the convention area, excluding: (1) sedentary species over which coastal states may exercise sovereign rights consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 (1982 Convention), and (2) anadromous and catadromous stocks and highly migratory species managed under other international treaties and listed in the 1982 Convention.

The bill also applies to vessels engaged in fishing activities, including fish harvesting vessels, fish processing vessels, vessels engaged in transshipment of fishery resources, and vessels engaged in experimental or exploratory fishing activities.

 (Sec. 510) The bill repeals provisions requiring the NOAA to establish and report on a new quota allocation practice.

TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS

(Sec. 601)The bill also eliminates the requirement that NOAA annually provide Congress with a report of findings developed under NOAA's Oceans and Human Health Initiative which is a series of programs designed to enhance understanding between the oceans and human health.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure ensuring access pacific fisheries act title north pacific fisheries subtitle north pacific fisheries convention implementation bill authorizes national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa promulgate regulations implement participation north pacific fisheries convention convention designed ensure long term conservation sustainable use fishery resources marine ecosystems north pacific_ocean united represented commissioners north pacific fisheries commission additionally permanent advisory_committee established shall comprised members advisory_committee members shall represent groups concerned fishery resources covered north pacific fisheries convention sec department_of_state authority receive transmit communications concerning north pacific commission approve disapprove bylaws rules adopted commission sec bill details noaa authority implementing bill measures adopted commission sec coast_guard required administer enforce bill sec bill lists fishing shipping activities prohibited north pacific_ocean sec cooperate public private institutions united abroad carry bill federal agencies authorized cooperate noaa conducting research providing facilities personnel assist commission sec state_department ensure american_samoa guam commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands participate commission manner territories nations sec commercial fishing vessels carry vessel monitoring systems capable communicating enforcement authorities ensure fishing gear deck readily available fishing subtitle miscellaneous state_department pay necessary travel expenses advisory_panel commission noaa reimburse state_department expenses title implementation convention conservation management high seas fishery resources south pacific_ocean bill authorizes noaa promulgate regulations implement participation south pacific fisheries convention convention designed ensure long term conservation sustainable use fishery resources marine ecosystems south pacific_ocean united represented commissioners commission south pacific regional fisheries management additionally permanent advisory_committee established shall comprised seven members advisory_committee members shall represent groups concerned fishery resources covered south pacific fisheries convention sec state_department authority receive transmit communications concerning south pacific commission approve disapprove bylaws rules adopted commission sec bill details noaa authority implementing bill measures adopted commission sec coast_guard required administer enforce bill sec bill lists fishing shipping activities prohibited south pacific_ocean sec cooperate public private institutions united abroad carry bill federal agencies authorized cooperate noaa conducting research providing facilities personnel assist commission sec state_department ensure american_samoa guam commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands participate commission manner territories nations sec commercial fishing vessels carry vessel monitoring systems capable communicating enforcement authorities ensure fishing gear deck readily available fishing title iii western central pacific fisheries commission bill amends western central pacific fisheries convention implementation act include commercial fishing practical experience president consider selecting commissioner western central pacific fisheries commission advisory_committee required submit agenda recommendations days prior annual western central pacific fisheries commission meeting recommendations considered formulating position meetings negotiations addition noaa conduct negotiations secure agreements nations ensure access equal treatment united_states fishing boats western central pacific_ocean taking conservation management measures consideration title illegal unregulated unreported fishing bill amends high seas driftnet fishing moratorium act direct noaa submit biennial report international compliance fishery agreements congress june submission year title northwest atlantic fisheries convention amendments act northwest atlantic fisheries convention amendments act sec bill reauthorizes amends northwest atlantic fisheries convention act provides implementation convention future multilateral cooperation northwest atlantic fisheries ottawa october convention management conservation fish convention area specified waters northwest atlantic_ocean convention cooperation northwest atlantic fisheries adopted september implemented convention amends convention sec bill applies fish convention area excluding species coastal states exercise sovereign rights consistent united_nations convention law sea december convention anadromous stocks highly migratory species managed international treaties listed convention bill applies vessels engaged fishing activities including fish harvesting vessels fish processing vessels vessels engaged transshipment fishery resources vessels engaged experimental exploratory fishing activities sec bill repeals provisions requiring noaa establish report new quota allocation practice title miscellaneous sec bill eliminates requirement noaa annually provide congress report findings developed noaa oceans human health initiative series programs designed enhance understanding oceans human health


Summary:
Tropical Forest Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2015

This bill renames the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 as the Tropical Forest Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2015.

Non-tropical forests and coral reef ecosystems are included within the scope of, and made eligible for benefits under, the Tropical Forest Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2015.

The Tropical Forest Facility is renamed the Conservation Facility.

One or more individuals appointed by the U.S. government may serve on oversight bodies for grants from a debt-for-nature swap or debt buyback regardless of whether the United States is a party to any agreement between the eligible purchaser and the government of the beneficiary country.

The Tropical Forest Fund is renamed the Conservation Fund.

A grant of more than $250,000 from a Fund must be approved by the U.S. government and the government of the beneficiary country.

Certain reporting due dates are revised.

The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended to revise International Monetary Fund criteria for country eligibility.

tropical forest conservation reauthorization act bill renames tropical forest conservation act tropical forest conservation reauthorization act non tropical forests coral reef ecosystems included scope eligible benefits tropical forest conservation reauthorization act tropical forest facility renamed conservation facility individuals appointed government serve oversight bodies grants debt nature swap debt regardless united_states party agreement eligible purchaser government beneficiary country tropical forest fund renamed conservation fund grant fund approved government government beneficiary country certain reporting dates revised foreign assistance_act amended revise international_monetary_fund criteria country eligibility


Summary:
Freedom from Over-Criminalization and Unjust Seizures Act of 2015

 This bill amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to repeal the prohibition on importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving, acquiring, or purchasing in interstate or foreign commerce: (1) fish or wildlife taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of foreign law; or (2) plants taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of foreign law, without the payment of appropriate royalties, taxes, or stumpage fees required by foreign law, or in violation of any limitation under foreign law that governs the export or transshipment of plants. The possession of those fish, wildlife, or plants within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States is allowed.

 A cap of $200,000 is placed on a civil penalty for a knowing violation of the Act that involves fish, wildlife, or plants with a market value of $350 or more.

The bill also repeals: (1) criminal penalties under the Act; and (2) the authorization to suspend, modify, or cancel specified licenses or permits issued to any person who is convicted of a criminal violation of that Act.

freedom unjust seizures act bill amends lacey_act amendments repeal prohibition importing exporting transporting selling receiving acquiring purchasing interstate foreign commerce fish wildlife taken possessed transported sold violation foreign law plants taken possessed transported sold violation foreign law payment appropriate royalties taxes fees required foreign law violation limitation foreign law governs export transshipment plants possession fish wildlife plants special maritime territorial jurisdiction united_states allowed cap placed civil penalty knowing violation act involves fish wildlife plants market value bill repeals criminal penalties act authorization suspend modify cancel specified licenses permits issued person convicted criminal violation act


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Amendments Act

(Sec. 2) This bill permanently reauthorizes and amends the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995, which provides for: (1) the implementation of the Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, done in Ottawa on October 24, 1978 (1978 Convention); and (2) the management and conservation of fish in the convention area (specified waters in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean). The Convention on Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, which was adopted in Lisbon on September 28, 2007, is implemented as well. The 2007 Convention amends the 1978 Convention.

