,i #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #a ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,january #c1 #bjai ,mr4 ,sarbanes 7for himself and ,ms4 ,pelosi7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,house ,administration1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,intelligence 7,permanent ,select71 the ,judiciary1 ,oversight and ,reform1 ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology1 ,education and ,labor1 ,ways and ,means1 ,financial ,services1 ,ethics1 and ,homeland ,security1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to expand ,americans' access to the ballot box1 reduce the influence of big money in politics1 and strengthen ethics rules for public servants1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,for the ,people ,act of #bjai4 #b4 ,organization of ,act into divisions2 table of contents 7a7 ,divisions ,this ,act is organized into #c divisions as follows3 7#a7 ,division ,a--,voting4 7#b7 ,division ,b--,campaign ,finance4 7#c7 ,division ,c--,ethics4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #b4 ,organization of ,act into divisions2 table of contents ,division ,a--,voting ,title ,i--,election ,access ,sec4 #ajjj4 ,short title2 statement of policy4 ,subtitle ,a--,voter ,registration ,modernization ,sec4 #ajjj;,a4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,promoting ,internet ,registration ,sec4 #ajja4 ,requiring availability of internet for voter registration4 ,sec4 #ajjb4 ,use of internet to update registration information4 ,sec4 #ajjc4 ,provision of election information by electronic mail to individuals registered to vote4 ,sec4 #ajjd4 ,clarification of requirement regarding necessary information to show eligibility to vote4 ,sec4 #ajje4 ,effective date4 ,part #b--;,automatic ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajaa4 ,short title2 findings and purpose4 ,sec4 #ajab4 ,automatic registration of eligible individuals4 ,sec4 #ajac4 ,contributing agency assistance in registration4 ,sec4 #ajad4 ,one-time contributing agency assistance in registration of eligible voters in existing records4 ,sec4 #ajae4 ,voter protection and security in automatic registration4 ,sec4 #ajaf4 ,registration portability and correction4 ,sec4 #ajag4 ,payments and grants4 ,sec4 #ajah4 ,treatment of exempt ,states4 ,sec4 #ajai4 ,miscellaneous provisions4 ,sec4 #ajbj4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #ajba4 ,effective date4 ,part #c--,same-,day ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajca4 ,same-day registration4 ,part #d--;,conditions on ,removal on ,basis of ,interstate ,cross-,checks ,sec4 #ajda4 ,conditions on removal of registrants from official list of eligible voters on basis of interstate cross-checks4 ,part #e--,other ,initiatives ,to ,promote ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajea4 ,annual reports on voter registration statistics4 ,part #f--;,availability of ,,hava ,requirements ,payments ,sec4 #ajfa4 ,availability of requirements payments under ,,hava to cover costs of compliance with new requirements4 ,part #g--,prohibiting ,interference ,with ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajga4 ,prohibiting hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing voter registration4 ,sec4 #ajgb4 ,establishment of best practices4 ,subtitle ,b--,access to ,voting for ,individuals ,with ,disabilities ,sec4 #aaja4 ,requirements for ,states to promote access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities4 ,sec4 #aajb4 ,pilot programs for enabling individuals with disabilities to register to vote and vote privately and independently at residences4 ,sec4 #aajc4 ,expansion and reauthorization of grant program to assure voting access for individuals with disabilities4 ,subtitle ,c--,prohibiting ,voter ,caging ,sec4 #abja4 ,voter caging and other questionable challenges prohibited4 ,sec4 #abjb4 ,development and adoption of best practices for preventing voter caging4 ,subtitle ,d--,prohibiting ,deceptive ,practices and ,preventing ,voter ,intimidation ,sec4 #acja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #acjb4 ,prohibition on deceptive practices in ,federal elections4 ,sec4 #acjc4 ,corrective action4 ,sec4 #acjd4 ,reports to ,congress4 ,subtitle ,e--,democracy ,restoration ,sec4 #adja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #adjb4 ,rights of citizens4 ,sec4 #adjc4 ,enforcement4 ,sec4 #adjd4 ,notification of restoration of voting rights4 ,sec4 #adje4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #adjf4 ,relation to other laws4 ,sec4 #adjg4 ,federal prison funds4 ,sec4 #adjh4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,f--,promoting ,accuracy1 ,integrity1 and ,security ,through ,voter-,verified ,permanent ,paper ,ballot ,sec4 #aeja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #aejb4 ,paper ballot and manual counting requirements4 ,sec4 #aejc4 ,accessibility and ballot verification for individuals with disabilities4 ,sec4 #aejd4 ,durability and readability requirements for ballots4 ,sec4 #aeje4 ,effective date for new requirements4 ,subtitle ,g--,provisional ,ballots ,sec4 #afja4 ,requirements for counting provisional ballots2 establishment of uniform and nondiscriminatory standards4 ,subtitle ,h--,early ,voting ,sec4 #afaa4 ,early voting4 ,subtitle ,i--,voting by ,mail ,sec4 #afba4 ,voting by mail4 ,subtitle ,j--,absent ,uniformed ,services ,voters and ,overseas ,voters ,sec4 #agja4 ,pre-election reports on availability and transmission of absentee ballots4 ,sec4 #agjb4 ,enforcement4 ,sec4 #agjc4 ,revisions to #de-;day absentee ballot transmission rule4 ,sec4 #agjd4 ,use of single absentee ballot application for subsequent elections4 ,sec4 #agje4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,k--,poll ,worker ,recruitment and ,training ,sec4 #ahja4 ,leave to serve as a poll worker for ,federal employees4 ,sec4 #ahjb4 ,grants to ,states for poll worker recruitment and training4 ,sec4 #ahjc4 ,state defined4 ,subtitle ,l--,enhancement of ,enforcement ,sec4 #ahaa4 ,enhancement of enforcement of ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb4 ,subtitle ,m--,federal ,election ,integrity ,sec4 #ahba4 ,prohibition on campaign activities by chief ,state election administration officials4 ,subtitle ,n--,promoting ,voter ,access ,through ,election ,administration ,improvements ,part #a--,promoting ,voter ,access ,sec4 #aija4 ,treatment of universities as voter registration agencies4 ,sec4 #aijb4 ,minimum notification requirements for voters affected by polling place changes4 ,sec4 #aijc4 ,election ,day holiday4 ,sec4 #aijd4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement to meet identification requirements for voting4 ,sec4 #aije4 ,postage-free ballots4 ,sec4 #aijf4 ,reimbursement for costs incurred by ,states in establishing program to track and confirm receipt of absentee ballots4 ,sec4 #aijg4 ,voter information response systems and hotline4 ,part #b--;,improvements in ,operation of ,election ,assistance ,commission ,sec4 #aiaa4 ,reauthorization of ,election ,assistance ,commission4 ,sec4 #aiac4 ,requiring ,states to participate in post-general election surveys4 ,sec4 #aiad4 ,reports by ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology on use of funds transferred from ,election ,assistance ,commission4 ,sec4 #aiae4 ,recommendations to improve operations of ,election ,assistance ,commission4 ,sec4 #aiaf4 ,repeal of exemption of ,election ,assistance ,commission from certain government contracting requirements4 ,part #c--,miscellaneous ,provisions ,sec4 #aiba4 ,application of laws to ,commonwealth of ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 ,sec4 #aibb4 ,no effect on other laws4 ,subtitle ,o--,severability ,sec4 #aica4 ,severability4 ,title ,,ii--,election ,integrity ,subtitle ,a--,findings ,reaffirming ,commitment of ,congress ,to ,restore the ,voting ,rights ,act ,sec4 #bjja4 ,findings reaffirming commitment of ,congress to restore the ,voting ,rights ,act4 ,subtitle ,b--,findings ,relating to ,native ,american ,voting ,rights ,sec4 #baja4 ,findings relating to ,native ,american voting rights4 ,subtitle ,c--,findings ,relating to ,district of ,columbia ,statehood ,sec4 #bbja4 ,findings relating to ,district of ,columbia statehood4 ,subtitle ,d--,findings ,relating to ,territorial ,voting ,rights ,sec4 #bcja4 ,findings relating to territorial voting rights4 ,subtitle ,e--,redistricting ,reform ,sec4 #bdjj4 ,short title2 finding of constitutional authority4 ,part #a--,requirements for ,congressional ,redistricting ,sec4 #bdja4 ,limit on congressional redistricting after an apportionment4 ,sec4 #bdjb4 ,requiring congressional redistricting to be conducted through plan of independent ,state commission4 ,part #b--;,independent ,redistricting ,commissions ,sec4 #bdaa4 ,independent redistricting commission4 ,sec4 #bdab4 ,establishment of selection pool of individuals eligible to serve as members of commission4 ,sec4 #bdac4 ,criteria for redistricting plan by independent commission2 public notice and input4 ,sec4 #bdad4 ,establishment of related entities4 ,part #c--,role of ,courts in ,development of ,redistricting ,plans ,sec4 #bdba4 ,enactment of plan developed by #c-;judge court4 ,sec4 #bdbb4 ,special rule for redistricting conducted under order of ,federal court4 ,part #d--;,administrative and ,miscellaneous ,provisions ,sec4 #bdca4 ,payments to ,states for carrying out redistricting4 ,sec4 #bdcb4 ,civil enforcement4 ,sec4 #bdcc4 ,state apportionment notice defined4 ,sec4 #bdcd4 ,no effect on elections for ,state and local office4 ,sec4 #bdce4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,f--,saving ,voters ,from ,voter ,purging ,sec4 #beja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #bejb4 ,conditions for removal of voters from list of registered voters4 ,subtitle ,g--,severability ,sec4 #bfja4 ,severability4 ,title ,,iii--,election ,security ,sec4 #cjjj4 ,short title2 sense of ,congress4 ,subtitle ,a--,financial ,support for ,election ,infrastructure ,part #a--,voting ,system ,security ,improvement ,grants ,sec4 #cjja4 ,grants for obtaining compliant paper ballot voting systems and carrying out voting system security improvements4 ,sec4 #cjjb4 ,coordination of voting system security activities with use of requirements payments and election administration requirements under ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb4 ,sec4 #cjjc4 ,incorporation of definitions4 ,part #b--;,grants for ,risk-,limiting ,audits of ,results of ,elections ,sec4 #cjaa4 ,grants to ,states for conducting risk-limiting audits of results of elections4 ,sec4 #cjab4 ,,gao analysis of effects of audits4 ,part #c--;,election ,infrastructure ,innovation ,grant ,program ,sec4 #cjba4 ,election infrastructure innovation grant program4 ,subtitle ,b--,security ,measures ,sec4 #caja4 ,election infrastructure designation4 ,sec4 #cajb4 ,timely threat information4 ,sec4 #cajc4 ,security clearance assistance for election officials4 ,sec4 #cajd4 ,security risk and vulnerability assessments4 ,sec4 #caje4 ,annual reports4 ,subtitle ,c--,enhancing ,protections for ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions ,sec4 #cbja4 ,national strategy to protect ,united ,states democratic institutions4 ,sec4 #cbjb4 ,national ,commission to ,protect ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions4 ,subtitle ,d--,promoting ,cybersecurity ,through ,improvements in ,election ,administration ,sec4 #ccja4 ,testing of existing voting systems to ensure compliance with election cybersecurity guidelines and other guidelines4 ,sec4 #ccjb4 ,treatment of electronic poll books as part of voting systems4 ,sec4 #ccjc4 ,pre-election reports on voting system usage4 ,sec4 #ccjd4 ,streamlining collection of election information4 ,subtitle ,e--,preventing ,election ,hacking ,sec4 #cdja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #cdjb4 ,election ,security ,bug ,bounty ,program4 ,sec4 #cdjc4 ,definitions4 ,subtitle ,f--,miscellaneous ,provisions ,sec4 #ceja4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #cejb4 ,initial report on adequacy of resources available for implementation4 ,subtitle ,g--,severability ,sec4 #cfja4 ,severability4 ,division ,b--,campaign ,finance ,title ,,iv--,campaign ,finance ,transparency ,subtitle ,a--,findings ,relating to ,illicit ,money ,undermining ,our ,democracy ,sec4 #djja4 ,findings relating to illicit money undermining our democracy4 ,subtitle ,b--,,disclose ,act ,sec4 #dajj4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,regulation of ,certain ,political ,spending ,sec4 #daja4 ,application of ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals to domestic corporations1 limited liability corporations1 and partnerships that are foreign-controlled1 foreign-influenced1 and foreign-owned4 ,sec4 #dajb4 ,clarification of application of foreign money ban to certain disbursements and activities4 ,part #b--,reporting of ,campaign-,related ,disbursements ,sec4 #daaa4 ,reporting of campaign-related disbursements4 ,sec4 #daab4 ,application of foreign money ban to disbursements for campaign-related disbursements consisting of covered transfers4 ,sec4 #daac4 ,effective date4 ,part #c--,other ,administrative ,reforms ,sec4 #daba4 ,petition for certiorari4 ,sec4 #dabb4 ,judicial review of actions related to campaign finance laws4 ,subtitle ,c--,honest ,ads ,sec4 #dbja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #dbjb4 ,purpose4 ,sec4 #dbjc4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #dbjd4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #dbje4 ,expansion of definition of public communication4 ,sec4 #dbjf4 ,expansion of definition of electioneering communication4 ,sec4 #dbjg4 ,application of disclaimer statements to online communications4 ,sec4 #dbjh4 ,political record requirements for online platforms4 ,sec4 #dbji4 ,preventing contributions1 expenditures1 independent expenditures1 and disbursements for electioneering communications by foreign nationals in the form of online advertising4 ,subtitle ,d--,stand ,by ,every ,ad ,sec4 #dcja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #dcjb4 ,stand ,by ,every ,ad4 ,sec4 #dcjc4 ,disclaimer requirements for communications made through prerecorded telephone calls4 ,sec4 #dcjd4 ,no expansion of persons subject to disclaimer requirements on internet communications4 ,sec4 #dcje4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,e--,secret ,money ,transparency ,sec4 #ddja4 ,repeal of restriction of use of funds by ,internal ,revenue ,service to bring transparency to political activity of certain nonprofit organizations4 ,subtitle ,f--,shareholder ,right-,to-,know ,sec4 #deja4 ,repeal of restriction on use of funds by ,securities and ,exchange ,commission to ensure shareholders of corporations have knowledge of corporation political activity4 ,subtitle ,g--,disclosure of ,political ,spending by ,government ,contractors ,sec4 #dfja4 ,repeal of restriction on use of funds to require disclosure of political spending by government contractors4 ,subtitle ,h--,limitation and ,disclosure ,requirements for ,presidential ,inaugural ,committees ,sec4 #dgja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #dgjb4 ,limitations and disclosure of certain donations to1 and disbursements by1 inaugural committees4 ,subtitle ,i--,severability ,sec4 #dhja4 ,severability4 ,title ,v--,campaign ,finance ,empowerment ,subtitle ,a--,findings ,relating to ,citizens ,united ,decision ,sec4 #ejja4 ,findings relating to ,citizens ,united decision4 ,subtitle ,b--,congressional ,elections ,sec4 #eajj4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,my ,voice ,voucher ,pilot ,program ,sec4 #eaja4 ,establishment of pilot program4 ,sec4 #eajb4 ,voucher program described4 ,sec4 #eajc4 ,reports4 ,sec4 #eajd4 ,definitions4 ,part #b--,small ,dollar ,financing of ,congressional ,election ,campaigns ,sec4 #eaaa4 ,benefits and eligibility requirements for candidates4 ,title ,v--,small ,dollar ,financing of ,congressional ,election ,campaigns ,subtitle ,a--,benefits ,sec4 #eja4 ,benefits for participating candidates4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,procedures for making payments4 ,sec4 #ejc4 ,use of funds4 ,sec4 #ejd4 ,qualified small dollar contributions described4 ,subtitle ,b--,eligibility and ,certification ,sec4 #eaa4 ,eligibility4 ,sec4 #eab4 ,qualifying requirements4 ,sec4 #eac4 ,certification4 ,subtitle ,c--,requirements for ,candidates ,certified as ,participating ,candidates ,sec4 #eba4 ,contribution and expenditure requirements4 ,sec4 #ebb4 ,administration of campaign4 ,sec4 #ebc4 ,preventing unnecessary spending of public funds4 ,sec4 #ebd4 ,remitting unspent funds after election4 ,subtitle ,d--,enhanced ,match ,support ,sec4 #eca4 ,enhanced support for general election4 ,sec4 #ecb4 ,eligibility4 ,sec4 #ecc4 ,amount4 ,sec4 #ecd4 ,waiver of authority to retain portion of unspent funds after election4 ,subtitle ,e--,administrative ,provisions ,sec4 #eda4 ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund4 ,sec4 #edb4 ,reviews and reports by ,government ,accountability ,office4 ,sec4 #edc4 ,administration by ,commission4 ,sec4 #edd4 ,violations and penalties4 ,sec4 #ede4 ,appeals process4 ,sec4 #edf4 ,indexing of amounts4 ,sec4 #edg4 ,election cycle defined4 ,sec4 #eaab4 ,contributions and expenditures by multicandidate and political party committees on behalf of participating candidates4 ,sec4 #eaac4 ,prohibiting use of contributions by participating candidates for purposes other than campaign for election4 ,sec4 #eaad4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,c--,presidential ,elections ,sec4 #ebjj4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,primary ,elections ,sec4 #ebja4 ,increase in and modifications to matching payments4 ,sec4 #ebjb4 ,eligibility requirements for matching payments4 ,sec4 #ebjc4 ,repeal of expenditure limitations4 ,sec4 #ebjd4 ,period of availability of matching payments4 ,sec4 #ebje4 ,examination and audits of matchable contributions4 ,sec4 #ebjf4 ,modification to limitation on contributions for ,presidential primary candidates4 ,part #b--;,general ,elections ,sec4 #ebaa4 ,modification of eligibility requirements for public financing4 ,sec4 #ebab4 ,repeal of expenditure limitations and use of qualified campaign contributions4 ,sec4 #ebac4 ,matching payments and other modifications to payment amounts4 ,sec4 #ebad4 ,increase in limit on coordinated party expenditures4 ,sec4 #ebae4 ,establishment of uniform date for release of payments4 ,sec4 #ebaf4 ,amounts in ,presidential ,election ,campaign ,fund4 ,sec4 #ebag4 ,use of general election payments for general election legal and accounting compliance4 ,part #c--;,effective ,date ,sec4 #ebba4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,d--,personal ,use ,services as ,authorized ,campaign ,expenditures ,sec4 #ecja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #ecjb4 ,treatment of payments for child care and other personal use services as authorized campaign expenditure4 ,subtitle ,e--,severability ,sec4 #edja4 ,severability4 ,title ,,vi--,campaign ,finance ,oversight ,subtitle ,a--,restoring ,integrity to ,america's ,elections ,sec4 #fjja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #fjjb4 ,membership of ,federal ,election ,commission4 ,sec4 #fjjc4 ,assignment of powers to ,chair of ,federal ,election ,commission4 ,sec4 #fjjd4 ,revision to enforcement process4 ,sec4 #fjje4 ,permitting appearance at hearings on requests for advisory opinions by persons opposing the requests4 ,sec4 #fjjf4 ,permanent extension of administrative penalty authority4 ,sec4 #fjjg4 ,effective date2 transition4 ,subtitle ,b--,stopping ,super ,,pac-,candidate ,coordination ,sec4 #faja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #fajb4 ,clarification of treatment of coordinated expenditures as contributions to candidates4 ,sec4 #fajc4 ,clarification of ban on fundraising for super ,p,a,cs by ,federal candidates and officeholders4 ,subtitle ,c--,severability ,sec4 #fbja4 ,severability4 ,division ,c--,ethics ,title ,,vii--,ethical ,standards ,subtitle ,a--,supreme ,court ,ethics ,sec4 #gjja4 ,code of conduct for ,federal judges4 ,subtitle ,b--,foreign ,agents ,registration ,sec4 #gaja4 ,establishment of ,,fara investigation and enforcement unit within ,department of ,justice4 ,sec4 #gajb4 ,authority to impose civil money penalties4 ,sec4 #gajc4 ,disclosure of transactions involving things of financial value conferred on officeholders4 ,subtitle ,c--,lobbying ,disclosure ,reform ,sec4 #gbja4 ,expanding scope of individuals and activities subject to requirements of ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie4 ,subtitle ,d--,recusal of ,presidential ,appointees ,sec4 #gcja4 ,recusal of appointees4 ,subtitle ,e--,severability ,sec4 #gdja4 ,severability4 ,title ,,viii--,ethics ,reforms for the ,president1 ,vice ,president1 and ,federal ,officers and ,employees ,subtitle ,a--,executive ,branch ,conflict of ,interest ,sec4 #hjja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjjb4 ,restrictions on private sector payment for government service4 ,sec4 #hjjc4 ,requirements relating to slowing the revolving door4 ,sec4 #hjjd4 ,prohibition of procurement officers accepting employment from government contractors4 ,sec4 #hjje4 ,revolving door restrictions on employees moving into the private sector4 ,subtitle ,b--,presidential ,conflicts of ,interest ,sec4 #hjaa4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjab4 ,divestiture of personal financial interests of the ,president and ,vice ,president that pose a potential conflict of interest4 ,sec4 #hjac4 ,initial financial disclosure4 ,sec4 #hjad4 ,contracts by the ,president or ,vice ,president4 ,subtitle ,c--,white ,house ,ethics ,transparency ,sec4 #hjba4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjbb4 ,procedure for waivers and authorizations relating to ethics requirements4 ,subtitle ,d--,executive ,branch ,ethics ,enforcement ,sec4 #hjca4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjcb4 ,reauthorization of the ,office of ,government ,ethics4 ,sec4 #hjcc4 ,tenure of the ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics4 ,sec4 #hjcd4 ,duties of ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics4 ,sec4 #hjce4 ,agency ethics officials training and duties4 ,subtitle ,e--,conflicts from ,political ,fundraising ,sec4 #hjda4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjdb4 ,disclosure of certain types of contributions4 ,subtitle ,f--,transition ,team ,ethics ,sec4 #hjea4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjeb4 ,presidential transition ethics programs4 ,subtitle ,g--,ethics ,pledge for ,senior ,executive ,branch ,employees ,sec4 #hjfa4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjfb4 ,ethics pledge requirement for senior executive branch employees4 ,subtitle ,h--,severability ,sec4 #hjga4 ,severability4 ,title ,,ix--,congressional ,ethics ,reform ,subtitle ,a--,requiring ,members of ,congress ,to reimburse ,treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,sec4 #ijja4 ,requiring ,members of ,congress to reimburse ,treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie in all cases of employment discrimination acts by ,members4 ,subtitle ,b--,conflicts of ,interests ,sec4 #iaja4 ,prohibiting ,members of ,house of ,representatives from serving on boards of for-profit entities4 ,sec4 #iajb4 ,conflict of interest rules for ,members of ,congress and congressional staff4 ,sec4 #iajc4 ,exercise of rulemaking powers4 ,subtitle ,c--,campaign ,finance and ,lobbying ,disclosure ,sec4 #ibja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #ibjb4 ,requiring disclosure in certain reports filed with ,federal ,election ,commission of persons who are registered lobbyists4 ,sec4 #ibjc4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,d--,access to ,congressionally ,mandated ,reports ,sec4 #icja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #icjb4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #icjc4 ,establishment of online portal for congressionally mandated reports4 ,sec4 #icjd4 ,federal agency responsibilities4 ,sec4 #icje4 ,removing and altering reports4 ,sec4 #icjf4 ,relationship to the ,freedom of ,information ,act4 ,sec4 #icjg4 ,implementation4 ,subtitle ,e--,severability ,sec4 #idja4 ,severability4 ,title ,x--,presidential and ,vice ,presidential ,tax ,transparency ,sec4 #ajjja4 ,presidential and ,vice ,presidential tax transparency4 ,a ,voting ,i ,election ,access ,sec4 #ajjj4 ,short title2 statement of policy4 ,subtitle ,a--,voter ,registration ,modernization ,sec4 #ajjj;,a4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,promoting ,internet ,registration ,sec4 #ajja4 ,requiring availability of internet for voter registration4 ,sec4 #ajjb4 ,use of internet to update registration information4 ,sec4 #ajjc4 ,provision of election information by electronic mail to individuals registered to vote4 ,sec4 #ajjd4 ,clarification of requirement regarding necessary information to show eligibility to vote4 ,sec4 #ajje4 ,effective date4 ,part #b--;,automatic ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajaa4 ,short title2 findings and purpose4 ,sec4 #ajab4 ,automatic registration of eligible individuals4 ,sec4 #ajac4 ,contributing agency assistance in registration4 ,sec4 #ajad4 ,one-time contributing agency assistance in registration of eligible voters in existing records4 ,sec4 #ajae4 ,voter protection and security in automatic registration4 ,sec4 #ajaf4 ,registration portability and correction4 ,sec4 #ajag4 ,payments and grants4 ,sec4 #ajah4 ,treatment of exempt ,states4 ,sec4 #ajai4 ,miscellaneous provisions4 ,sec4 #ajbj4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #ajba4 ,effective date4 ,part #c--,same-,day ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajca4 ,same-day registration4 ,part #d--;,conditions on ,removal on ,basis of ,interstate ,cross-,checks ,sec4 #ajda4 ,conditions on removal of registrants from official list of eligible voters on basis of interstate cross-checks4 ,part #e--,other ,initiatives ,to ,promote ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajea4 ,annual reports on voter registration statistics4 ,part #f--;,availability of ,,hava ,requirements ,payments ,sec4 #ajfa4 ,availability of requirements payments under ,,hava to cover costs of compliance with new requirements4 ,part #g--,prohibiting ,interference ,with ,voter ,registration ,sec4 #ajga4 ,prohibiting hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing voter registration4 ,sec4 #ajgb4 ,establishment of best practices4 ,subtitle ,b--,access to ,voting for ,individuals ,with ,disabilities ,sec4 #aaja4 ,requirements for ,states to promote access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities4 ,sec4 #aajb4 ,pilot programs for enabling individuals with disabilities to register to vote and vote privately and independently at residences4 ,sec4 #aajc4 ,expansion and reauthorization of grant program to assure voting access for individuals with disabilities4 ,subtitle ,c--,prohibiting ,voter ,caging ,sec4 #abja4 ,voter caging and other questionable challenges prohibited4 ,sec4 #abjb4 ,development and adoption of best practices for preventing voter caging4 ,subtitle ,d--,prohibiting ,deceptive ,practices and ,preventing ,voter ,intimidation ,sec4 #acja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #acjb4 ,prohibition on deceptive practices in ,federal elections4 ,sec4 #acjc4 ,corrective action4 ,sec4 #acjd4 ,reports to ,congress4 ,subtitle ,e--,democracy ,restoration ,sec4 #adja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #adjb4 ,rights of citizens4 ,sec4 #adjc4 ,enforcement4 ,sec4 #adjd4 ,notification of restoration of voting rights4 ,sec4 #adje4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #adjf4 ,relation to other laws4 ,sec4 #adjg4 ,federal prison funds4 ,sec4 #adjh4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,f--,promoting ,accuracy1 ,integrity1 and ,security ,through ,voter-,verified ,permanent ,paper ,ballot ,sec4 #aeja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #aejb4 ,paper ballot and manual counting requirements4 ,sec4 #aejc4 ,accessibility and ballot verification for individuals with disabilities4 ,sec4 #aejd4 ,durability and readability requirements for ballots4 ,sec4 #aeje4 ,effective date for new requirements4 ,subtitle ,g--,provisional ,ballots ,sec4 #afja4 ,requirements for counting provisional ballots2 establishment of uniform and nondiscriminatory standards4 ,subtitle ,h--,early ,voting ,sec4 #afaa4 ,early voting4 ,subtitle ,i--,voting by ,mail ,sec4 #afba4 ,voting by mail4 ,subtitle ,j--,absent ,uniformed ,services ,voters and ,overseas ,voters ,sec4 #agja4 ,pre-election reports on availability and transmission of absentee ballots4 ,sec4 #agjb4 ,enforcement4 ,sec4 #agjc4 ,revisions to #de-;day absentee ballot transmission rule4 ,sec4 #agjd4 ,use of single absentee ballot application for subsequent elections4 ,sec4 #agje4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,k--,poll ,worker ,recruitment and ,training ,sec4 #ahja4 ,leave to serve as a poll worker for ,federal employees4 ,sec4 #ahjb4 ,grants to ,states for poll worker recruitment and training4 ,sec4 #ahjc4 ,state defined4 ,subtitle ,l--,enhancement of ,enforcement ,sec4 #ahaa4 ,enhancement of enforcement of ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb4 ,subtitle ,m--,federal ,election ,integrity ,sec4 #ahba4 ,prohibition on campaign activities by chief ,state election administration officials4 ,subtitle ,n--,promoting ,voter ,access ,through ,election ,administration ,improvements ,part #a--,promoting ,voter ,access ,sec4 #aija4 ,treatment of universities as voter registration agencies4 ,sec4 #aijb4 ,minimum notification requirements for voters affected by polling place changes4 ,sec4 #aijc4 ,election ,day holiday4 ,sec4 #aijd4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement to meet identification requirements for voting4 ,sec4 #aije4 ,postage-free ballots4 ,sec4 #aijf4 ,reimbursement for costs incurred by ,states in establishing program to track and confirm receipt of absentee ballots4 ,sec4 #aijg4 ,voter information response systems and hotline4 ,part #b--;,improvements in ,operation of ,election ,assistance ,commission ,sec4 #aiaa4 ,reauthorization of ,election ,assistance ,commission4 ,sec4 #aiac4 ,requiring ,states to participate in post-general election surveys4 ,sec4 #aiad4 ,reports by ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology on use of funds transferred from ,election ,assistance ,commission4 ,sec4 #aiae4 ,recommendations to improve operations of ,election ,assistance ,commission4 ,sec4 #aiaf4 ,repeal of exemption of ,election ,assistance ,commission from certain government contracting requirements4 ,part #c--,miscellaneous ,provisions ,sec4 #aiba4 ,application of laws to ,commonwealth of ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 ,sec4 #aibb4 ,no effect on other laws4 ,subtitle ,o--,severability ,sec4 #aica4 ,severability4 #ajjj4 ,short title2 statement of policy 7a7 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,voter ,empowerment ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,statement of policy ,it is the policy of the ,united ,states that-- 7#a7 all eligible citizens of the ,united ,states should access and exercise their constitutional right to vote in a free1 fair1 and timely manner2 and 7#b7 the integrity1 security1 and accountability of the voting process must be vigilantly protected1 maintained1 and enhanced in order to protect and preserve electoral and participatory democracy in the ,united ,states4 ,a ,voter ,registration ,modernization #ajjj;,a4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjai4 #a ,promoting ,internet ,registration #ajja4 ,requiring availability of internet for voter registration 7a7 ,requiring ,availability of ,internet for ,registration ,the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #f the following new section3 #f;,a4 ,internet ,registration 7a7 ,requiring ,availability of ,internet for ,online ,registration 7#a7 ,availability of online registration ,each ,state1 acting through the chief ,state election official1 shall ensure that the following services are available to the public at any time on the official public websites of the appropriate ,state and local election officials in the ,state1 in the same manner and subject to the same terms and conditions as the services provided by voter registration agencies under section #g7;a73 7,a7 ,online application for voter registration4 7,b7 ,online assistance to applicants in applying to register to vote4 7,c7 ,online completion and submission by applicants of the mail voter registration application form prescribed by the ,election ,assistance ,commission pursuant to section #i7;a77#b71 including assistance with providing a signature as required under subsection 7c74 7,d7 ,online receipt of completed voter registration applications4 7b7 ,acceptance of completed applications ,a ,state shall accept an online voter registration application provided by an individual under this section1 and ensure that the individual is registered to vote in the ,state1 if-- 7#a7 the individual meets the same voter registration requirements applicable to individuals who register to vote by mail in accordance with section #f7;a77#a7 using the mail voter registration application form prescribed by the ,election ,assistance ,commission pursuant to section #i7;a77#b72 and 7#b7 the individual meets the requirements of subsection 7c7 to provide a signature in electronic form 7but only in the case of applications submitted during or after the second year in which this section is in effect in the ,state74 7c7 ,signature requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this section1 an individual meets the requirements of this subsection as follows3 7,a7 ,in the case of an individual who has a signature on file with a ,state agency1 including the ,state motor vehicle authority1 that is required to provide voter registration services under this ,act or any other law1 the individual consents to the transfer of that electronic signature4 7,b7 ,if subparagraph 7,a7 does not apply1 the individual submits with the application an electronic copy of the individual's handwritten signature through electronic means4 7,c7 ,if subparagraph 7,a7 and subparagraph 7,b7 do not apply1 the individual executes a computerized mark in the signature field on an online voter registration application1 in accordance with reasonable security measures established by the ,state1 but only if the ,state accepts such mark from the individual4 7#b7 ,treatment of individuals unable to meet requirement ,if an individual is unable to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#a71 the ,state shall-- 7,a7 permit the individual to complete all other elements of the online voter registration application2 7,b7 permit the individual to provide a signature at the time the individual requests a ballot in an election 7whether the individual requests the ballot at a polling place or requests the ballot by mail72 and 7,c7 if the individual carries out the steps described in subparagraph 7,a7 and subparagraph 7,b71 ensure that the individual is registered to vote in the ,state4 7#c7 ,notice ,the ,state shall ensure that individuals applying to register to vote online are notified of the requirements of paragraph 7#a7 and of the treatment of individuals unable to meet such requirements1 as described in paragraph 7#b74 7d7 ,confirmation and disposition 7#a7 ,confirmation of receipt ,upon the online submission of a completed voter registration application by an individual under this section1 the appropriate ,state or local election official shall send the individual a notice confirming the ,state's receipt of the application and providing instructions on how the individual may check the status of the application4 7#b7 ,notice of disposition ,as soon as the appropriate ,state or local election official has approved or rejected an application submitted by an individual under this section1 the official shall send the individual a notice of the disposition of the application4 7#c7 ,method of notification ,the appropriate ,state or local election official shall send the notices required under this subsection by regular mail1 and1 in the case of an individual who has requested that the ,state provide voter registration and voting information through electronic mail1 by both electronic mail and regular mail4 7e7 ,provision of ,services in ,nonpartisan ,manner ,the services made available under subsection 7a7 shall be provided in a manner that ensures that1 consistent with section #g7;a77#e7-- 7#a7 the online application does not seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration2 and 7#b7 there is no display on the website promoting any political preference or party allegiance1 except that nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prohibit an applicant from registering to vote as a member of a political party4 7f7 ,protection of ,security of ,information ,in meeting the requirements of this section1 the ,state shall establish appropriate technological security measures to prevent to the greatest extent practicable any unauthorized access to information provided by individuals using the services made available under subsection 7a74 7g7 ,use of ,additional ,telephone-,based ,system ,a ,state shall make the services made available online under subsection 7a7 available through the use of an automated telephone-based system1 subject to the same terms and conditions applicable under this section to the services made available online1 in addition to making the services available online in accordance with the requirements of this section4 7h7 ,nondiscrimination among registered voters using mail and online registration ,in carrying out this ,act1 the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb1 or any other ,federal1 ,state1 or local law governing the treatment of registered voters in the ,state or the administration of elections for public office in the ,state1 a ,state shall treat a registered voter who registered to vote online in accordance with this section in the same manner as the ,state treats a registered voter who registered to vote by mail4 4 7b7 ,special requirements for individuals using online registration 7#a7 ,treatment as individuals registering to vote by mail for purposes of first-time voter identification requirements ,section #cjc7;b77#a77;,a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;b77#a77;,a77 is amended by striking by mail and inserting by mail or online under section #f;,a of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic4 7#b7 ,requiring signature for first-time voters in jurisdiction ,section #cjc7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;b77 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#e7 as paragraph 7#f72 and 7,b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#d7 the following new paragraph3 7#e7 ,signature requirements for first-time voters using online registration 7,a7 ,in general ,a ,state shall1 in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner1 require an individual to meet the requirements of subparagraph 7,b7 if-- 7i7 the individual registered to vote in the ,state online under section #f;,a of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic2 and 7ii7 the individual has not previously voted in an election for ,federal office in the ,state4 7,b7 ,requirements ,an individual meets the requirements of this subparagraph if-- 7i7 in the case of an individual who votes in person1 the individual provides the appropriate ,state or local election official with a handwritten signature2 or 7ii7 in the case of an individual who votes by mail1 the individual submits with the ballot a handwritten signature4 7,c7 ,inapplicability ,subparagraph 7,a7 does not apply in the case of an individual who is-- 7i7 entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb et seq472 7ii7 provided the right