(Sec. 8) The bill applies to all fish, mollusks, and crustaceans within the convention area, excluding: (1) sedentary species over which coastal states may exercise sovereign rights consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 (1982 Convention), and (2) anadromous and catadromous stocks and highly migratory species managed under other international treaties and listed in the 1982 Convention.

The bill also applies to vessels engaged in fishing activities, including fish harvesting vessels, fish processing vessels, vessels engaged in transshipment of fishery resources, and vessels engaged in experimental or exploratory fishing activities.

 (Sec. 10) The bill repeals provisions requiring the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish and report on a new quota allocation practice.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure northwest atlantic fisheries convention amendments act sec bill permanently reauthorizes amends northwest atlantic fisheries convention act provides implementation convention future multilateral cooperation northwest atlantic fisheries ottawa october convention management conservation fish convention area specified waters northwest atlantic_ocean convention cooperation northwest atlantic fisheries adopted september implemented convention amends convention sec bill applies fish convention area excluding species coastal states exercise sovereign rights consistent united_nations convention law sea december convention anadromous stocks highly migratory species managed international treaties listed convention bill applies vessels engaged fishing activities including fish harvesting vessels fish processing vessels vessels engaged transshipment fishery resources vessels engaged experimental exploratory fishing activities sec bill repeals provisions requiring national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration establish report new quota allocation practice


Summary:
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015

This bill revises enforcement mechanisms of several Acts to address illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing.

TITLE I--STRENGTHENING FISHERIES ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS

 (Sec. 101) The bill amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to revise and apply its enforcement provisions to:

 the Pacific Salmon Treaty Act of 1985, the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act, the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950, the North Pacific Anadromous Stocks Act of 1992, the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975, the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act, and the Antigua Convention Implementing Act of 2015. The bill amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to direct the Department of Commerce to prevent a person from violating those Acts in the same manner as if specified enforcement provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) had been incorporated into each Act, including civil and criminal penalties, permit sanctions, and civil forfeiture procedures. Additional enforcement authorities are established with respect to searches and seizures, inspections, shipment detentions, the carrying of firearms, arrests, and the execution of subpoenas.

The bill amends the MSA by making it unlawful for any person to import, export, transport, sell, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any fish taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any treaty or in contravention of any binding conservation measure adopted by an international agreement or organization to which the United States is a party.

Commerce may: (1) engage in international cooperation to help other nations combat IUU fishing and achieve sustainable fisheries; and (2) disclose certain enforcement information to state or federal agencies or internationally to ensure compliance with measures Commerce enforces, including international fishery agreements to which the United States is a party.

The bill amends the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act by requiring Commerce to improve the effectiveness of arrangements made pursuant to an international fishery agreement in conserving and managing fish stocks under its jurisdiction.

Commerce may: (1) develop and publish a list of vessels engaged in IUU fishing or fishing-related activities in support of IUU, including vessels or vessel owners identified by an international fishery management organization or arrangement made pursuant to an international fishery agreement; and (2) take action against listed vessels.

Commerce must identify nations that: (1) violate conservation and management measures required under an international fishery management agreement to which the United States is a party, or (2) fail to effectively address or regulate IUU fishing or practices in the last three years.

The bill authorizes enforcement programs for the fishery laws mentioned in this title and for the identification of those nations through FY2019.

(Sec. 102) The bill amends the High Seas Driftnet Fisheries Enforcement Act by requiring the denial of port privileges and other sanctions for fishing vessels of a nation that receives a negative IUU or conservation certification.

(Sec. 105) The bill amends the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act by prohibiting the transfer from the United States to other nations of fishing capacity, fishing capacity rights, or fishing vessels.

(Sec. 106) The bill amends the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention Act of 1984 by removing a requirement that a person must know, or reasonably should have known, that an Antarctic marine living resource was harvested in violation of the Act in order to violate that Act.

(Sec. 107) The bill amends the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 to: (1) allow Commerce to issue trade restriction measures against nations or fishing entities that violate such Act, and (2) eliminate an annual reporting requirement on the conservation and management of highly migratory species.

(Sec. 108) The bill amends the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act of 1995 by voiding high seas fishing permits if any other required permit or authorization is expired, revoked, or suspended or if the vessel is no longer documented under U.S. laws or eligible for the documentation.

(Sec. 112) The bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to include a prohibition on the import, export, sale, acquisition, or purchase of fish that have been taken or sold in violation of treaties to which the United States is a party.

TITLE II--IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ANTIGUA CONVENTION

 Antigua Convention Implementing Act of 2015

(Sec. 203) The bill defines "Antigua Convention" as the Convention for the Strengthening of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Established by the 1949 Convention between the United States and the Republic of Costa Rica, signed on November 14, 2003.

(Sec. 204) The President shall appoint five Commissioners to represent the United States on the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. (Sec. 205) Commerce must: (1) appoint a General Advisory Committee and a Scientific Advisory Subcommittee. and (2) promulgate regulations for carrying out U.S. responsibilities under the Antigua Convention and the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950. (Sec. 207) The bill incorporates into the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 the prohibited acts listed in the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and such Act's enforcement provisions. (Sec. 210) The bill repeals the Eastern Pacific Tuna Licensing Act of 1984.

TITLE III--AGREEMENT ON PORT STATE MEASURES TO PREVENT, DETER AND ELIMINATE ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED AND UNREGULATED FISHING Port State Measures Agreement Act of 2015 (Sec. 304) Commerce may promulgate regulations to carry out the implementation of the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, done at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, in Rome, Italy, November 22, 2009, and signed by the United States November 22, 2009. The agreement provides tools for nations to address IUU fishing and to prevent IUU-caught fish from entering markets and competing with legally-caught fish. It recognizes that all seafood must pass through a port to get to market and allows nations to use inspections to prevent IUU fish from reaching the market. (Sec. 305) A foreign vessel seeking entry to a U.S. port must submit certain information to Commerce in advance of its arrival. Commerce shall deny such vessel entry if it has entered without authorization, is a listed IUU vessel (a vessel engaged in IUU fishing or fishing-related activities), or there are reasonable grounds to believe that it has engaged in or has supported IUU fishing, but may allow entry if the vessel or a person aboard it needs assistance, if the vessel is going to be scrapped, or to inspect the vessel or carry out enforcement. (Sec. 306) Commerce and the Coast Guard shall conduct foreign vessel inspections and take enforcement actions against vessels found to have been engaged in IUU fishing. (Sec. 307) The bill makes it unlawful for any person to: (1) violate any provision of this bill; (2) refuse to permit any authorized officer to board, search, or inspect a vessel; (3) submit false information; or (4) commit certain offenses enumerated under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act. (Sec. 308) The bill applies enforcement authorities under the MSA and the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention Act to this Act. The bill also imposes civil, criminal, and forfeiture penalties for committing a prohibited act. (Sec. 309) Commerce may assist developing nations and international organizations in meeting their obligations under the agreement. (Sec. 310) The bill affirms that it does not: (1) displace any requirements imposed by U.S. customs laws or any laws or regulations enforced or administered by the Department of Homeland Security, or (2) affect a vessel's ability to enter ports for reasons of force majeure or distress. The bill must be interpreted and applied in accordance with U.S. obligations under international law.