to vote otherwise than in person under section #c7;b77#b77;,b77ii7 of the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjajb7;b77#b77;,b77ii772 or 7iii7 entitled to vote otherwise than in person under any other ,federal law4 4 7#c7 ,conforming amendment relating to effective date ,section #cjc7;d77#b77;,a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;d77#b77;,a77 is amended by striking ,each ,state and inserting ,except as provided in subsection 7b77#e71 each ,state4 7c7 ,conforming ,amendments 7#a7 ,timing of registration ,section #h7;a77#a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a77#a77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,c72 7,b7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,d7 as subparagraph 7,e72 and 7,c7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,c7 the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 in the case of online registration through the official public website of an election official under section #f;,a1 if the valid voter registration application is submitted online not later than the lesser of #cj days1 or the period provided by ,state law1 before the date of the election 7as determined by treating the date on which the application is sent electronically as the date on which it is submitted72 and 4 7#b7 ,informing applicants of eligibility requirements and penalties ,section #h7;a77#e7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a77#e77 is amended by striking and #g and inserting #f;,a1 and #g4 #ajjb4 ,use of internet to update registration information 7a7 ,in ,general 7#a7 ,updates to information contained on computerized statewide voter registration list ,section #cjc7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#f7 ,use of ,internet by registered voters to update information 7,a7 ,in general ,the appropriate ,state or local election official shall ensure that any registered voter on the computerized list may at any time update the voter's registration information1 including the voter's address and electronic mail address1 online through the official public website of the election official responsible for the maintenance of the list1 so long as the voter attests to the contents of the update by providing a signature in electronic form in the same manner required under section #f;,a7c7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic4 7,b7 ,processing of updated information by election officials ,if a registered voter updates registration information under subparagraph 7,a71 the appropriate ,state or local election official shall-- 7i7 revise any information on the computerized list to reflect the update made by the voter2 and 7ii7 if the updated registration information affects the voter's eligibility to vote in an election for ,federal office1 ensure that the information is processed with respect to the election if the voter updates the information not later than the lesser of #g days1 or the period provided by ,state law1 before the date of the election4 7,c7 ,confirmation and disposition 7i7 ,confirmation of receipt ,upon the online submission of updated registration information by an individual under this paragraph1 the appropriate ,state or local election official shall send the individual a notice confirming the ,state's receipt of the updated information and providing instructions on how the individual may check the status of the update4 7ii7 ,notice of disposition ,as soon as the appropriate ,state or local election official has accepted or rejected updated information submitted by an individual under this paragraph1 the official shall send the individual a notice of the disposition of the update4 7iii7 ,method of notification ,the appropriate ,state or local election official shall send the notices required under this subparagraph by regular mail1 and1 in the case of an individual who has requested that the ,state provide voter registration and voting information through electronic mail1 by both electronic mail and regular mail4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment relating to effective date ,section #cjc7;d77#a77;,a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;d77#a77;,a77 is amended by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting subparagraph 7,b7 and subsection 7a77#f74 7b7 ,ability of registrant ,to use online update ,to provide information on residence ,section #h7;d77#b77;,a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;d77#b77;,a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the first sentence1 by inserting after return the card the following3 or update the registrant's information on the computerized ,statewide voter registration list using the online method provided under section #cjc7;a77#f7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb2 and 7#b7 in the second sentence1 by striking returned1 and inserting the following3 returned or if the registrant does not update the registrant's information on the computerized ,statewide voter registration list using such online method14 #ajjc4 ,provision of election information by electronic mail to individuals registered to vote 7a7 ,including ,option on ,voter ,registration ,application ,to ,provide ,email ,address and ,receive ,information 7#a7 ,in general ,section #i7;b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejh7;b77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#c72 7,b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#d7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 shall include a space for the applicant to provide 7at the applicant's option7 an electronic mail address1 together with a statement that1 if the applicant so requests1 instead of using regular mail the appropriate ,state and local election officials shall provide to the applicant1 through electronic mail sent to that address1 the same voting information 7as defined in section #cjb7;b77#b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb7 which the officials would provide to the applicant through regular mail4 4 7#b7 ,prohibiting use for purposes unrelated to official duties of election officials ,section #i of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejh7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,prohibiting use of electronic mail addresses for other than official purposes ,the chief ,state election official shall ensure that any electronic mail address provided by an applicant under subsection 7b77#e7 is used only for purposes of carrying out official duties of election officials and is not transmitted by any ,state or local election official 7or any agent of such an official1 including a contractor7 to any person who does not require the address to carry out such official duties and who is not under the direct supervision and control of a ,state or local election official4 4 7b7 ,requiring ,provision of ,information by ,election ,officials ,section #cjb7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,provision of other information by electronic mail ,if an individual who is a registered voter has provided the ,state or local election official with an electronic mail address for the purpose of receiving voting information 7as described in section #i7;b77#e7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic71 the appropriate ,state or local election official1 through electronic mail transmitted not later than #g days before the date of the election involved1 shall provide the individual with information on how to obtain the following information by electronic means3 7,a7 ,the name and address of the polling place at which the individual is assigned to vote in the election4 7,b7 ,the hours of operation for the polling place4 7,c7 ,a description of any identification or other information the individual may be required to present at the polling place4 4 #ajjd4 ,clarification of requirement regarding necessary information to show eligibility to vote ,section #h of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7j7 as subsection 7k72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7i7 the following new subsection3 7j7 ,requirement for ,state ,to ,register ,applicants ,providing ,necessary ,information ,to ,show ,eligibility ,to ,vote ,for purposes meeting the requirement of subsection 7a77#a7 that an eligible applicant is registered to vote in an election for ,federal office within the deadlines required under such subsection1 the ,state shall consider an applicant to have provided a valid voter registration form if-- 7#a7 the applicant has accurately completed the application form and attested to the statement required by section #i7;b77#b72 and 7#b7 in the case of an applicant who registers to vote online in accordance with section #f;,a1 the applicant provides a signature in accordance with subsection 7c7 of such section4 4 #ajje4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in ,general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 the amendments made by this part 7other than the amendments made by section #ajjd7 shall take effect ,january #a1 #bjbj4 7b7 ,waiver ,subject to the approval of the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 if a ,state certifies to the ,election ,assistance ,commission that the ,state will not meet the deadline referred to in subsection 7a7 because of extraordinary circumstances and includes in the certification the reasons for the failure to meet the deadline1 subsection 7a7 shall apply to the ,state as if the reference in such subsection to ,january #a1 #bjbj were a reference to ,january #a1 #bjbb4 #b ,automatic ,voter ,registration #ajaa4 ,short title2 findings and purpose 7a7 ,short title ,this part may be cited as the ,automatic ,voter ,registration ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,findings and purpose 7#a7 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7,a7 the right to vote is a fundamental right of citizens of the ,united ,states2 7,b7 it is the responsibility of the ,state and ,federal ,governments to ensure that every eligible citizen is registered to vote2 7,c7 existing voter registration systems can be inaccurate1 costly1 inaccessible and confusing1 with damaging effects on voter participation in elections and disproportionate impacts on young people1 persons with disabilities1 and racial and ethnic minorities2 and 7,d7 voter registration systems must be updated with #bast-century technologies and procedures to maintain their security4 7#b7 ,purpose ,it is the purpose of this part-- 7,a7 to establish that it is the responsibility of government at every level to ensure that all eligible citizens are registered to vote2 7,b7 to enable the ,state and ,federal ,governments to register all eligible citizens to vote with accurate1 cost-efficient1 and up-to-date procedures2 7,c7 to modernize voter registration and list maintenance procedures with electronic and internet capabilities2 and 7,d7 to protect and enhance the integrity1 accuracy1 efficiency1 and accessibility of the electoral process for all eligible citizens4 #ajab4 ,automatic registration of eligible individuals 7a7 ,requiring ,states ,to establish and operate automatic registration system 7#a7 ,in general ,the chief ,state election official of each ,state shall establish and operate a system of automatic registration for the registration of eligible individuals to vote for elections for ,federal office in the ,state1 in accordance with the provisions of this part4 7#b7 ,definition ,the term automatic registration means a system that registers an individual to vote in elections for ,federal office in a ,state1 if eligible1 by electronically transferring the information necessary for registration from government agencies to election officials of the ,state so that1 unless the individual affirmatively declines to be registered1 the individual will be registered to vote in such elections4 7b7 ,registration of voters based on new agency records ,the chief ,state election official shall-- 7#a7 not later than #ae days after a contributing agency has transmitted information with respect to an individual pursuant to section #ajac1 ensure that the individual is registered to vote in elections for ,federal office in the ,state if the individual is eligible to be registered to vote in such elections2 and 7#b7 send written notice to the individual1 in addition to other means of notice established by this part1 of the individual's voter registration status4 7c7 ,one-,time registration of voters based on existing contributing agency records ,the chief ,state election official shall-- 7#a7 identify all individuals whose information is transmitted by a contributing agency pursuant to section #ajad and who are eligible to be1 but are not currently1 registered to vote in that ,state2 7#b7 promptly send each such individual written notice1 in addition to other means of notice established by this part1 which shall not identify the contributing agency that transmitted the information but shall include-- 7,a7 an explanation that voter registration is voluntary1 but if the individual does not decline registration1 the individual will be registered to vote2 7,b7 a statement offering the opportunity to decline voter registration through means consistent with the requirements of this part2 7,c7 in the case of a ,state in which affiliation or enrollment with a political party is required in order to participate in an election to select the party's candidate in an election for ,federal office1 a statement offering the individual the opportunity to affiliate or enroll with a political party or to decline to affiliate or enroll with a political party1 through means consistent with the requirements of this part2 7,d7 the substantive qualifications of an elector in the ,state as listed in the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic1 the consequences of false registration1 and a statement that the individual should decline to register if the individual does not meet all those qualifications2 7,e7 instructions for correcting any erroneous information2 and 7,f7 instructions for providing any additional information which is listed in the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic2 7#c7 ensure that each such individual who is eligible to register to vote in elections for ,federal office in the ,state is promptly registered to vote not later than #de days after the official sends the individual the written notice under paragraph 7#b71 unless1 during the #cj-;day period which begins on the date the election official sends the individual such written notice1 the individual declines registration in writing1 through a communication made over the internet1 or by an officially logged telephone communication2 and 7#d7 send written notice to each such individual1 in addition to other means of notice established by this part1 of the individual's voter registration status4 7d7 ,treatment of individuals under #ah years of age ,a ,state may not refuse to treat an individual as an eligible individual for purposes of this part on the grounds that the individual is less than #ah years of age at the time a contributing agency receives information with respect to the individual1 so long as the individual is at least #af years of age at such time4 7e7 ,contributing agency defined ,in this part1 the term contributing agency means1 with respect to a ,state1 an agency listed in section #ajac7;e74 #ajac4 ,contributing agency assistance in registration 7a7 ,in general ,in accordance with this part1 each contributing agency in a ,state shall assist the ,state's chief election official in registering to vote all eligible individuals served by that agency4 7b7 ,requirements for contributing agencies 7#a7 ,instructions on automatic registration ,with each application for service or assistance1 and with each related recertification1 renewal1 or change of address1 or1 in the case of an institution of higher education1 with each registration of a student for enrollment in a course of study1 each contributing agency that 7in the normal course of its operations7 requests individuals to affirm ,united ,states citizenship 7either directly or as part of the overall application for service or assistance7 shall inform each such individual who is a citizen of the ,united ,states of the following3 7,a7 ,unless that individual declines to register to vote1 or is found ineligible to vote1 the individual will be registered to vote or1 if applicable1 the individual's registration will be updated4 7,b7 ,the substantive qualifications of an elector in the ,state as listed in the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic1 the consequences of false registration1 and the individual should decline to register if the individual does not meet all those qualifications4 7,c7 ,in the case of a ,state in which affiliation or enrollment with a political party is required in order to participate in an election to select the party's candidate in an election for ,federal office1 the requirement that the individual must affiliate or enroll with a political party in order to participate in such an election4 7,d7 ,voter registration is voluntary1 and neither registering nor declining to register to vote will in any way affect the availability of services or benefits1 nor be used for other purposes4 7#b7 ,opportunity to decline registration required ,each contributing agency shall ensure that each application for service or assistance1 and each related recertification1 renewal1 or change of address1 or1 in the case of an institution of higher education1 each registration of a student for enrollment in a course of study1 cannot be completed until the individual is given the opportunity to decline to be registered to vote4 7#c7 ,information transmittal ,upon the expiration of the #cj-;day period which begins on the date the contributing agency informs the individual of the information described in paragraph 7#a71 each contributing agency shall electronically transmit to the appropriate ,state election official1 in a format compatible with the ,statewide voter database maintained under section #cjc of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc71 the following information1 unless during such #cj-;day period the individual declined to be registered to vote3 7,a7 ,the individual's given name7s7 and surname7s74 7,b7 ,the individual's date of birth4 7,c7 ,the individual's residential address4 7,d7 ,information showing that the individual is a citizen of the ,united ,states4 7,e7 ,the date on which information pertaining to that individual was collected or last updated4 7,f7 ,if available1 the individual's signature in electronic form4 7,g7 ,information regarding the individual's affiliation or enrollment with a political party1 if the individual provides such information4 7,h7 ,any additional information listed in the mail voter registration application form for elections for ,federal office prescribed pursuant to section #i of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic1 including any valid driver's license number or the last #d digits of the individual's social security number1 if the individual provided such information4 7c7 ,alternate procedure for certain contributing agencies ,with each application for service or assistance1 and with each related recertification1 renewal1 or change of address1 or in the case of an institution of higher education1 with each registration of a student for enrollment in a course of study1 any contributing agency that in the normal course of its operations does not request individuals applying for service or assistance to affirm ,united ,states citizenship 7either directly or as part of the overall application for service or assistance7 shall-- 7#a7 complete the requirements of section #g7;a77#f7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejf7;a77#f772 7#b7 ensure that each applicant's transaction with the agency cannot be completed until the applicant has indicated whether the applicant wishes to register to vote or declines to register to vote in elections for ,federal