illegal unreported unregulated fishing enforcement act bill revises enforcement mechanisms acts address illegal unreported unregulated fishing title strengthening fisheries enforcement mechanisms sec bill amends high seas driftnet fishing moratorium protection act revise apply enforcement provisions pacific salmon treaty act protection consumer information act tuna conventions act north pacific anadromous stocks act atlantic convention act northwest atlantic fisheries convention act western central pacific fisheries convention implementation act convention implementing act bill amends high seas driftnet fishing moratorium protection act direct department_of_commerce prevent person violating acts manner specified enforcement provisions magnuson-stevens_fishery_conservation_and_management_act msa incorporated act including civil criminal penalties permit sanctions civil forfeiture procedures additional enforcement authorities established respect searches seizures inspections shipment detentions carrying firearms arrests execution subpoenas bill amends msa making unlawful person import export transport sell acquire purchase interstate foreign commerce fish taken possessed transported sold violation treaty contravention binding conservation measure adopted international agreement organization united_states party commerce engage international cooperation help nations combat fishing achieve sustainable fisheries disclose certain enforcement information state federal agencies internationally ensure compliance measures commerce enforces including international fishery agreements united_states party bill amends high seas driftnet fishing moratorium protection act requiring commerce improve effectiveness arrangements pursuant international fishery agreement conserving managing fish stocks jurisdiction commerce develop publish list vessels engaged fishing fishing related activities support including vessels vessel owners identified international fishery management organization arrangement pursuant international fishery agreement action listed vessels commerce identify nations violate conservation management measures required international fishery management agreement united_states party fail effectively address regulate fishing practices years bill authorizes enforcement programs fishery laws title identification nations fy2019 sec bill amends high seas driftnet fisheries enforcement act requiring denial port privileges sanctions fishing vessels nation receives negative conservation certification sec bill amends western central pacific fisheries convention implementation act prohibiting transfer united_states nations fishing capacity fishing capacity rights fishing vessels sec bill amends antarctic marine living resources convention act removing requirement person know reasonably known antarctic marine living resource harvested violation act order violate act sec bill amends atlantic convention act allow commerce issue trade restriction measures nations fishing entities violate act eliminate annual reporting requirement conservation management highly migratory species sec bill amends high seas fishing compliance act high seas fishing permits required permit authorization expired revoked suspended vessel longer documented laws eligible documentation sec bill amends magnuson-stevens_fishery_conservation_and_management_act include prohibition import export sale acquisition purchase fish taken sold violation treaties united_states party title implementation convention convention implementing act sec bill defines convention convention strengthening inter american tropical tuna commission established convention united_states republic costa_rica signed november sec president shall appoint commissioners represent united_states inter american tropical tuna commission sec commerce appoint general advisory_committee scientific advisory subcommittee promulgate regulations carrying responsibilities convention tuna conventions act sec bill incorporates tuna conventions act prohibited acts listed high seas driftnet fishing moratorium protection act act enforcement provisions sec bill repeals eastern pacific tuna licensing act title iii agreement port state measures prevent deter eliminate illegal unreported unregulated fishing port state measures agreement act sec commerce promulgate regulations carry implementation agreement port state measures prevent deter eliminate illegal unreported unregulated fishing food agriculture organization united_nations november signed united_states november agreement provides tools nations address fishing prevent fish entering markets competing legally fish recognizes seafood pass port market allows nations use inspections prevent fish reaching market sec foreign vessel seeking entry port submit certain information commerce advance arrival commerce shall deny vessel entry entered authorization listed vessel vessel engaged fishing fishing related activities reasonable grounds believe engaged supported fishing allow entry vessel person aboard needs assistance vessel going inspect vessel carry enforcement sec commerce coast_guard shall conduct foreign vessel inspections enforcement actions vessels found engaged fishing sec bill makes unlawful person violate provision bill refuse permit authorized officer board search inspect vessel submit false information commit certain offenses enumerated western central pacific fisheries convention implementation act sec bill applies enforcement authorities msa antarctic marine living resources convention act act bill imposes civil criminal forfeiture penalties committing prohibited act sec commerce assist developing nations international organizations meeting obligations agreement sec bill affirms displace requirements imposed customs laws laws regulations enforced administered department_of_homeland_security affect vessel ability enter ports reasons force distress bill interpreted applied accordance obligations international law


Summary:
Ensuring Access to Fisheries Act

TITLE I--NORTH PACIFIC FISHERIES

Subtitle A--North Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act

North Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act

(Sec. 103)This bill authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to promulgate regulations to implement U.S. participation in the North Pacific Fisheries Convention. The convention is designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources and marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean.

The United States must be represented by five commissioners on the North Pacific Fisheries Commission.

In addition, a permanent advisory committee is established, which shall be comprised of 11 members.Advisory committee members shall represent groups concerned with fishery resources covered by the North Pacific Fisheries Convention.

(Sec. 104)The Department of State has the authority to receive and transmit various communications concerning the commission.

(Sec. 105)The bill details NOAA's authority in implementing this bill and measures adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 106)NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are required to administer and enforce this bill.

(Sec. 107)This bill lists 15 fishing and shipping activities that are prohibited in the North Pacific Ocean.

(Sec. 108)NOAA may cooperate with public and private institutions in the United States and abroad to carry out this bill.Federal agencies are authorized to cooperate with NOAA in conducting research and providing facilities and personnel to assist the commission.

(Sec. 109)The State Department must ensure the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands participates in the commission in the same manner as territories of other nations.

(Sec. 110)Operators of commercial fishing vessels that do not carry vessel monitoring systems capable of communicating with U.S. enforcement authorities must:

 notify the U.S. Coast Guard prior to or within a reasonable time after entering the exclusive economic zone of the convention area; ensure that all fishing gear is stowed below deck and not readily available for fishing; and if requested, proceed to a specified location so that a vessel inspection can be conducted. Subtitle B--Miscellaneous

(Sec. 121)The State Department must pay necessary travel expenses for U.S. commissioners and advisory body members. NOAA may reimburse the State Department for such expenses.