office held in the ,state2 and 7#c7 for each individual who wishes to register to vote1 transmit that individual's information in accordance with subsection 7b77#c74 7d7 ,required availability of automatic registration opportunity with each application for service or assistance ,each contributing agency shall offer each individual1 with each application for service or assistance1 and with each related recertification1 renewal1 or change of address1 or in the case of an institution of higher education1 with each registration of a student for enrollment in a course of study1 the opportunity to register to vote as prescribed by this section without regard to whether the individual previously declined a registration opportunity4 7e7 ,contributing agencies 7#a7 ,state agencies ,in each ,state1 each of the following agencies shall be treated as a contributing agency3 7,a7 ,each agency in a ,state that is required by ,federal law to provide voter registration services1 including the ,state motor vehicle authority and other voter registration agencies under the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic4 7,b7 ,each agency in a ,state that administers a program pursuant to title ,,iii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eja et seq471 title ,,xix of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif et seq471 or the ,patient ,protection and ,affordable ,care ,act 7,public ,law #aaa-adh74 7,c7 ,each ,state agency primarily responsible for regulating the private possession of firearms4 7,d7 ,each ,state agency primarily responsible for maintaining identifying information for students enrolled at public secondary schools1 including1 where applicable1 the ,state agency responsible for maintaining the education data system described in section #fbja7;e77#b7 of the ,america ,,competes ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ihga7;e77#b774 7,e7 ,in the case of a ,state in which an individual disenfranchised by a criminal conviction may become eligible to vote upon completion of a criminal sentence or any part thereof1 or upon formal restoration of rights1 the ,state agency responsible for administering that sentence1 or part thereof1 or that restoration of rights4 7,f7 ,any other agency of the ,state which is designated by the ,state as a contributing agency4 7#b7 ,federal agencies ,in each ,state1 each of the following agencies of the ,federal ,government shall be treated as a contributing agency with respect to individuals who are residents of that ,state 7except as provided in subparagraph 7,c773 7,a7 ,the ,social ,security ,administration1 the ,department of ,veterans ,affairs1 the ,defense ,manpower ,data ,center of the ,department of ,defense1 the ,employee and ,training ,administration of the ,department of ,labor1 and the ,center for ,medicare ,medicaid ,services of the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services4 7,b7 ,the ,bureau of ,citizenship and ,immigration ,services1 but only with respect to individuals who have completed the naturalization process4 7,c7 ,in the case of an individual who is a resident of a ,state in which an individual disenfranchised by a criminal conviction under ,federal law may become eligible to vote upon completion of a criminal sentence or any part thereof1 or upon formal restoration of rights1 the ,federal agency responsible for administering that sentence or part thereof 7without regard to whether the agency is located in the same ,state in which the individual is a resident71 but only with respect to individuals who have completed the criminal sentence or any part thereof4 7,d7 ,any other agency of the ,federal ,government which the ,state designates as a contributing agency1 but only if the ,state and the head of the agency determine that the agency collects information sufficient to carry out the responsibilities of a contributing agency under this section4 7#c7 ,institutions of higher education ,each institution of higher education that receives ,federal funds shall be treated as a contributing agency in the ,state in which it is located1 but only with respect to students of the institution 7including students who attend classes online7 who reside in the ,state4 ,an institution of higher education described in the previous sentence shall be exempt from the voter registration requirements of section #dhg7;a77#bc7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajid7;a77#bc77 if the institution is in compliance with the applicable requirements of this part4 7#d7 ,publication ,not later than #ahj days prior to the date of each election for ,federal office held in the ,state1 the chief ,state election official shall publish on the public website of the official an updated list of all contributing agencies in that ,state4 7#e7 ,public education ,the chief ,state election official of each ,state1 in collaboration with each contributing agency1 shall take appropriate measures to educate the public about voter registration under this section4 #ajad4 ,one-time contributing agency assistance in registration of eligible voters in existing records 7a7 ,initial transmittal of information ,for each individual already listed in a contributing agency's records as of the date of enactment of this ,act1 and for whom the agency has the information listed in section #ajac7;b77#c71 the agency shall promptly transmit that information to the appropriate ,state election official in accordance with section #ajac7;b77#c7 not later than the effective date described in section #ajaa7;a74 7b7 ,transition ,for each individual listed in a contributing agency's records as of the effective date described in section #ajaa7;a7 7but who was not listed in a contributing agency's records as of the date of enactment of this ,act71 and for whom the agency has the information listed in section #ajac7;b77#c71 the ,agency shall promptly transmit that information to the appropriate ,state election official in accordance with section #ajac7;b77#c7 not later than #f months after the effective date described in section #ajaa7;a74 #ajae4 ,voter protection and security in automatic registration 7a7 ,protections for errors in registration ,an individual shall not be prosecuted under any ,federal law1 adversely affected in any civil adjudication concerning immigration status or naturalization1 or subject to an allegation in any legal proceeding that the individual is not a citizen of the ,united ,states on any of the following grounds3 7#a7 ,the individual notified an election office of the individual's automatic registration to vote under this part4 7#b7 ,the individual is not eligible to vote in elections for ,federal office but was automatically registered to vote under this part4 7#c7 ,the individual was automatically registered to vote under this part at an incorrect address4 7#d7 ,the individual declined the opportunity to register to vote or did not make an affirmation of citizenship1 including through automatic registration1 under this part4 7b7 ,limits on use of automatic registration ,the automatic registration of any individual or the fact that an individual declined the opportunity to register to vote or did not make an affirmation of citizenship 7including through automatic registration7 under this part may not be used as evidence against that individual in any ,state or ,federal law enforcement proceeding1 and an individual's lack of knowledge or willfulness of such registration may be demonstrated by the individual's testimony alone4 7c7 ,protection of election integrity ,nothing in subsection 7a7 or 7b7 may be construed to prohibit or restrict any action under color of law against an individual who-- 7#a7 knowingly and willfully makes a false statement to effectuate or perpetuate automatic voter registration by any individual2 or 7#b7 casts a ballot knowingly and willfully in violation of ,state law or the laws of the ,united ,states4 7d7 ,contributing agencies' protection of information ,nothing in this part authorizes a contributing agency to collect1 retain1 transmit1 or publicly disclose any of the following3 7#a7 ,an individual's decision to decline to register to vote or not to register to vote4 7#b7 ,an individual's decision not to affirm his or her citizenship4 7#c7 ,any information that a contributing agency transmits pursuant to section #ajac7;b77#c71 except in pursuing the agency's ordinary course of business4 7e7 ,election officials' protection of information 7#a7 ,public disclosure prohibited 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 with respect to any individual for whom any ,state election official receives information from a contributing agency1 the ,state election officials shall not publicly disclose any of the following3 7i7 ,the identity of the contributing agency4 7ii7 ,any information not necessary to voter registration4 7iii7 ,any voter information otherwise shielded from disclosure under ,state law or section #h7;a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a774 7iv7 ,any portion of the individual's social security number4 7v7 ,any portion of the individual's motor vehicle driver's license number4 7vi7 ,the individual's signature4 7vii7 ,the individual's telephone number4 7viii7 ,the individual's email address4 7,b7 ,special rule for individuals registered to vote ,with respect to any individual for whom any ,state election official receives information from a contributing agency and who1 on the basis of such information1 is registered to vote in the ,state under this part1 the ,state election officials shall not publicly disclose any of the following3 7i7 ,the identity of the contributing agency4 7ii7 ,any information not necessary to voter registration4 7iii7 ,any voter information otherwise shielded from disclosure under ,state law or section #h7;a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a774 7iv7 ,any portion of the individual's social security number4 7v7 ,any portion of the individual's motor vehicle driver's license number4 7vi7 ,the individual's signature4 7#b7 ,voter record changes ,each ,state shall maintain for at least #b years and shall make available for public inspection and1 where available1 photocopying at a reasonable cost1 all records of changes to voter records1 including removals and updates4 7#c7 ,database management standards ,the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology shall1 after providing the public with notice and the opportunity to comment-- 7,a7 establish standards governing the comparison of data for voter registration list maintenance purposes1 identifying as part of such standards the specific data elements1 the matching rules used1 and how a ,state may use the data to determine and deem that an individual is ineligible under ,state law to vote in an election1 or to deem a record to be a duplicate or outdated2 7,b7 ensure that the standards developed pursuant to this paragraph are uniform and nondiscriminatory and are applied in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner2 and 7,c7 publish the standards developed pursuant to this paragraph on the ,director's website and make those standards available in written form upon request4 7#d7 ,security policy ,the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology shall1 after providing the public with notice and the opportunity to comment1 publish privacy and security standards for voter registration information4 ,the standards shall require the chief ,state election official of each ,state to adopt a policy that shall specify-- 7,a7 each class of users who shall have authorized access to the computerized ,statewide voter registration list1 specifying for each class the permission and levels of access to be granted1 and setting forth other safeguards to protect the privacy1 security1 and accuracy of the information on the list2 and 7,b7 security safeguards to protect personal information transmitted through the information transmittal processes of section #ajac or section #ajad1 the online system used pursuant to section #ajag1 any telephone interface1 the maintenance of the voter registration database1 and any audit procedure to track access to the system4 7#e7 ,state compliance with national standards 7,a7 ,certification ,the chief executive officer of the ,state shall annually file with the ,election ,assistance ,commission a statement certifying to the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology that the ,state is in compliance with the standards referred to in paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#e74 ,a ,state may meet the requirement of the previous sentence by filing with the ,commission a statement which reads as follows3 hereby certifies that it is in compliance with the standards referred to in paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#e7 of section #ajae7;e7 of the ,automatic ,voter ,registration ,act of #bjai4 7with the blank to be filled in with the name of the ,state involved74 7,b7 ,publication of policies and procedures ,the chief ,state election official of a ,state shall publish on the official's website the policies and procedures established under this section1 and shall make those policies and procedures available in written form upon public request4 7,c7 ,funding dependent on certification ,if a ,state does not timely file the certification required under this paragraph1 it shall not receive any payment under this part for the upcoming fiscal year4 7,d7 ,compliance of ,states that require changes to ,state law ,in the case of a ,state that requires ,state legislation to carry out an activity covered by any certification submitted under this paragraph1 for a period of not more than #b years the ,state shall be permitted to make the certification notwithstanding that the legislation has not been enacted at the time the certification is submitted1 and such ,state shall submit an additional certification once such legislation is enacted4 7f7 ,restrictions on use of information ,no person acting under color of law may discriminate against any individual based on1 or use for any purpose other than voter registration1 election administration1 or enforcement relating to election crimes1 any of the following3 7#a7 ,voter registration records4 7#b7 ,an individual's declination to register to vote or complete an affirmation of citizenship under section #ajac7;b74 7#c7 ,an individual's voter registration status4 7g7 ,prohibition on the use of voter registration information for commercial purposes ,information collected under this part shall not be used for commercial purposes4 ,nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit the transmission1 exchange1 or dissemination of information for political purposes1 including the support of campaigns for election for ,federal1 ,state1 or local public office or the activities of political committees 7including committees of political parties7 under the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 #ajaf4 ,registration portability and correction 7a7 ,correcting registration information at polling place ,notwithstanding section #cjb7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;a771 if an individual is registered to vote in elections for ,federal office held in a ,state1 the appropriate election official at the polling pace for any such election 7including a location used as a polling place on a date other than the date of the election7 shall permit the individual to-- 7#a7 update the individual's address for purposes of the records of the election official2 7#b7 correct any incorrect information relating to the individual1 including the individual's name and political party affiliation1 in the records of the election official2 and 7#c7 cast a ballot in the election on the basis of the updated address or corrected information1 and to have the ballot treated as a regular ballot and not as a provisional ballot under section #cjb7;a7 of such ,act4 7b7 ,updates to computerized ,statewide voter registration lists ,if an election official at the polling place receives an updated address or corrected information from an individual under subsection 7a71 the official shall ensure that the address or information is promptly entered into the computerized ,statewide voter registration list in accordance with section #cjc7;a77#a77;,a77vi7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;a77#a77;,a77vi774 #ajag4 ,payments and grants 7a7 ,in general ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall make grants to each eligible ,state to assist the ,state in implementing the requirements of this part 7or1 in the case of an exempt ,state1 in implementing its existing automatic voter registration program74 7b7 ,eligibility2 application ,a ,state is eligible to receive a grant under this section if the ,state submits to the ,commission1 at such time and in such form as the ,commission may require1 an application containing-- 7#a7 a description of the activities the ,state will carry out with the grant2 7#b7 an assurance that the ,state shall carry out such activities without partisan bias and without promoting any particular point of view regarding any issue2 and 7#c7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7c7 ,amount of grant2 priorities ,the ,commission shall determine the amount of a grant made to an eligible ,state under this section4 ,in determining the amounts of the grants1 the ,commission shall give priority to providing funds for those activities which are most likely to accelerate compliance with the requirements of this part 7or1 in the case of an exempt ,state1 which are most likely to enhance the ability of the ,state to automatically register individuals to vote through its existing automatic voter registration program71 including-- 7#a7 investments supporting electronic information transfer1 including electronic collection and transfer of signatures1 between contributing agencies and the appropriate ,state election officials2 7#b7 updates to online or electronic voter registration systems already operating as of the date of the enactment of this ,act2 7#c7 introduction of online voter registration systems in jurisdictions in which those systems did not previously exist2 and 7#d7 public education on the availability of new methods of registering to vote1 updating registration1 and correcting registration4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section-- 7,a7 #ejj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 and 7,b7 such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year4 7#b7 ,continuing availability of funds ,any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authority of this subsection shall remain available without fiscal year limitation until expended4 #ajah4 ,treatment of exempt ,states 7a7 ,waiver of requirements ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 this part does not apply with respect to an exempt ,state4 7b7 ,exceptions ,the following provisions of this part apply with respect to an exempt ,state3 7#a7 ,section #ajaf 7relating to registration portability and correction74 7#b7 ,section #ajag 7relating to payments and grants74 7#c7 ,section #ajai7;e7 7relating to enforcement74 7#d7 ,section #ajai7;f7 7relating to relation to other laws74 #ajai4 ,miscellaneous provisions 7a7 ,accessibility of registration services ,each contributing agency shall ensure that the services it provides under this part are made available to individuals with disabilities to the same extent as services are made available to all other individuals4 7b7 ,transmission through secure third party permitted ,nothing in this part shall be construed to prevent a contributing agency from contracting with a third party to assist the agency in meeting the information transmittal requirements of this part1 so long as the data transmittal complies with the applicable requirements of this part1 including the privacy and security provisions of section #ajae4 7c7 ,nonpartisan1 nondiscriminatory provision of services ,the services made available by contributing agencies under this part and by the ,state under sections #ajjf and #ajjg shall be made in a manner consistent with paragraphs 7#d71 7#e71 and 7#f77;,c7 of section #g7;a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejf7;a774 7d7 ,notices ,each ,state may send notices under this part via electronic mail if the individual has provided an electronic mail address and consented to electronic mail communications for election-related materials4 ,all notices sent pursuant to this part that require a response must offer the individual notified the opportunity to respond at no cost to the individual4 7e7 ,enforcement ,section #aa of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeaj71 relating to civil enforcement and the availability of private rights of action1 shall apply with respect to this part in the same manner as such section applies to such ,act4 7f7 ,relation to other laws ,except as provided1 nothing in this part may be construed to authorize or require conduct prohibited under1 or to supersede1 restrict1 or limit the application of any of the following3 7#a7 ,the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq474 7#b7 ,the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja et seq474 7#c7 ,the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq474 7#d7 ,the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjija et seq474 #ajbj4 ,definitions ,in this part1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,the term chief ,state election official means1 with respect to a ,state1 the individual designated by the ,state under section #aj of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeji7 to be responsible for coordination of the ,state's responsibilities under such ,act4 7#b7 ,the term ,commission means the ,election ,assistance ,commission4 7#c7 ,the term exempt ,state means a ,state which1 under law which is in effect continuously on and after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 operates an automatic voter registration program under which an individual is automatically registered to vote in elections for ,federal office in the ,state if the individual provides the motor vehicle authority of the ,state with such identifying information as the ,state may require4 7#d7 ,the term ,state means each of the several ,states and the ,district of ,columbia4 #ajba4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 this part and the amendments made by this part shall apply with respect to a ,state beginning ,january #a1 #bjba4 7b7 ,waiver ,subject to the approval of the ,commission1 if a ,state certifies to the ,commission that the ,state will not meet the deadline referred to in subsection 7a7 because of extraordinary circumstances and includes in the certification the reasons for the failure to meet the deadline1 subsection 7a7 shall apply to the ,state as if the reference in such subsection to ,january #a1 #bjba were a reference to ,january #a1 #bjbc4 #c ,same-,day ,voter ,registration #ajca4 ,same-day registration 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cjd and #cje as sections #cje and #cjf2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjc the following new section3 #cjd4 ,same-day registration 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,registration ,notwithstanding section #h7;a77#a77;,d7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a77#a77;,d771 each ,state shall permit any eligible individual on the day of a ,federal election and on any day when voting1 including early voting1 is permitted for a ,federal election-- 7,a7 to register to vote in such election at the polling place using a form that meets the requirements under section #i7;b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7or1 if the individual is already registered to vote1 to revise any of the individual's voter registration information72 and 7,b7 to cast a vote in such election4 7#b7 ,exception ,the requirements under paragraph 7#a7 shall not apply to a ,state in which1 under a ,state law in effect continuously on and after the date of the enactment of this section1 there is no voter registration requirement for individuals in the ,state with respect to elections for ,federal office4 7b7 ,eligible individual ,for purposes of this section1 the term eligible individual means1 with respect to any election for ,federal office1 an individual who is otherwise qualified to vote in that election4 7c7 ,effective date ,each ,state shall be required to comply with the requirements of subsection 7a7 for the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office occurring in ,november #bjbj and for any subsequent election for ,federal office4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to enforcement ,section #dja of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaaa7 is amended by striking sections #cja1 #cjb1 and #cjc and inserting subtitle ,a of title ,,iii4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cjd and #cje as relating to sections #cje and #cjf2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cjc the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,same-day registration4 4 #d ,conditions on ,removal on ,basis of ,interstate ,cross-,checks #ajda4 ,conditions on removal of registrants from official list of eligible voters on basis of interstate cross-checks 7a7 ,minimum information required for removal under cross-,check ,section #h7;c77#b7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;c77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,b7 as subparagraph 7,d72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,a7 the following new subparagraphs3 7,b7 ,to the extent that the program carried out by a ,state under subparagraph 7,a7 to systematically remove the names of ineligible voters from the official lists of eligible voters uses information obtained in an interstate cross-check1 the ,state may not remove the name of the voter from such a list unless-- 7i7 the ,state obtained the voter's full name 7including the voter's middle name1 if any7 and date of birth1 and the last #d digits of the voter's social security number1 in the interstate cross-check2 or 7ii7 the ,state obtained documentation from the ,,eric system that the voter is no longer a resident of the ,state4 7,c7 ,in this paragraph-- 7i7 the term interstate cross-check means the transmission of information from an election official in one ,state to an election official of another ,state2 and 7ii7 the term ,,eric system means the system operated by the ,electronic ,registration ,information ,center to share voter registration information and voter identification information among participating ,states4 4 7b7 ,requiring completion of cross-,checks not later than #f months prior to election ,subparagraph 7,a7 of section #h7;c77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;c77#b77 is amended by striking not later than #ij days and inserting the following3 not later than #ij days 7or1 in the case of a program in which the ,state uses interstate cross-checks1 not later than #f months74 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,subparagraph 7,f7 of section #h7;c77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;c77#b77 is amended by striking ,subparagraph 7,a7 and inserting ,this paragraph4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this ,act shall apply with respect to elections held on or after the expiration of the #f-month period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #e ,other ,initiatives ,to ,promote ,voter ,registration #ajea4 ,annual reports on voter registration statistics 7a7 ,annual report ,not later than #ij days after the end of each year1 each ,state shall submit to the ,election ,assistance ,commission and ,congress a report containing the following categories of information for the year3 7#a7 ,the number of individuals who were registered under part #b4 7#b7 ,the number of voter registration application forms completed by individuals that were transmitted by motor vehicle authorities in the ,state 7pursuant to section #e7;d7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic7 and voter registration agencies in the ,state 7as designated under section #g of such ,act7 to the chief ,state election official of the ,state1 broken down by each such authority and agency4 7#c7 ,the number of such individuals whose voter registration application forms were accepted and who were registered to vote in the ,state and the number of such individuals whose forms were rejected and who were not registered to vote in the ,state1 broken down by each such authority and agency4 7#d7 ,the number of change of address forms and other forms of information indicating that an individual's identifying information has been changed that were transmitted by such motor vehicle authorities and voter registration agencies to the chief ,state election official of the ,state1 broken down by each such authority and agency and the type of form transmitted4 7#e7 ,the number of individuals on the ,statewide computerized voter registration list 7as established and maintained under section #cjc of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb7 whose voter registration information was revised by the chief ,state election official as a result of the forms transmitted to the official by such motor vehicle authorities and voter registration agencies 7as described in paragraph 7#c771 broken down by each such authority and agency and the type of form transmitted4 7#f7 ,the number of individuals who requested the chief ,state election official to revise voter registration information on such list1 and the number of individuals whose information was revised as a result of such a request4 7b7 ,breakdown of information by race and ethnicity of ,individuals ,in preparing the report under this section1 the ,state shall1 for each category of information described in subsection 7a71 include a breakdown by race and ethnicity of the individuals whose information is included in the category1 to the extent that information on the race and ethnicity of such individuals is available to the ,state4 7c7 ,confidentiality of information ,in preparing and submitting a report under this section1 the chief ,state election official shall ensure that no information regarding the identification of any individual is revealed4 7d7 ,state defined ,in this section1 a ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 but does not include any ,state in which1 under a ,state law in effect continuously on and after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 there is no voter registration requirement for individuals in the ,state with respect to elections for ,federal office4 #f ,availability of ,,hava ,requirements ,payments #ajfa4 ,availability of requirements payments under ,,hava to cover costs of compliance with new requirements 7a7 ,in ,general ,section #bea7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajja7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking 7#b7 and 7#c7 and inserting 7#b71 7#c71 and 7#d72 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,certain voter registration activities ,a ,state may use a requirements payment to carry out any of the requirements of the ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjai1 including the requirements of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic which are imposed pursuant to the amendments made to such ,act by the ,voter ,registration ,modernization ,act of #bjai4 4 7b7 ,conforming ,amendment ,section #bed7;a77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajjd7;a77#a77 is amended by striking section #bea7;a77#b7 and inserting section #bea7;b77#b74 7c7 ,effective ,date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to fiscal year #bjah and each succeeding fiscal year4 #g ,prohibiting ,interference ,with ,voter ,registration #ajga4 ,prohibiting hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing voter registration 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #bi of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #fab4 ,hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing registering to vote 7a7 ,prohibition ,it shall be unlawful for any person1 whether acting under color of law or otherwise1 to corruptly hinder1 interfere with1 or prevent another person from registering to vote or to corruptly hinder1 interfere with1 or prevent another person from aiding another person in registering to vote4 7b7 ,attempt ,any person who attempts to commit any offense described in subsection 7a7 shall be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense that the person attempted to commit4 7c7 ,penalty ,any person who violates subsection 7a7 shall be fined under this title1 imprisoned not more than #e years1 or both4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #bi of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new item3 #fab4 ,hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing registering to vote4 4 7c7 ,effective ,date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to elections held on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 except that no person may be found to have violated section #fab of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by subsection 7a771 on the basis of any act occurring prior to the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ajgb4 ,establishment of best practices 7a7 ,best practices ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall develop and publish recommendations for best practices for ,states to use to deter and prevent violations of section #fab of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code 7as added by section #ajga71 and section #ab of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeaa7 7relating to the unlawful interference with registering to vote1 or voting1 or attempting to register to vote or vote71 including practices to provide for the posting of relevant information at polling places and voter registration agencies under such ,act1 the training of poll workers and election officials1 and relevant educational materials4 ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7b7 ,inclusion in voter information requirements ,section #cjb7;b77#b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;b77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,e72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,f7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,g7 information relating to the prohibitions of section #fab of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 and section #ab of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeaa7 7relating to the unlawful interference with registering to vote1 or voting1 or attempting to register to vote or vote71 including information on how individuals may report allegations of violations of such prohibitions4 4 ,b ,access to ,voting for ,individuals ,with ,disabilities #aaja4 ,requirements for ,states to promote access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,requirements ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #ajca7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cje and #cjf as sections #cjf and #cjg2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjd the following new section3 #cje4 ,access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,treatment of applications and ballots ,each ,state shall-- 7#a7 permit individuals with disabilities to use absentee registration procedures and to vote by absentee ballot in elections for ,federal office2 7#b7 accept and process1 with respect to any election for ,federal office1 any otherwise valid voter registration application and absentee ballot application from an individual with a disability if the application is received by the appropriate ,state election official not less than #cj days before the election2 7#c7 in addition to any other method of registering to vote or applying for an absentee ballot in the ,state1 establish procedures-- 7,a7 for individuals with disabilities to request by mail and electronically voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications with respect to elections for ,federal office in accordance with subsection 7c72 7,b7 for ,states to send by mail and electronically 7in accordance with the preferred method of transmission designated by the individual under subparagraph 7,c77 voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications requested under subparagraph 7,a7 in accordance with subsection 7c72 and 7,c7 by which such an individual can designate whether the individual prefers that such voter registration application or absentee ballot application be transmitted by mail or electronically2 7#d7 in addition to any other method of transmitting blank absentee ballots in the ,state1 establish procedures for transmitting by mail and electronically blank absentee ballots to individuals with disabilities with respect to elections for ,federal office in accordance with subsection 7d72 7#e7 transmit a validly requested absentee ballot to an individual with a disability-- 7,a7 except as provided in subsection 7e71 in the case in which the request is received at least #de days before an election for ,federal office1 not later than #de days before the election2 and 7,b7 in the case in which the request is received less than #de days before an election for ,federal office-- 7i7 in accordance with ,state law2 and 7ii7 if practicable and as determined appropriate by the ,state1 in a manner that expedites the transmission of such absentee ballot2 and 7#f7 if the ,state declares or otherwise holds a runoff election for ,federal office1 establish a written plan that provides absentee ballots are made available to individuals with disabilities in a manner that gives them sufficient time to vote in the runoff election4 7b7 ,designation of single ,state office ,to ,provide ,information on ,registration and ,absentee ,ballot ,procedures for ,all ,disabled ,voters in ,state ,each ,state shall designate a single office which shall be responsible for providing information regarding voter registration procedures and absentee ballot procedures to be used by individuals with disabilities with respect to elections for ,federal office to all individuals with disabilities who wish to register to vote or vote in any jurisdiction in the ,state4 7c7 ,designation of ,means of ,electronic ,communication for ,individuals with ,disabilities ,to ,request and for ,states ,to ,send ,voter ,registration ,applications and ,absentee ,ballot ,applications1 and for ,other ,purposes ,related to ,voting ,information 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall1 in addition to the designation of a single ,state office under subsection 7b71 designate not less than #a means of electronic communication-- 7,a7 for use by individuals with disabilities who wish to register to vote or vote in any jurisdiction in the ,state to request voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications under subsection 7a77#c72 7,b7 for use by ,states to send voter registration applications and absentee ballot applications requested under such subsection2 and 7,c7 for the purpose of providing related voting1 balloting1 and election information to individuals with disabilities4 7#b7 ,clarification regarding provision of multiple means of electronic communication ,a ,state may1 in addition to the means of electronic communication so designated1 provide multiple means of electronic communication to individuals with disabilities1 including a means of electronic communication for the appropriate jurisdiction of the ,state4 7#c7 ,inclusion of designated means of electronic communication with informational and instructional materials that accompany balloting materials ,each ,state shall include a means of electronic communication so designated with all informational and instructional materials that accompany balloting materials sent by the ,state to individuals with disabilities4 7#d7 ,transmission if no preference indicated ,in the case where an individual with a disability does not designate