TITLE II--SOUTH PACIFIC FISHERIES CONVENTION IMPLEMENTATION ACT

South Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act

(Sec. 203)The bill authorizes NOAA to promulgate regulations to implement U.S. participation in the South Pacific Fisheries Resources Convention. The convention is designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources and marine ecosystems in the South Pacific Ocean.

The United Statesmust be represented by no more than three commissioners on the South Pacific Fisheries Commission.

In addition, a permanent advisory committee is established, which shall be comprised of seven members. Advisory committee members shall represent groups concerned with fishery resources covered by the South Pacific Fisheries Convention.

NOAA must develop a memorandum of understanding with the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council describing the role of the council with respect to:

 participation of the United States in consulting with international fishery organizations in the Pacific Ocean, providing recommendations to NOAA and the State Department regarding domestic and foreign fishing vessels, coordinating with the United States for presentations the council makes to international fishery organizations, and recommending domestic fishing regulations that are consistent with the actions of the international fishery organizations. (Sec. 204)The State Department has the authority to receive and transmit various communications concerning the commission, and can approve or disapprove bylaws and rules adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 205)This bill details NOAA's authority in implementing this bill and measures adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 206)NOAA and the Coast Guard are required to administer and enforce this bill.

(Sec. 207)This bill lists 15 fishing and shipping activities that are prohibited in the South Pacific Ocean.

(Sec. 208)NOAA may cooperate with public and private institutions in the United Statesand abroad to carry out this bill. Federal agencies are authorized to cooperate with NOAA in conducting research and providing facilities and personnel to assist the commission.

(Sec. 209)The State Department must ensure that American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands participate with the commission in the same manner as territories of other nations.

(Sec. 210)Operators of commercial fishing vessels that do not carry vessel monitoring systems capable of communicating with U.S. enforcement authorities must:

 notify the Coast Guard prior to or within a reasonable time after entering the exclusive economic zone of the convention area; ensure that all fishing gear is stowed below deck and not readily available for fishing; and if requested, proceed to a specified location so that a vessel inspection can be conducted. TITLE III--NORTHWEST ATLANTIC FISHERIES CONVENTION AMENDMENTS ACT

Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Amendments Act

(Sec.301)The bill reauthorizes and amends the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995, which provides for: (1) the implementation of the Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, done in Ottawa on October 24, 1978 (1978 Convention); and (2) the management and conservation of fish in the convention area (specified waters in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean). The Convention on Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, which was adopted in Lisbon on September 28, 2007, is implemented as well. The 2007 Convention amends the 1978 Convention.

(Sec. 308) The bill applies to all fish, mollusks, and crustaceans within the convention area, excluding: (1) sedentary species over which coastal states may exercise sovereign rights consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 (1982 Convention), and (2) anadromous and catadromous stocks and highly migratory species managed under other international treaties and listed in the 1982 Convention.

The bill also applies to vessels engaged in fishing activities, including fish harvesting vessels, fish processing vessels, vessels engaged in transshipment of fishery resources, and vessels engaged in experimental or exploratory fishing activities.

 (Sec. 310) The bill repeals provisions requiring the NOAA to establish and report on a new quota allocation practice.

ensuring access fisheries act title north pacific fisheries subtitle north pacific fisheries convention implementation act north pacific fisheries convention implementation act sec bill authorizes national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa promulgate regulations implement participation north pacific fisheries convention convention designed ensure long term conservation sustainable use fishery resources marine ecosystems north pacific_ocean united_states represented commissioners north pacific fisheries commission addition permanent advisory_committee established shall comprised members advisory_committee members shall represent groups concerned fishery resources covered north pacific fisheries convention sec department_of_state authority receive transmit communications concerning commission sec bill details noaa authority implementing bill measures adopted commission sec coast_guard required administer enforce bill sec bill lists fishing shipping activities prohibited north pacific_ocean sec cooperate public private institutions united_states abroad carry bill federal agencies authorized cooperate noaa conducting research providing facilities personnel assist commission sec state_department ensure commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands participates commission manner territories nations sec commercial fishing vessels carry vessel monitoring systems capable communicating enforcement authorities notify coast_guard prior reasonable time entering exclusive_economic_zone convention area ensure fishing gear deck readily available fishing requested proceed specified location vessel inspection conducted subtitle miscellaneous sec state_department pay necessary travel expenses commissioners advisory body members noaa reimburse state_department expenses title south pacific fisheries convention implementation act south pacific fisheries convention implementation act sec bill authorizes noaa promulgate regulations implement participation south pacific fisheries resources convention convention designed ensure long term conservation sustainable use fishery resources marine ecosystems south pacific_ocean united represented commissioners south pacific fisheries commission addition permanent advisory_committee established shall comprised seven members advisory_committee members shall represent groups concerned fishery resources covered south pacific fisheries convention noaa develop memorandum understanding western pacific regional_fishery_management_council describing role council respect participation united_states consulting international fishery organizations pacific_ocean providing recommendations noaa state_department domestic foreign fishing vessels coordinating united_states presentations council makes international fishery organizations recommending domestic fishing regulations consistent actions international fishery organizations sec state_department authority receive transmit communications concerning commission approve disapprove bylaws rules adopted commission sec bill details noaa authority implementing bill measures adopted commission sec coast_guard required administer enforce bill sec bill lists fishing shipping activities prohibited south pacific_ocean sec cooperate public private institutions united abroad carry bill federal agencies authorized cooperate noaa conducting research providing facilities personnel assist commission sec state_department ensure american_samoa guam commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands participate commission manner territories nations sec commercial fishing vessels carry vessel monitoring systems capable communicating enforcement authorities notify coast_guard prior reasonable time entering exclusive_economic_zone convention area ensure fishing gear deck readily available fishing requested proceed specified location vessel inspection conducted title iii northwest atlantic fisheries convention amendments act northwest atlantic fisheries convention amendments act bill reauthorizes amends northwest atlantic fisheries convention act provides implementation convention future multilateral cooperation northwest atlantic fisheries ottawa october convention management conservation fish convention area specified waters northwest atlantic_ocean convention cooperation northwest atlantic fisheries adopted september implemented convention amends convention sec bill applies fish convention area excluding species coastal states exercise sovereign rights consistent united_nations convention law sea december convention anadromous stocks highly migratory species managed international treaties listed convention bill applies vessels engaged fishing activities including fish harvesting vessels fish processing vessels vessels engaged transshipment fishery resources vessels engaged experimental exploratory fishing activities sec bill repeals provisions requiring noaa establish report new quota allocation practice


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

South Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act

This bill authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to promulgate regulations to implement U.S. participation in the South Pacific Fisheries Convention. The convention is designed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources and marine ecosystems in the South Pacific Ocean.

(Sec. 3) The United Statesmust be represented by no more than three commissioners on the Commission of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation.