a preference under subsection 7a77#c77;,c71 the ,state shall transmit the voter registration application or absentee ballot application by any delivery method allowable in accordance with applicable ,state law1 or if there is no applicable ,state law1 by mail4 7d7 ,transmission of blank absentee ballots by mail and electronically 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall establish procedures-- 7,a7 to securely transmit blank absentee ballots by mail and electronically 7in accordance with the preferred method of transmission designated by the individual with a disability under subparagraph 7,b77 to individuals with disabilities for an election for ,federal office2 and 7,b7 by which the individual with a disability can designate whether the individual prefers that such blank absentee ballot be transmitted by mail or electronically4 7#b7 ,transmission if no preference indicated ,in the case where an individual with a disability does not designate a preference under paragraph 7#a77;,b71 the ,state shall transmit the ballot by any delivery method allowable in accordance with applicable ,state law1 or if there is no applicable ,state law1 by mail4 7#c7 ,application of methods to track delivery to and return of ballot by individual requesting ballot ,under the procedures established under paragraph 7#a71 the ,state shall apply such methods as the ,state considers appropriate1 such as assigning a unique identifier to the ballot1 to ensure that if an individual with a disability requests the ,state to transmit a blank absentee ballot to the individual in accordance with this subsection1 the voted absentee ballot which is returned by the individual is the same blank absentee ballot which the ,state transmitted to the individual4 7e7 ,hardship ,exemption 7#a7 ,in general ,if the chief ,state election official determines that the ,state is unable to meet the requirement under subsection 7a77#e77;,a7 with respect to an election for ,federal office due to an undue hardship described in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 the chief ,state election official shall request that the ,attorney ,general grant a waiver to the ,state of the application of such subsection4 ,such request shall include-- 7,a7 a recognition that the purpose of such subsection is to individuals with disabilities enough time to vote in an election for ,federal office2 7,b7 an explanation of the hardship that indicates why the ,state is unable to transmit such individuals an absentee ballot in accordance with such subsection2 7,c7 the number of days prior to the election for ,federal office that the ,state requires absentee ballots be transmitted to such individuals2 and 7,d7 a comprehensive plan to ensure that such individuals are able to receive absentee ballots which they have requested and submit marked absentee ballots to the appropriate ,state election official in time to have that ballot counted in the election for ,federal office1 which includes-- 7i7 the steps the ,state will undertake to ensure that such individuals have time to receive1 mark1 and submit their ballots in time to have those ballots counted in the election2 7ii7 why the plan provides such individuals sufficient time to vote as a substitute for the requirements under such subsection2 and 7iii7 the underlying factual information which explains how the plan provides such sufficient time to vote as a substitute for such requirements4 7#b7 ,approval of waiver request ,the ,attorney ,general shall approve a waiver request under paragraph 7#a7 if the ,attorney ,general determines each of the following requirements are met3 7,a7 ,the comprehensive plan under subparagraph 7,d7 of such paragraph provides individuals with disabilities sufficient time to receive absentee ballots they have requested and submit marked absentee ballots to the appropriate ,state election official in time to have that ballot counted in the election for ,federal office4 7,b7 ,one or more of the following issues creates an undue hardship for the ,state3 7i7 ,the ,state's primary election date prohibits the ,state from complying with subsection 7a77#e77;,a74 7ii7 ,the ,state has suffered a delay in generating ballots due to a legal contest4 7iii7 ,the ,state ,constitution prohibits the ,state from complying with such subsection4 7#c7 ,timing of waiver 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided under subparagraph 7,b71 a ,state that requests a waiver under paragraph 7#a7 shall submit to the ,attorney ,general the written waiver request not later than #ij days before the election for ,federal office with respect to which the request is submitted4 ,the ,attorney ,general shall approve or deny the waiver request not later than #fe days before such election4 7,b7 ,exception ,if a ,state requests a waiver under paragraph 7#a7 as the result of an undue hardship described in paragraph 7#b77;,b77ii71 the ,state shall submit to the ,attorney ,general the written waiver request as soon as practicable4 ,the ,attorney ,general shall approve or deny the waiver request not later than #e business days after the date on which the request is received4 7#d7 ,application of waiver ,a waiver approved under paragraph 7#b7 shall only apply with respect to the election for ,federal office for which the request was submitted4 ,for each subsequent election for ,federal office1 the ,attorney ,general shall only approve a waiver if the ,state has submitted a request under paragraph 7#a7 with respect to such election4 7f7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section may be construed to allow the marking or casting of ballots over the internet4 7g7 ,individual with a disability defined ,in this section1 an individual with a disability means an individual with an impairment that substantially limits any major life activities and who is otherwise qualified to vote in elections for ,federal office4 7h7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections for ,federal office held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to issuance of voluntary guidance by election assistance commission ,section #caa7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaja7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#b72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#c7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 in the case of the recommendations with respect to section #cje1 ,january #a1 #bjbj4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #ajca7;c71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cje and #cjf as relating to sections #cjf and #cjg2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cjd the following new item3 ,sec4 #cje4 ,access to voter registration and voting for individuals with disabilities4 4 #aajb4 ,pilot programs for enabling individuals with disabilities to register to vote and vote privately and independently at residences 7a7 ,establishment of pilot programs ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission 7hereafter referred to as the ,commission7 shall make grants to eligible ,states to conduct pilot programs under which-- 7#a7 individuals with disabilities may use electronic means 7including the internet and telephones utilizing assistive devices7 to register to vote and to request and receive absentee ballots1 in a manner which permits such individuals to do so privately and independently at their own residences2 and 7#b7 individuals with disabilities may use the telephone to cast ballots electronically from their own residences1 but only if the telephone used is not connected to the internet4 7b7 ,reports 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,state receiving a grant for a year under this section shall submit a report to the ,commission on the pilot programs the ,state carried out with the grant with respect to elections for public office held in the ,state during the year4 7#b7 ,deadline ,a ,state shall submit a report under paragraph 7#a7 not later than #ij days after the last election for public office held in the ,state during the year4 7c7 ,eligibility ,a ,state is eligible to receive a grant under this section if the ,state submits to the ,commission1 at such time and in such form as the ,commission may require1 an application containing such information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7d7 ,timing ,the ,commission shall make the first grants under this section for pilot programs which will be in effect with respect to elections for ,federal office held in #bjbj1 or1 at the option of a ,state1 with respect to other elections for public office held in the ,state in #bjbj4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated for grants for pilot programs under this section #cj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj and each succeeding fiscal year4 7f7 ,state defined ,in this section1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 #aajc4 ,expansion and reauthorization of grant program to assure voting access for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,purposes of payments ,section #bfa7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajba7;b77 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 making absentee voting and voting at home accessible to individuals with the full range of disabilities 7including impairments involving vision1 hearing1 mobility1 or dexterity7 through the implementation of accessible absentee voting systems that work in conjunction with assistive technologies for which individuals have access at their homes1 independent living centers1 or other facilities2 7#b7 making polling places1 including the path of travel1 entrances1 exits1 and voting areas of each polling facility1 accessible to individuals with disabilities1 including the blind and visually impaired1 in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including privacy and independence7 as for other voters2 and 7#c7 providing solutions to problems of access to voting and elections for individuals with disabilities that are universally designed and provide the same opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities4 4 7b7 ,reauthorization ,section #bfd7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajbd7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,for fiscal year #bjbj and each succeeding fiscal year1 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this part4 4 7c7 ,period of availability of funds ,section #bfd of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajbd7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b71 by striking ,any amounts and inserting ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 any amounts2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,return and transfer of certain funds 7#a7 ,deadline for obligation and expenditure ,in the case of any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authority of subsection 7a7 for a payment to a ,state or unit of local government for fiscal year #bjbj or any succeeding fiscal year1 any portion of such amounts which have not been obligated or expended by the ,state or unit of local government prior to the expiration of the #d-year period which begins on the date the ,state or unit of local government first received the amounts shall be transferred to the ,commission4 7#b7 ,reallocation of transferred amounts 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall use the amounts transferred under paragraph 7#a7 to make payments on a pro rata basis to each covered payment recipient described in subparagraph 7,b71 which may obligate and expend such payment for the purposes described in section #bfa7;b7 during the #a-year period which begins on the date of receipt4 7,b7 ,covered payment recipients described ,in subparagraph 7,a71 a covered payment recipient is a ,state or unit of local government with respect to which-- 7i7 amounts were appropriated pursuant to the authority of subsection 7a72 and 7ii7 no amounts were transferred to the ,commission under paragraph 7#a74 4 ,c ,prohibiting ,voter ,caging #abja4 ,voter caging and other questionable challenges prohibited 7a7 ,in ,general ,chapter #bi of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #ajga7;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #fac4 ,voter caging and other questionable challenges 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term voter caging document means-- 7,a7 a nonforwardable document that is returned to the sender or a third party as undelivered or undeliverable despite an attempt to deliver such document to the address of a registered voter or applicant2 or 7,b7 any document with instructions to an addressee that the document be returned to the sender or a third party but is not so returned1 despite an attempt to deliver such document to the address of a registered voter or applicant1 unless at least two ,federal election cycles have passed since the date of the attempted delivery2 7#b7 the term voter caging list means a list of individuals compiled from voter caging documents2 and 7#c7 the term unverified match list means a list produced by matching the information of registered voters or applicants for voter registration to a list of individuals who are ineligible to vote in the registrar's jurisdiction1 by virtue of death1 conviction1 change of address1 or otherwise2 unless one of the pieces of information matched includes a signature1 photograph1 or unique identifying number ensuring that the information from each source refers to the same individual4 7b7 ,prohibition ,against ,voter ,caging ,no ,state or local election official shall prevent an individual from registering or voting in any election for ,federal office1 or permit in connection with any election for ,federal office a formal challenge under ,state law to an individual's registration status or eligibility to vote1 if the basis for such decision is evidence consisting of-- 7#a7 a voter caging document or voter caging list2 7#b7 an unverified match list2 7#c7 an error or omission on any record or paper relating to any application1 registration1 or other act requisite to voting1 if such error or omission is not material to an individual's eligibility to vote under section #bjjd of the ,revised ,statutes1 as amended 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;a77#b77;,b772 or 7#d7 any other evidence so designated for purposes of this section by the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 except that the election official may use such evidence if it is corroborated by independent evidence of the individual's ineligibility to register or vote4 7c7 ,requirements for ,challenges by ,persons ,other ,than ,election ,officials ,no person1 other than a ,state or local election official1 shall submit a formal challenge to an individual's eligibility to register to vote in an election for ,federal office or to vote in an election for ,federal office unless that challenge is supported by personal knowledge regarding the grounds for ineligibility which is-- 7#a7 documented in writing2 and 7#b7 subject to an oath or attestation under penalty of perjury that the challenger has a good faith factual basis to believe that the individual who is the subject of the challenge is ineligible to register to vote or vote in that election1 except a challenge which is based on the race1 ethnicity1 or national origin of the individual who is the subject of the challenge may not be considered to have a good faith factual basis for purposes of this paragraph4 7d7 ,penalties for ,knowing ,misconduct ,whoever knowingly challenges the eligibility of one or more individuals to register or vote or knowingly causes the eligibility of such individuals to be challenged in violation of this section with the intent that one or more eligible voters be disqualified1 shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than #a year1 or both1 for each such violation4 ,each violation shall be a separate offense4 7e7 ,no ,effect on ,related ,laws ,nothing in this section is intended to override the protections of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq47 or to affect the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq474 4 7b7 ,clerical ,amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #bi of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #ajga7;b71 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #fac4 ,voter caging and other questionable challenges4 4 #abjb4 ,development and adoption of best practices for preventing voter caging 7a7 ,best practices ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall develop and publish for the use of ,states recommendations for best practices to deter and prevent violations of section #fac of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as added by section #abja7;a71 including practices to provide for the posting of relevant information at polling places and voter registration agencies1 the training of poll workers and election officials1 and relevant educational measures4 ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7b7 ,inclusion in voting information requirements ,section #cjb7;b77#b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;b77#b771 as amended by section #ajgb7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,f72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,g7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,h7 information relating to the prohibition against voter caging and other questionable challenges 7as set forth in section #fac of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code71 including information on how individuals may report allegations of violations of such prohibition4 4 ,d ,prohibiting ,deceptive ,practices and ,preventing ,voter ,intimidation #acja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,deceptive ,practices and ,voter ,intimidation ,prevention ,act of #bjai4 #acjb4 ,prohibition on deceptive practices in ,federal elections 7a7 ,prohibition ,subsection 7b7 of section #bjjd of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,no person and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,no person 2 and 7#b7 by inserting at the end the following new paragraphs3 7#b7 ,false statements regarding ,federal elections 7,a7 ,prohibition ,no person1 whether acting under color of law or otherwise1 shall1 within #fj days before an election described in paragraph 7#e71 by any means1 including by means of written1 electronic1 or telephonic communications1 communicate or cause to be communicated information described in subparagraph 7,b71 or produce information described in subparagraph 7,b7 with the intent that such information be communicated1 if such person-- 7i7 knows such information to be materially false2 and 7ii7 has the intent to impede or prevent another person from exercising the right to vote in an election described in paragraph 7#e74 7,b7 ,information described ,information is described in this subparagraph if such information is regarding-- 7i7 the time1 place1 or manner of holding any election described in paragraph 7#e72 or 7ii7 the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility for any such election1 including-- 7,i7 any criminal penalties associated with voting in any such election2 or 7,,ii7 information regarding a voter's registration status or eligibility4 7#c7 ,false statements regarding public endorsements 7,a7 ,prohibition ,no person1 whether acting under color of law or otherwise1 shall1 within #fj days before an election described in paragraph 7#e71 by any means1 including by means of written1 electronic1 or telephonic communications1 communicate1 or cause to be communicated1 a materially false statement about an endorsement1 if such person-- 7i7 knows such statement to be false2 and 7ii7 has the intent to impede or prevent another person from exercising the right to vote in an election described in paragraph 7#e74 7,b7 ,definition of materially false ,for purposes of subparagraph 7,a71 a statement about an endorsement is materially false if1 with respect to an upcoming election