In addition, a permanent advisory committee is established, which shall be comprised of seven members. Advisory committee members shall represent groups concerned with fishery resources covered by the South Pacific Fisheries Convention.

NOAA must develop a memorandum of understanding with the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council describing the role of the council with respect to:

 participation of the United States in consulting with international fishery organizations in the Pacific Ocean, providing recommendations to NOAA and the Department of State regarding domestic and foreign fishing vessels, coordinating with the United States on presentations the council makes to international fishery organizations, and recommending domestic fishing regulations that are consistent with the actions of the international fishery organizations. (Sec. 4)The State Department has the authority to receive and transmit various communications concerning the South Pacific commission, and can approve or disapprove bylaws and rules adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 5) This bill details NOAA's authority in implementing this bill and measures adopted by the commission.

(Sec. 6)NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are required to administer and enforce this bill.

(Sec. 7)This bill lists 16 fishing and shipping activities that are prohibited in the South Pacific Ocean.

(Sec. 8)NOAA may cooperate with public and private institutions in the United Statesand abroad to carry out this bill. Federal agencies are authorized to cooperate with NOAA in conducting research and providing facilities and personnel to assist the commission.

(Sec. 9)The State Department must ensure that American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands participate with the commission in the same manner as territories of other nations.

(Sec. 10)Operators of commercial fishing vessels that do not carry vessel monitoring systems capable of communicating with U.S. enforcement authorities must:

 notify the U.S. Coast Guard prior to or within a reasonable time after entering the exclusive economic zone of the convention area; ensure that all fishing gear is stowed below deck and not readily available for fishing; and if requested, proceed to a specified location so that a vessel inspection can be conducted.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure south pacific fisheries convention implementation act bill authorizes national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa promulgate regulations implement participation south pacific fisheries convention convention designed ensure long term conservation sustainable use fishery resources marine ecosystems south pacific_ocean sec united represented commissioners commission south pacific regional fisheries management addition permanent advisory_committee established shall comprised seven members advisory_committee members shall represent groups concerned fishery resources covered south pacific fisheries convention noaa develop memorandum understanding western pacific regional_fishery_management_council describing role council respect participation united_states consulting international fishery organizations pacific_ocean providing recommendations noaa department_of_state domestic foreign fishing vessels coordinating united_states presentations council makes international fishery organizations recommending domestic fishing regulations consistent actions international fishery organizations sec state_department authority receive transmit communications concerning south pacific commission approve disapprove bylaws rules adopted commission sec bill details noaa authority implementing bill measures adopted commission sec coast_guard required administer enforce bill sec bill lists fishing shipping activities prohibited south pacific_ocean sec cooperate public private institutions united abroad carry bill federal agencies authorized cooperate noaa conducting research providing facilities personnel assist commission sec state_department ensure american_samoa guam commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands participate commission manner territories nations sec commercial fishing vessels carry vessel monitoring systems capable communicating enforcement authorities notify coast_guard prior reasonable time entering exclusive_economic_zone convention area ensure fishing gear deck readily available fishing requested proceed specified location vessel inspection conducted


Summary:
African Elephant Conservation and Legal Ivory Possession Act of 2015

This bill revises and reauthorizes the African Elephant Conservation Act through FY2020.

Raw or worked ivory may be imported or exported under that Act and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 if: (1) the ivory is for a museum; (2) the ivory was lawfully importable into the United States on February 24, 2014, regardless of when it was acquired; or (3) the worked ivory was previously lawfully possessed in the United States.

This bill authorizes: (1) commerce in African elephant ivory or in products containing African elephant ivory that have been lawfully imported or crafted in the United States; and (2) the importation of a sport-hunted African elephant trophy if the trophy was taken from certain elephants populations that at the time were not necessarily threatened with extinction, but may have become so unless trade was closely controlled. Interior may station one U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officer in each African country that has a significant population of African elephants to assist local wildlife rangers in protecting the elephants and facilitating the apprehension of individuals who illegally kill them or assist in killing them.

The President may embargo any products from a country if it is a significant transit or destination point for illegal ivory trade.

In providing financial assistance under the African Elephant Conservation Act, Interior must prioritize projects for facilitating the acquisition of equipment and training to wildlife officials in ivory-producing countries to be used in anti-poaching efforts.

african elephant conservation legal possession act bill revises reauthorizes african_elephant_conservation_act fy2020 raw worked imported exported act endangered species act museum lawfully united_states february regardless acquired worked previously lawfully possessed united_states bill authorizes commerce african elephant products containing african elephant lawfully imported united_states importation sport hunted african elephant trophy trophy taken certain populations time threatened extinction trade closely controlled interior station fish_and_wildlife_service law enforcement officer african country significant population african assist local wildlife protecting facilitating apprehension individuals illegally kill assist killing president embargo products country significant transit destination point illegal trade providing financial assistance african_elephant_conservation_act interior prioritize projects facilitating acquisition equipment training wildlife officials producing countries anti efforts


Summary:
Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Act

This bill directs the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking to:

 identify countries of concern regarding the supply, poaching, or transit of wildlife and wildlife products; collaborate with the national wildlife service of a country of concern to analyze the threats to wildlife in that country, and to prepare a strategic plan with recommendations for addressing wildlife crime; coordinate efforts to implement strategic plans among federal agencies and non-federal partners; and coordinate with stakeholders qualified to provide assistance regarding anti-poaching activities, law enforcement efforts, and strategies to reduce illicit trade and reduce consumer demand for illegally traded wildlife and wildlife products. The Task Force shall terminate five years after enactment of this Act.

The Department of State may provide defense articles, services, and training to security forces of a country of concern to counter wildlife trafficking and poaching.

 The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, with respect to countries of concern, may:

 provide assistance to carry out strategic plan recommendations, including improving the effectiveness of wildlife law enforcement; design and implement programs to increase the investigational capacity of wildlife law enforcement and customs and border security officers and to combat the transnational trade in illegal wildlife; and take actions to strengthen international cooperation and partnerships to combat the global wildlife crime crisis. The State Department may also provide support in countries of concern to the development and replication of community-owned wildlife conservancies and community-based conservation programs.

It is the sense of Congress that the United States should continue to work with foreign countries, including China, Thailand, and Vietnam to combat global wildlife trafficking.

The State Department should implement agreements with China and initiate negotiations with Thailand and Vietnam aimed at reducing demand for ivory and rhinoceros horn (Vietnam), and eliminating illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products.

 It is the sense of Congress that efforts to find funds to carry out this Act should not result in an increase in amounts authorized to be appropriated for a fiscal year to provide additional funds for overseas contingency operations.

eliminate disrupt wildlife trafficking act bill directs presidential task_force wildlife trafficking identify countries concern supply transit wildlife wildlife products collaborate national wildlife service country concern analyze threats wildlife country prepare strategic plan recommendations addressing wildlife crime coordinate efforts implement strategic plans federal agencies non federal partners coordinate stakeholders qualified provide assistance anti activities law enforcement efforts strategies reduce illicit trade reduce consumer demand illegally traded wildlife wildlife products task_force shall terminate years enactment act department_of_state provide defense articles services training security forces country concern counter wildlife trafficking state_department agency international_development respect countries concern provide assistance carry strategic plan recommendations including improving effectiveness wildlife law enforcement design implement programs increase investigational capacity wildlife law enforcement customs border_security officers combat transnational trade illegal wildlife actions strengthen international cooperation partnerships combat global wildlife crime crisis state_department provide support countries concern development replication community owned wildlife community based conservation programs sense congress united_states continue work foreign countries including china thailand vietnam combat global wildlife trafficking state_department implement agreements china initiate negotiations thailand vietnam aimed reducing demand rhinoceros vietnam eliminating illegal trade wildlife wildlife products sense congress efforts find funds carry act result increase amounts authorized appropriated fiscal year provide additional funds overseas contingency operations


Summary:
Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2016

This bill amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit any person from breeding or possessing any live animal of any prohibited wildlife species (i.e., any live species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species). Breeding means facilitating propagation or reproduction (whether intentionally or negligently), or failing to prevent propagation or reproduction. The bill extends forfeiture provisions to fish, wildlife, or plants that are bred or possessed.

The bill revises the list of entities that are exempt from Lacey Act prohibitions to include:

 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums; certain facilities that have an active written contract with an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan or Taxon Advisory Group for breeding prohibited wildlife species; persons who do not allow the transportation and display of prohibited wildlife species off-site; current owners of animals that were born before this bill's enactment if the animals are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service within 180 days; and certain traveling circuses that hold Class C licenses under the Animal Welfare Act. Entities exempt from Lacey Act prohibitions must require that current owners and circuses not allow direct contact between the public and the prohibited wildlife species.

big cat public safety act bill amends lacey_act amendments prohibit person breeding possessing live animal prohibited wildlife species live species lion tiger leopard cheetah jaguar hybrid species breeding means facilitating propagation reproduction intentionally failing prevent propagation reproduction bill extends forfeiture provisions fish wildlife plants bred possessed bill revises list entities exempt lacey_act prohibitions include institutions accredited association_of_zoos aquariums certain facilities active written contract association_of_zoos aquariums species survival plan taxon advisory group breeding prohibited wildlife species persons allow transportation display prohibited wildlife species site current owners animals born bill enactment animals registered animal plant_health_inspection_service days certain traveling hold class licenses animal welfare act entities exempt lacey_act prohibitions require current owners allow direct contact public prohibited wildlife species


Summary: Tulsa-Greenwood Race Riots Claims Accountability Act of 2007 - Provides that any Greenwood, Oklahoma, claimant (a survivor or descendant of victims of the Tulsa, Oklahoma, Race Riot of 1921) who has not previously obtained a determination on the merits of a Greenwood claim may, in a civil action commenced within five years after enactment of this Act, obtain that determination.

tulsa race claims accountability_act provides oklahoma claimant survivor descendant victims tulsa oklahoma race previously obtained determination merits claim civil action commenced years enactment act obtain determination


Summary: Federal Tort Claim Reform Act of 2007 - Amends the federal judicial code to exempt from coverage by the Federal Tort Claims Act any claim, based on an act or omission by a federal government employee relating to criminal conduct, that is made by a person who engaged in that conduct, except to the extent: (1) the act or omission consists of the purposeful infliction of serious bodily injury; and (2) the damages sought are actual losses (up to $250,000 in medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other tangible losses).

federal tort claim reform_act amends federal judicial code exempt coverage federal tort claims act claim based act omission federal_government employee relating criminal conduct person engaged conduct extent act omission consists bodily injury damages sought actual losses medical expenses lost wages property damage tangible losses


Summary: Prohibits the use or availability of any sums appropriated in any Act of Congress to pay any claim against the United States by Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila arising out of the conduct of Ignacio Ramos, Jose Alonso Compean, or any other person engaging in duties as an employee of the government on February 17, 2005. Declares that the United States does not consent to (does not waive sovereign immunity for) the commencement or maintenance of any civil action against the United States by Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila arising out of such conduct.

prohibits use availability sums appropriated act congress pay claim united_states arising conduct person engaging duties employee government february declares united_states consent waive sovereign immunity commencement maintenance civil action united_states arising conduct


Summary: Foreign Service Victims of Terrorism Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to provide a death gratuity for foreign national employees, foreign nationals appointees, and locally employed staff who die as a result of injuries suffered abroad in an amount equal to one year's basic salary at the highest step of the highest grade on the local compensation plan of the country in which the foreign staffer was being paid. Authorizes the Secretary of State or the head of a relevant agency to make an additional payment to the surviving dependents of a Foreign Service employee or a government executive branch employee killed as a result of an act of international terrorism in an amount equal to a maximum of eight times such employee's salary. Provides compensation retroactively to the families of each person killed in a terrorist act while serving on a U.S. diplomatic or consular mission abroad between Jan. 1, 1998, and the bills enactment, including the victims of the August 1998 bombing in Nairobi, Kenya. States that with respect to a U.S. citizen such amount shall be 10 times the salary amount of $94,000 ($940,000).

foreign_service victims terrorism act amends foreign_service act provide death gratuity foreign national employees foreign nationals appointees locally employed staff die result injuries suffered abroad equal year basic salary highest step highest grade local compensation plan country foreign paid authorizes secretary state head relevant agency additional payment surviving dependents foreign_service employee government executive branch employee killed result act international terrorism equal maximum times employee salary provides compensation retroactively families person killed terrorist act serving diplomatic consular mission abroad enactment including victims august bombing states respect citizen shall times salary


Summary: Grants U.S. district courts original jurisdiction over any civil action for damages for personal injury or death that: (1) arose from the deportation of persons to Nazi concentration camps between January 1, 1942, and December 31, 1944; and (2) is brought by or on behalf of such person against a railroad that owned or operated the trains on which the persons were deported and that was organized as a separate legal entity.Provides that: (1) no law limiting the jurisdiction of the U.S. courts shall preclude any such action; and (2) no such action shall be barred because a statute of limitations has expired. Makes this Act applicable to any action pending on or commenced after January 1, 2002.

grants district_courts original jurisdiction civil action damages personal injury death arose deportation persons nazi concentration camps january december brought behalf person railroad owned operated trains persons deported organized separate legal entity provides law limiting jurisdiction courts shall preclude action action shall barred statute limitations expired makes act applicable action pending commenced january


Summary: Immunity from Claims Related to Donated Horses Act of 2007 - Requires each humane organization that receives any horse or mule to hold the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, harmless from any demand, suit, action, or claim arising from or related to the government's donation of the horse or mule, including damages to the organization's property and any personal injury, disability, or death of any officer, employee, or agent.Authorizes horses and mules belonging to the federal government that have become unfit for service to be adopted by the DHS agents who have worked with such horse or mule.