described in paragraph 7#e7-- 7i7 the statement states that a specifically named person1 political party1 or organization has endorsed the election of a specific candidate for a ,federal office described in such paragraph2 and 7ii7 such person1 political party1 or organization has not endorsed the election of such candidate4 7#d7 ,hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing voting or registering to vote ,no person1 whether acting under color of law or otherwise1 shall intentionally hinder1 interfere with1 or prevent another person from voting1 registering to vote1 or aiding another person to vote or register to vote in an election described in paragraph 7#e74 7#e7 ,election described ,an election described in this paragraph is any general1 primary1 run-off1 or special election held solely or in part for the purpose of nominating or electing a candidate for the office of ,president1 ,vice ,president1 ,presidential elector1 ,member of the ,senate1 ,member of the ,house of ,representatives1 or ,delegate or ,commissioner from a ,territory or possession4 4 7b7 ,private right of action 7#a7 ,in general ,subsection 7c7 of section #bjjd of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;c77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking ,whenever any person and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,whenever any person 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#b7 ,any person aggrieved by a violation of subsection 7b77#b71 7b77#c71 or 7b77#d7 may institute a civil action for preventive relief1 including an application in a ,united ,states district court for a permanent or temporary injunction1 restraining order1 or other order4 ,in any such action1 the court1 in its discretion1 may allow the prevailing party a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments 7,a7 ,subsection 7e7 of section #bjjd of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;e77 is amended by striking subsection 7c7 and inserting subsection 7c77#a74 7,b7 ,subsection 7g7 of section #bjjd of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;g77 is amended by striking subsection 7c7 and inserting subsection 7c77#a74 7c7 ,criminal penalties 7#a7 ,deceptive acts ,section #eid of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking ,whoever and inserting the following3 7a7 ,intimidation ,whoever 2 7,b7 in subsection 7a71 as inserted by subparagraph 7,a71 by striking at any election and inserting at any general1 primary1 run-off1 or special election2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new subsections3 7b7 ,deceptive acts 7#a7 ,false statements regarding ,federal elections 7,a7 ,prohibition ,it shall be unlawful for any person1 whether acting under color of law or otherwise1 within #fj days before an election described in subsection 7e71 by any means1 including by means of written1 electronic1 or telephonic communications1 to communicate or cause to be communicated information described in subparagraph 7,b71 or produce information described in subparagraph 7,b7 with the intent that such information be communicated1 if such person-- 7i7 knows such information to be materially false2 and 7ii7 has the intent to mislead voters1 or the intent to impede or prevent another person from exercising the right to vote in an election described in subsection 7e74 7,b7 ,information described ,information is described in this subparagraph if such information is regarding-- 7i7 the time or place of holding any election described in subsection 7e72 or 7ii7 the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility for any such election1 including-- 7,i7 any criminal penalties associated with voting in any such election2 or 7,,ii7 information regarding a voter's registration status or eligibility4 7#b7 ,penalty ,any person who violates paragraph 7#a7 shall be fined not more than #ajj1jjj1 imprisoned for not more than #e years1 or both4 7c7 ,hindering1 interfering with1 or preventing voting or registering ,to vote 7#a7 ,prohibition ,it shall be unlawful for any person1 whether acting under color of law or otherwise1 to corruptly hinder1 interfere with1 or prevent another person from voting1 registering to vote1 or aiding another person to vote or register to vote in an election described in subsection 7e74 7#b7 ,penalty ,any person who violates paragraph 7#a7 shall be fined not more than #ajj1jjj1 imprisoned for not more than #e years1 or both4 7d7 ,attempt ,any person who attempts to commit any offense described in subsection 7a71 7b77#a71 or 7c77#a7 shall be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense that the person attempted to commit4 7e7 ,election described ,an election described in this subsection is any general1 primary1 run-off1 or special election held solely or in part for the purpose of nominating or electing a candidate for the office of ,president1 ,vice ,president1 ,presidential elector1 ,member of the ,senate1 ,member of the ,house of ,representatives1 or ,delegate or ,commissioner from a ,territory or possession4 4 7#b7 ,modification of penalty for voter intimidation ,section #eid7;a7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by paragraph 7#a71 is amended by striking fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year and inserting fined not more than #ajj1jjj1 imprisoned for not more than #e years4 7#c7 ,sentencing guidelines 7,a7 ,review and amendment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,united ,states ,sentencing ,commission1 pursuant to its authority under section #iid of title #bh1 ,united ,states ,code1 and in accordance with this section1 shall review and1 if appropriate1 amend the ,federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of any offense under section #eid of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by this section4 7,b7 ,authorization ,the ,united ,states ,sentencing ,commission may amend the ,federal ,sentencing ,guidelines in accordance with the procedures set forth in section #ba7;a7 of the ,sentencing ,act of #aihg 7#bh ,u4,s4,c4 #iid note7 as though the authority under that section had not expired4 7#d7 ,payments for refraining from voting ,subsection 7c7 of section #aa of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjg7 is amended by striking either for registration to vote or for voting and inserting for registration to vote1 for voting1 or for not voting4 #acjc4 ,corrective action 7a7 ,corrective action 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,attorney ,general receives a credible report that materially false information has been or is being communicated in violation of paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 of section #bjjd7;b7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;b771 as added by section #acjb7;a71 and if the ,attorney ,general determines that ,state and local election officials have not taken adequate steps to promptly communicate accurate information to correct the materially false information1 the ,attorney ,general shall1 pursuant to the written procedures and standards under subsection 7b71 communicate to the public1 by any means1 including by means of written1 electronic1 or telephonic communications1 accurate information designed to correct the materially false information4 7#b7 ,communication of corrective information ,any information communicated by the ,attorney ,general under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 shall-- 7i7 be accurate and objective2 7ii7 consist of only the information necessary to correct the materially false information that has been or is being communicated2 and 7iii7 to the extent practicable1 be by a means that the ,attorney ,general determines will reach the persons to whom the materially false information has been or is being communicated2 and 7,b7 shall not be designed to favor or disfavor any particular candidate1 organization1 or political party4 7b7 ,written procedures and standards for taking corrective action 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,attorney ,general shall publish written procedures and standards for determining when and how corrective action will be taken under this section4 7#b7 ,inclusion of appropriate deadlines ,the procedures and standards under paragraph 7#a7 shall include appropriate deadlines1 based in part on the number of days remaining before the upcoming election4 7#c7 ,consultation ,in developing the procedures and standards under paragraph 7#a71 the ,attorney ,general shall consult with the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 ,state and local election officials1 civil rights organizations1 voting rights groups1 voter protection groups1 and other interested community organizations4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,attorney ,general such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subtitle4 #acjd4 ,reports to ,congress 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after each general election for ,federal office1 the ,attorney ,general shall submit to ,congress a report compiling all allegations received by the ,attorney ,general of deceptive practices described in paragraphs 7#b71 7#c71 and 7#d7 of section #bjjd7;b7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;b771 as added by section #acjb7;a71 relating to the general election for ,federal office and any primary1 run-off1 or a special election for ,federal office held in the #b years preceding the general election4 7b7 ,contents 7#a7 ,in general ,each report submitted under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7,a7 a description of each allegation of a deceptive practice described in subsection 7a71 including the geographic location1 racial and ethnic composition1 and language minority-group membership of the persons toward whom the alleged deceptive practice was directed2 7,b7 the status of the investigation of each allegation described in subparagraph 7,a72 7,c7 a description of each corrective action taken by the ,attorney ,general under section #d7;a7 in response to an allegation described in subparagraph 7,a72 7,d7 a description of each referral of an allegation described in subparagraph 7,a7 to other ,federal1 ,state1 or local agencies2 7,e7 to the extent information is available1 a description of any civil action instituted under section #bjjd7;c77#b7 of the ,revised ,statutes 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajaja7;c77#b771 as added by section #acjb7;b71 in connection with an allegation described in subparagraph 7,a72 and 7,f7 a description of any criminal prosecution instituted under section #eid of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by section #c7;c71 in connection with the receipt of an allegation described in subparagraph 7,a7 by the ,attorney ,general4 7#b7 ,exclusion of certain information 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,attorney ,general shall not include in a report submitted under subsection 7a7 any information protected from disclosure by rule #f7;e7 of the ,federal ,rules of ,criminal ,procedure or any ,federal criminal statute4 7,b7 ,exclusion of certain other information ,the ,attorney ,general may determine that the following information shall not be included in a report submitted under subsection 7a73 7i7 ,any information that is privileged4 7ii7 ,any information concerning an ongoing investigation4 7iii7 ,any information concerning a criminal or civil proceeding conducted under seal4 7iv7 ,any other nonpublic information that the ,attorney ,general determines the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to infringe on the rights of any individual or adversely affect the integrity of a pending or future criminal investigation4 7c7 ,report made public ,on the date that the ,attorney ,general submits the report under subsection 7a71 the ,attorney ,general shall also make the report publicly available through the internet and other appropriate means4 ,e ,democracy ,restoration #adja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,democracy ,restoration ,act of #bjai4 #adjb4 ,rights of citizens ,the right of an individual who is a citizen of the ,united ,states to vote in any election for ,federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless such individual is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility at the time of the election4 #adjc4 ,enforcement 7a7 ,attorney general ,the ,attorney ,general may1 in a civil action1 obtain such declaratory or injunctive relief as is necessary to remedy a violation of this subtitle4 7b7 ,private right of action 7#a7 ,in general ,a person who is aggrieved by a violation of this subtitle may provide written notice of the violation to the chief election official of the ,state involved4 7#b7 ,relief ,except as provided in paragraph 7#c71 if the violation is not corrected within #ij days after receipt of a notice under paragraph 7#a71 or within #bj days after receipt of the notice if the violation occurred within #abj days before the date of an election for ,federal office1 the aggrieved person may1 in a civil action1 obtain declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to the violation4 7#c7 ,exception ,if the violation occurred within #cj days before the date of an election for ,federal office1 the aggrieved person need not provide notice to the chief election official of the ,state under paragraph 7#a7 before bringing a civil action to obtain declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to the violation4 #adjd4 ,notification of restoration of voting rights 7a7 ,state notification 7#a7 ,notification ,on the date determined under paragraph 7#b71 each ,state shall notify in writing any individual who has been convicted of a criminal offense under the law of that ,state that such individual has the right to vote in an election for ,federal office pursuant to the ,democracy ,restoration ,act of #bjai and may register to vote in any such election4 7#b7 ,date of notification 7,a7 ,felony conviction ,in the case of such an individual who has been convicted of a felony1 the notification required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be given on the date on which the individual-- 7i7 is sentenced to serve only a term of probation2 or 7ii7 is released from the custody of that ,state 7other than to the custody of another ,state or the ,federal ,government to serve a term of imprisonment for a felony conviction74 7,b7 ,misdemeanor conviction ,in the case of such an individual who has been convicted of a misdemeanor1 the notification required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be given on the date on which such individual is sentenced by a ,state court4 7b7 ,federal notification 7#a7 ,notification ,any individual who has been convicted of a criminal offense under ,federal law shall be notified in accordance with paragraph 7#b7 that such individual has the right to vote in an election for ,federal office pursuant to the ,democracy ,restoration ,act of #bjai and may register to vote in any such election4 7#b7 ,date of notification 7,a7 ,felony conviction ,in the case of such an individual who has been convicted of a felony1 the notification required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be given-- 7i7 in the case of an individual who is sentenced to serve only a term of probation1 by the ,assistant ,director for the ,office of ,probation and ,pretrial ,services of the ,administrative ,office of the ,united ,states ,courts on the date on which the individual is sentenced2 or 7ii7 in the case of any individual committed to the custody of the ,bureau of ,prisons1 by the ,director of the ,bureau of ,prisons1 during the period beginning on the date that is #f months before such individual is released and ending on the date such individual is released from the custody of the ,bureau of ,prisons4 7,b7 ,misdemeanor conviction ,in the case of such an individual who has been convicted of a misdemeanor1 the notification required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be given on the date on which such individual is sentenced by a court established by an ,act of ,congress4 #adje4 ,definitions ,for purposes of this subtitle3 7#a7 ,correctional institution or facility ,the term correctional institution or facility means any prison1 penitentiary1 jail1 or other institution or facility for the confinement of individuals convicted of criminal offenses1 whether publicly or privately operated1 except that such term does not include any residential community treatment center 7or similar public or private facility74 7#b7 ,election ,the term election means-- 7,a7 a general1 special1 primary1 or runoff election2 7,b7 a convention or caucus of a political party held to nominate a candidate2 7,c7 a primary election held for the selection of delegates to a national nominating convention of a political party2 or 7,d7 a primary election held for the expression of a preference for the nomination of persons for election to the office of ,president4 7#c7 ,federal office ,the term ,federal office means the office of ,president or ,vice ,president of the ,united ,states1 or of ,senator or ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress of the ,united ,states4 7#d7 ,probation ,the term probation means probation1 imposed by a ,federal1 ,state1 or local court1 with or without a condition on the individual involved concerning-- 7,a7 the individual's freedom of movement2 7,b7 the payment of damages by the individual2 7,c7 periodic reporting by the individual to an officer of the court2 or 7,d7 supervision of the individual by an officer of the court4 #adjf4 ,relation to other laws 7a7 ,state laws relating to voting rights ,nothing in this subtitle be construed to prohibit the ,states from enacting any ,state law which affords the right to vote in any election for ,federal office on terms less restrictive than those established by this subtitle4 7b7 ,certain ,federal ,acts ,the rights and remedies established by this subtitle are in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law1 and neither rights and remedies established by this ,act shall supersede1 restrict1 or limit the application of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq47 or the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq474 #adjg4 ,federal prison funds ,no ,state1 unit of local government1 or other person may receive or use1 to construct or otherwise improve a prison1 jail1 or other place of incarceration1 any ,federal funds unless that person has in effect a program under which each individual incarcerated in that person's jurisdiction who is a citizen of the ,united ,states is notified1 upon release from such incarceration1 of that individual's rights under section #adjb4 #adjh4 ,effective date ,this subtitle shall apply to citizens of the ,united ,states voting in any election for ,federal office held after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,f ,promoting ,accuracy1 ,integrity1 and ,security ,through ,voter-,verified ,permanent ,paper ,ballot #aeja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,voter ,confidence and ,increased ,accessibility ,act of #bjai4 #aejb4 ,paper ballot and manual counting requirements 7a7 ,in general ,section #cja7;a77#b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77#b77 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 ,paper ballot requirement 7,a7 ,voter-verified paper ballots 7i7 ,paper ballot requirement 7,i7 ,the voting system shall require the use of an individual1 durable1 voter-verified1 paper ballot of the voter's vote that shall be marked and made available for inspection and verification by the voter before the voter's vote is cast and counted1 and which shall be counted by hand or read by an optical character recognition device or other counting device4 ,for purposes of this subclause1 the term individual1 durable1 voter-verified1 paper ballot means a paper ballot marked by the voter by hand or a paper ballot marked through the use of a nontabulating ballot marking device or system1 so long as the voter shall have