immunity claims related donated horses act requires humane organization receives horse hold department_of_homeland_security dhs including customs border_protection harmless demand suit action claim arising related government donation horse including damages organization property personal injury disability death officer employee agent authorizes horses belonging federal_government unfit service adopted dhs agents worked horse


Summary: Travel Trailer Residents' Health Registry Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS Secretary) to: (1) establish and maintain a health registry for individuals exposed to formaldehyde in temporary housing units provided by the government when displaced by a major disaster that occurred between August 29, 2005, and January 1, 2008; (2) include in the registry information the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) determines is necessary to ascertain and monitor the health effects of such exposure; (3) develop a public information campaign to inform eligible individuals about the registry; and (4) periodically notify such individuals of significant developments in the study and treatment of conditions associated with exposure. Directs the DHS Secretary to contract with the HHS Secretary to provide health examinations, consultations, and mental health counseling free of charge to each eligible individual.Requires the HHS Secretary to contract with an independent scientific organization to report to Congress on: (1) the effectiveness of actions taken to collect and maintain information on the health consequences of such exposure; (2) recommendations to improve such collection and maintenance; and (3) the most effective and prudent means of addressing medical needs of eligible individuals.Requires: (1) such health consultation and mental health counseling to provide to each eligible individual information on examination results and on developments; and (2) the Secretary to commence an epidemiological study of the immediate and long-term effects of such exposure sufficient to further understand the medical needs of eligible individuals.

travel trailer residents health registry act_-_directs secretary homeland_security dhs secretary establish maintain health registry individuals exposed formaldehyde temporary housing units provided government displaced major disaster occurred august january include registry information secretary health_and_human_services hhs secretary determines necessary ascertain monitor health effects exposure develop public information campaign inform eligible individuals registry periodically notify individuals significant developments study treatment conditions associated exposure directs dhs secretary contract hhs secretary provide health examinations consultations mental health counseling free charge eligible individual requires hhs secretary contract independent scientific organization report congress effectiveness actions taken collect maintain information health consequences exposure recommendations improve collection maintenance effective prudent means addressing medical needs eligible individuals requires health consultation mental health counseling provide eligible individual information examination results developments secretary commence epidemiological study immediate long term effects exposure sufficient understand medical needs eligible individuals


Summary: Wrongful Convictions Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow wrongfully incarcerated individuals: (1) an exclusion from gross income for compensation received relating to their incarceration and for the first $50,000 of annual income received by such an individual after December 31, 2007; and (2) a refundable tax credit for 50% of payroll taxes on employment and self-employment income, up to $50,000 of such income. Limits the duration of such tax benefits to the lesser of 15 years or the number of years such an individual was incarcerated.Defines "wrongfully incarcerated individual" as an individual who was convicted of a criminal offense and was then pardoned or found not guilty of such offense because of innocence after serving all or a portion of a prison term. Disqualifies individuals with prior convictions punishable by more than one year of imprisonment.

wrongful convictions tax relief_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow wrongfully incarcerated individuals exclusion gross income compensation received relating incarceration annual income received individual december refundable tax credit payroll taxes employment self employment income income limits duration tax benefits lesser years number years individual incarcerated defines wrongfully incarcerated individual individual convicted criminal offense found guilty offense innocence serving portion prison term disqualifies individuals prior convictions punishable year imprisonment


Summary: Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for housing assistance for Native Americans and loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing. Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) make the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands of the state of Hawaii eligible for loan guarantees; and (2) extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for the credit subsidy to cover the costs of federal guarantees for financing for tribal housing activities.

hawaiian homeownership opportunity act amends native_american_housing_assistance self determination act housing_and_community_development_act extend fy2012 authorization appropriations housing assistance native americans loan guarantees native hawaiian housing amends native_american_housing_assistance self determination act department hawaiian home lands state hawaii eligible loan guarantees extend fy2012 authorization appropriations credit subsidy cover costs federal guarantees financing tribal housing activities


Summary: Wartime Treatment Study Act - Title I: Commission on Wartime Treatment of European Americans - (Sec. 101) Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of European Americans to review U.S. government wartime treatment (beginning September 1, 1939, and ending December 31, 1948) of European Americans and European Latin Americans. (Sec. 102) Requires the Commission to review: (1) government actions with respect to European Americans and European Latin Americans pursuant to U.S. laws and directives, including the Alien Enemies Acts, Presidential Proclamations 2526 (Alien Enemies - German), 2527 (Alien Enemies - Italians), 2655, 2662, 2685 (Removal of Alien Enemies), Executive Orders 9066 (Authorizing the Secretary of War to Prescribe Military Areas) and 9095 (Establishing the Office of Alien Property Custodian), and related directives pursuant to these and other pertinent laws, proclamations, or executive orders; (2) registration requirements, travel and property restrictions, internment, and forced abandonment of property; (3) participation by European Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces; and (4) appropriate remedies, including public education programs and the creation of a comprehensive online database by the National Archives and Records Administration of documents related to the government's wartime treatment of European Americans and European Latin Americans during World War II. Requires such review to include a list of: (1) all temporary detention and long-term internment facilities in the United States and Latin American nations used to detain or intern European Americans and European Latin Americans during World War II; (2) the names of European Americans and European Latin Americans who died while in World War II detention facilities and where they were buried; (3) the names of children of European Americans and European Latin Americans who were born in World War II detention facilities and where they were born; and (4) the nations from which European Latin Americans were brought to the United States, the ships that transported them to the United States and their departure and disembarkation ports, the locations where European Americans and European Latin Americans were exchanged for persons held in European Axis nations, and the ships that transported them to Europe and their departure and disembarkation ports. Directs the Commission to hold public hearings in appropriate U.S. cities. (Sec. 103) Permits the Commission to hold hearings and request attendance and testimony of witnesses and production of records and documents. Authorizes the Commission to request the Attorney General to invoke the aid of an appropriate U.S. district court to require, by subpoena or otherwise, such attendance, testimony, or production. (Sec. 104) Sets forth administrative provisions authorizing the Commission to appoint personnel and fix compensation, obtain the services of experts and federal government detailees, and enter into agreements to obtain necessary services and supplies. (Sec. 105) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 106) Terminates the Commission 60 days after it submits a required report of its findings and recommendations to Congress. Title II: Commission on Wartime Treatment of Jewish Refugees - (Sec. 201) Establishes the Commission on Wartime Treatment of Jewish Refugees to review the U.S. government's refusal to allow entry into the United States of Jewish and other refugees fleeing persecution or genocide in Europe. (Sec. 202) Directs the Commission to include (covering the period beginning January 1, 1933, and ending December 31, 1945) reviews of: (1) the rationale for such refusal, its perceived benefit, and its impact on refugees; and (2) federal refugee policy concerning those fleeing persecution or genocide. Sets forth provisions that parallel title I provisions concerning public hearings, Commission powers, Commission administration, authorization of appropriations, and Commission termination.

wartime treatment study act title commission wartime treatment european americans sec establishes_the_commission wartime treatment european americans review government wartime treatment beginning september ending december european americans european latin americans sec requires commission review government actions respect european americans european latin americans pursuant laws directives including alien acts presidential alien alien removal alien executive orders authorizing secretary war prescribe military areas establishing office alien property custodian related directives pursuant pertinent laws executive orders registration requirements travel property restrictions internment forced abandonment property participation european americans armed_forces appropriate remedies including public education programs creation comprehensive online database national_archives_and_records_administration documents related government wartime treatment european americans european latin americans world war requires review include list temporary detention long term internment facilities united_states latin american nations detain intern european americans european latin americans world war names european americans european latin americans died world war detention facilities buried names children european americans european latin americans born world war detention facilities born nations european latin americans brought united_states ships transported united_states departure ports locations european americans european latin americans exchanged persons held european nations ships transported europe departure ports directs commission hold public hearings appropriate cities sec permits commission hold hearings request attendance testimony witnesses production records documents authorizes commission request attorney general aid appropriate district_court require subpoena attendance testimony production sec sets forth administrative provisions authorizing commission appoint personnel fix compensation obtain services experts federal_government enter agreements obtain necessary services supplies sec authorizes appropriations sec terminates commission days submits required report findings recommendations congress title commission wartime treatment jewish refugees sec establishes_the_commission wartime treatment jewish refugees review government refusal allow entry united_states jewish refugees fleeing persecution genocide europe sec directs commission include covering period beginning january ending december reviews rationale refusal perceived benefit impact refugees federal refugee policy concerning fleeing persecution genocide sets forth provisions parallel title provisions concerning public hearings commission powers commission administration authorization appropriations commission termination


Summary: John Hope Franklin Tulsa-Greenwood Race Riot Claims Accountability Act of 2009 - Provides that any Greenwood, Oklahoma, claimant (a survivor or descendant of victims of the Tulsa, Oklahoma, Race Riot of 1921) who has not previously obtained a determination on the merits of a Greenwood claim may, in a civil action commenced within five years after enactment of this Act, obtain that determination.

john hope franklin tulsa race claims accountability_act provides oklahoma claimant survivor descendant victims tulsa oklahoma race previously obtained determination merits claim civil action commenced years enactment act obtain determination


Summary: Confers upon the U.S. Court of Federal Claims jurisdiction to hear, determine, and render final judgment on any legal or equitable claim against the United States to receive just compensation for the taking of certain lands in the state of Missouri by reason of the decision and notice of interim trail use or abandonment authorized by the National Trails System Act and decided by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) on March 25, 1992.

confers court federal claims jurisdiction hear determine render final judgment legal equitable claim united_states receive compensation taking certain lands state missouri reason decision notice interim trail use abandonment authorized national_trails_system_act decided interstate commerce commission icc march


Summary: Amends the federal law commonly known as the "Tort Claims Act" to apply it to individuals accompanying, with the knowledge and consent of the U.S. government, federal employees engaged in missions for the U.S. government in foreign countries (thus assuring them of legal recourse against the U.S. government for certain tort claims). Declares that the law of the place where the act or omission occurred which gives rise to the tort claim shall be deemed to be the law of the claimant's current or last U.S. domicile.

amends federal law commonly known tort claims act apply individuals accompanying knowledge consent government federal employees engaged missions government foreign countries assuring legal recourse government certain tort claims declares law place act omission occurred gives rise tort claim shall deemed law claimant current domicile


Summary: Removing Excess Litigation Involving Energy on Federal Lands Act or the RELIEF Act - Establishes judicial procedures for causes and claims relating to any action or decision by a federal official regarding the leasing of federal lands (including submerged lands) for the exploration, development, production, processing, or transmitting of oil, natural gas, or any other source or form of energy. Grants the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction to hear all causes and claims that arise from any covered energy project.

removing excess litigation involving energy federal lands act relief_act establishes judicial procedures causes claims relating action decision federal official leasing federal lands including submerged lands exploration development production processing transmitting oil natural gas source form energy grants district_court district_of_columbia exclusive jurisdiction hear causes claims arise covered energy project


Summary: Directs the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service to use discretionary funds available to the Service to fund the settlement of claims associated with the Houlka Creek Watershed Project in Mississippi in order to close out the Project.

directs chief natural_resources_conservation_service use discretionary funds available service fund settlement claims associated creek watershed project mississippi order close project


Summary: Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 to extend the period for the submission by members of the Armed Forces of claims for retroactive stop-loss special pay (paid to members whose enlistment or period of obligated service was extended, or whose eligibility for retirement was suspended, by the President in time or war or national emergency) from one to two years after the date on which implementing rules for such payments take effect. Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to include in a required report concerning such payments a plan describing DOD outreach and informational efforts to promote and increase awareness of the special pay.

amends supplemental appropriations act extend period submission members armed_forces claims retroactive stop loss special pay paid members enlistment period obligated service extended eligibility retirement suspended president time war national emergency years date implementing rules payments effect directs secretary defense dod include required report concerning payments plan describing dod outreach informational efforts promote increase awareness special pay


Summary: District of Columbia National Disaster Insurance Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for a tax-exempt natural disaster protection fund held by an insurance company that: (1) is incorporated and domiciled in the District of Columbia; (2) is subject to supervision by the District of Columbia Commissioner of Insurance, Securities, and Banking; (3) maintains an office in the District of Columbia that employs no fewer than 10 full-time employees, at least 5 of whom are District of Columbia residents; (4) is subject to taxes imposed by the District of Columbia on premiums for natural catastrophic risk coverage; and (5) is not subject to premium taxes imposed by any state or other taxing jurisdiction for natural catastrophic risk coverage written through the fund. Allows distributions from such fund to cover losses attributable to wind (including hurricanes and tornadoes), earthquakes, floods, tsunami or tidal wave, volcanic eruption, fire, hail, snow, ice freezing, or other winter catastrophes, or a pandemic or other public health catastrophe. Sets forth tax rules for contributions to and distributions from such fund.

district_of_columbia national disaster insurance protection act amends_the_internal_revenue_code provide tax exempt natural disaster protection fund held insurance company incorporated domiciled district_of_columbia subject supervision district_of_columbia commissioner insurance securities banking maintains office district_of_columbia employs fewer time employees district_of_columbia residents subject taxes imposed district_of_columbia premiums natural catastrophic risk coverage subject premium taxes imposed state taxing jurisdiction natural catastrophic risk coverage written fund allows distributions fund cover losses attributable wind including hurricanes earthquakes floods tsunami tidal wave volcanic fire snow ice freezing winter pandemic public health catastrophe sets forth tax rules contributions distributions fund