the option to mark his or her ballot by hand4 7,,ii7 ,the voting system shall provide the voter with an opportunity to correct any error on the paper ballot before the permanent voter-verified paper ballot is preserved in accordance with clause 7ii74 7,,iii7 ,the voting system shall not preserve the voter-verified paper ballots in any manner that makes it possible1 at any time after the ballot has been cast1 to associate a voter with the record of the voter's vote without the voter's consent4 7ii7 ,preservation as official record ,the individual1 durable1 voter-verified1 paper ballot used in accordance with clause 7i7 shall constitute the official ballot and shall be preserved and used as the official ballot for purposes of any recount or audit conducted with respect to any election for ,federal office in which the voting system is used4 7iii7 ,manual counting requirements for recounts and audits 7,i7 ,each paper ballot used pursuant to clause 7i7 shall be suitable for a manual audit1 and shall be counted by hand in any recount or audit conducted with respect to any election for ,federal office4 7,,ii7 ,in the event of any inconsistencies or irregularities between any electronic vote tallies and the vote tallies determined by counting by hand the individual1 durable1 voter-verified1 paper ballots used pursuant to clause 7i71 and subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the individual1 durable1 voter-verified1 paper ballots shall be the true and correct record of the votes cast4 7iv7 ,application to all ballots ,the requirements of this subparagraph shall apply to all ballots cast in elections for ,federal office1 including ballots cast by absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters under the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act and other absentee voters4 7,b7 ,special rule for treatment of disputes when paper ballots have been shown to be compromised 7i7 ,in general ,in the event that-- 7,i7 there is any inconsistency between any electronic vote tallies and the vote tallies determined by counting by hand the individual1 durable1 voter-verified1 paper ballots used pursuant to subparagraph 7,a77i7 with respect to any election for ,federal office2 and 7,,ii7 it is demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence 7as determined in accordance with the applicable standards in the jurisdiction involved7 in any recount1 audit1 or contest of the result of the election that the paper ballots have been compromised 7by damage or mischief or otherwise7 and that a sufficient number of the ballots have been so compromised that the result of the election could be changed1 the determination of the appropriate remedy with respect to the election shall be made in accordance with applicable ,state law1 except that the electronic tally shall not be used as the exclusive basis for determining the official certified result4 7ii7 ,rule for consideration of ballots associated with each voting machine ,for purposes of clause 7i71 only the paper ballots deemed compromised1 if any1 shall be considered in the calculation of whether or not the result of the election could be changed due to the compromised paper ballots4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment clarifying applicability of alternative language accessibility ,section #cja7;a77#d7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77#d77 is amended by inserting 7including the paper ballots required to be used under paragraph 7#b77 after voting system4 7c7 ,other conforming amendments ,section #cja7;a77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a77i71 by striking counted and inserting counted1 in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c72 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,a77ii71 by striking counted and inserting counted1 in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c72 7#c7 in subparagraph 7,a77iii71 by striking counted each place it appears and inserting counted1 in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c72 and 7#d7 in subparagraph 7,b77ii71 by striking counted and inserting counted1 in accordance with paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c74 #aejc4 ,accessibility and ballot verification for individuals with disabilities 7a7 ,in general ,section #cja7;a77#c77;,b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77#c77;,b77 is amended to read as follows3 7,b7 7i7 ensure that individuals with disabilities and others are given an equivalent opportunity to vote1 including with privacy and independence1 in a manner that produces a voter-verified paper ballot as for other voters2 7ii7 satisfy the requirement of subparagraph 7,a7 through the use of at least one voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities1 including nonvisual and enhanced visual accessibility for the blind and visually impaired1 and nonmanual and enhanced manual accessibility for the mobility and dexterity impaired1 at each polling place2 and 7iii7 meet the requirements of subparagraph 7,a7 and paragraph 7#b77;,a7 by using a system that-- 7,i7 allows the voter to privately and independently verify the permanent paper ballot through the presentation1 in accessible form1 of the printed or marked vote selections from the same printed or marked information that would be used for any vote counting or auditing2 and 7,,ii7 allows the voter to privately and independently verify and cast the permanent paper ballot without requiring the voter to manually handle the paper ballot4 4 7b7 ,specific requirement of study1 testing1 and development of accessible paper ballot verification mechanisms 7#a7 ,study and reporting ,subtitle ,c of title ,,ii of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq47 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating section #bdg as section #bdh2 and 7,b7 by inserting after section #bdf the following new section3 #bdg4 ,study and report on accessible paper ballot verification mechanisms 7a7 ,study and report ,the ,director of the ,national ,science ,foundation shall make grants to not fewer than #c eligible entities to study1 test1 and develop accessible paper ballot voting1 verification1 and casting mechanisms and devices and best practices to enhance the accessibility of paper ballot voting and verification mechanisms for individuals with disabilities1 for voters whose primary language is not ,english1 and for voters with difficulties in literacy1 including best practices for the mechanisms themselves and the processes through which the mechanisms are used4 7b7 ,eligibility ,an entity is eligible to receive a grant under this part if it submits to the ,director 7at such time and in such form as the ,director may require7 an application containing-- 7#a7 certifications that the entity shall specifically investigate enhanced methods or devices1 including non-electronic devices1 that will assist such individuals and voters in marking voter-verified paper ballots and presenting or transmitting the information printed or marked on such ballots back to such individuals and voters1 and casting such ballots2 7#b7 a certification that the entity shall complete the activities carried out with the grant not later than ,december #ca1 #bjbj2 and 7#c7 such other information and certifications as the ,director may require4 7c7 ,availability of technology ,any technology developed with the grants made under this section shall be treated as non-proprietary and shall be made available to the public1 including to manufacturers of voting systems4 7d7 ,coordination with grants for technology improvements ,the ,director shall carry out this section so that the activities carried out with the grants made under subsection 7a7 are coordinated with the research conducted under the grant program carried out by the ,commission under section #bga1 to the extent that the ,director and ,commission determine necessary to provide for the advancement of accessible voting technology4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection 7a7 #e1jjj1jjj1 to remain available until expended4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating the item relating to section #bdg as relating to section #bdh2 and 7,b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #bdf the following new item3 ,sec4 #bdg4 ,study and report on accessible paper ballot verification mechanisms4 4 7c7 ,clarification of accessibility standards under voluntary voting system guidance ,in adopting any voluntary guidance under subtitle ,b of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act with respect to the accessibility of the paper ballot verification requirements for individuals with disabilities1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall include and apply the same accessibility standards applicable under the voluntary guidance adopted for accessible voting systems under such subtitle4 7d7 ,permitting use of funds for protection and advocacy systems ,to support actions ,to enforce election-,related disability access ,section #bib7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajfb7;a77 is amended by striking 2 except that and all that follows and inserting a period4 #aejd4 ,durability and readability requirements for ballots ,section #cja7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#g7 ,durability and readability requirements for ballots 7,a7 ,durability requirements for paper ballots 7i7 ,in general ,all voter-verified paper ballots required to be used under this ,act shall be marked or printed on durable paper4 7ii7 ,definition ,for purposes of this ,act1 paper is durable if it is capable of withstanding multiple counts and recounts by hand without compromising the fundamental integrity of the ballots1 and capable of retaining the information marked or printed on them for the full duration of a retention and preservation period of #bb months4 7,b7 ,readability requirements for paper ballots marked by ballot marking device ,all voter-verified paper ballots completed by the voter through the use of a ballot marking device shall be clearly readable by the voter without assistance 7other than eyeglasses or other personal vision enhancing devices7 and by an optical character recognition device or other device equipped for individuals with disabilities4 4 #aeje4 ,effective date for new requirements ,section #cja7;d7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;d77 is amended to read as follows3 7d7 ,effective ,date 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 each ,state and jurisdiction shall be required to comply with the requirements of this section on and after ,january #a1 #bjjf4 7#b7 ,special rule for certain requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c71 the requirements of this section which are first imposed on a ,state and jurisdiction pursuant to the amendments made by the ,voter ,confidence and ,increased ,accessibility ,act of #bjai shall apply with respect to voting systems used for any election for ,federal office held in #bjbb or any succeeding year4 7,b7 ,delay for jurisdictions using certain paper record printers or certain systems using or producing voter-verifiable paper records in #bjbj 7i7 ,delay ,in the case of a jurisdiction described in clause 7ii71 subparagraph 7,a7 shall apply to a voting system in the jurisdiction as if the reference in such subparagraph to #bjbb were a reference to #bjbd1 but only with respect to the following requirements of this section3 7,i7 ,paragraph 7#b77;,a77i77,i7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to the use of voter-marked paper ballots74 7,,ii7 ,paragraph 7#c77;,b77ii77,i7 and 7,,ii7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to access to verification from and casting of the durable paper ballot74 7,,iii7 ,paragraph 7#g7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to durability and readability requirements for ballots74 7ii7 ,jurisdictions described ,a jurisdiction described in this clause is a jurisdiction-- 7,i7 which used voter verifiable paper record printers attached to direct recording electronic voting machines1 or which used other voting systems that used or produced paper records of the vote verifiable by voters but that are not in compliance with paragraphs 7#b77;,a77i77,i71 7#c77;,b77iii77,i7 and 7,,ii71 and 7#g7 of subsection 7a7 7as amended or added by the ,voter ,confidence and ,increased ,accessibility ,act of #bjai71 for the administration of the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj2 and 7,,ii7 which will continue to use such printers or systems for the administration of elections for ,federal office held in years before #bjbb4 7iii7 ,mandatory availability of paper ballots at polling places using grandfathered printers and systems 7,i7 ,requiring ballots to be offered and provided ,the appropriate election official at each polling place that uses a printer or system described in clause 7ii77,i7 for the administration of elections for ,federal office shall offer each individual who is eligible to cast a vote in the election at the polling place the opportunity to cast the vote using a blank pre-printed paper ballot which the individual may mark by hand and which is not produced by the direct recording electronic voting machine or other such system4 ,the official shall provide the individual with the ballot and the supplies necessary to mark the ballot1 and shall ensure 7to the greatest extent practicable7 that the waiting period for the individual to cast a vote is the lesser of #cj minutes or the average waiting period for an individual who does not agree to cast the vote using such a paper ballot under this clause4 7,,ii7 ,treatment of ballot ,any paper ballot which is cast by an individual under this clause shall be counted and otherwise treated as a regular ballot for all purposes 7including by incorporating it into the final unofficial vote count 7as defined by the ,state7 for the precinct7 and not as a provisional ballot1 unless the individual casting the ballot would have otherwise been required to cast a provisional ballot4 7,,iii7 ,posting of notice ,the appropriate election official shall ensure there is prominently displayed at each polling place a notice that describes the obligation of the official to offer individuals the opportunity to cast votes using a pre-printed blank paper ballot4 7,,iv7 ,training of election officials ,the chief ,state election official shall ensure that election officials at polling places in the ,state are aware of the requirements of this clause1 including the requirement to display a notice under subclause 7,,iii71 and are aware that it is a violation of the requirements of this title for an election official to fail to offer an individual the opportunity to cast a vote using a blank pre-printed paper ballot4 7,v7 ,period of applicability ,the requirements of this clause apply only during the period in which the delay is in effect under clause 7i74 7,c7 ,special rule for jurisdictions using certain nontabulating ballot marking devices ,in the case of a jurisdiction which uses a nontabulating ballot marking device which automatically deposits the ballot into a privacy sleeve1 subparagraph 7,a7 shall apply to a voting system in the jurisdiction as if the reference in such subparagraph to any election for ,federal office held in #bjbb or any succeeding year were a reference to elections for ,federal office occurring held in #bjbd or each succeeding year1 but only with respect to paragraph 7#c77;,b77iii77,,ii7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to nonmanual casting of the durable paper ballot74 4 ,g ,provisional ,ballots #afja4 ,requirements for counting provisional ballots2 establishment of uniform and nondiscriminatory standards 7a7 ,in general ,section #cjb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7d7 as subsection 7f72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7c7 the following new subsections3 7d7 ,statewide counting of provisional ballots 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of subsection 7a77#d71 notwithstanding the precinct or polling place at which a provisional ballot is cast within the ,state1 the appropriate election official shall count each vote on such ballot for each election in which the individual who cast such ballot is eligible to vote4 7#b7 ,effective date ,this subsection shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 7e7 ,uniform and nondiscriminatory standards 7#a7 ,in general ,consistent with the requirements of this section1 each ,state shall establish uniform and nondiscriminatory standards for the issuance1 handling1 and counting of provisional ballots4 7#b7 ,effective date ,this subsection shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #cjb7;f7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;f771 as redesignated by subsection 7a71 is amended by striking ,each ,state and inserting ,except as provided in subsections 7d77#b7 and 7e77#b71 each ,state4 ,h ,early ,voting #afaa4 ,early voting 7a7 ,requirements ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #ajca7;a7 and section #aaja7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cjf and #cjg as sections #cjg and #cjh2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cje the following new section3 #cjf4 ,early voting 7a7 ,requiring ,voting ,prior to ,date of ,election 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall allow individuals to vote in an election for ,federal office during an early voting period which occurs prior to the date of the election1 in the same manner as voting is allowed on such date4 7#b7 ,length of period ,the early voting period required under this subsection with respect to an election shall consist of a period of consecutive days 7including weekends7 which begins on the #aeth day before the date of the election 7or1 at the option of the ,state1 on a day prior to the #aeth day before the date of the election7 and ends on the date of the election4 7b7 ,minimum early voting requirements ,each polling place which allows voting during an early voting period under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 allow such voting for no less than #d hours on each day1 except that the polling place may allow such voting for fewer than #d hours on ,sundays2 and 7#b7 have uniform hours each day for which such voting occurs4 7c7 ,location of polling places near public transportation ,to the greatest extent practicable1 a ,state shall ensure that each polling place which allows voting during an early voting period under subsection 7a7 is located within walking distance of a stop on a public transportation route4 7d7 ,standards 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall issue standards for the administration of voting prior to the day scheduled for a ,federal election4 ,such standards shall include the nondiscriminatory geographic placement of polling places at which such voting occurs4 7#b7 ,deviation ,the standards described in paragraph 7#a7 shall permit ,states1 upon providing adequate public notice1 to deviate from any requirement in the case of unforeseen circumstances such as a natural disaster1 terrorist attack1 or a change in voter turnout4 7e7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to issuance of voluntary guidance by election assistance commission ,section #caa7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaja7;b771 as amended by section #aaja7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#c72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#d7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 in the case of the recommendations with respect to section #cjf1 ,june #cj1 #bjbj4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #ajca7;c7 and section #aaja7;d71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cjf and #cjg as relating to sections #cjg and #cjh2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cje the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,early voting4 4 ,i ,voting by ,mail #afba4 ,voting by mail 7a7 ,requirements ,subtitle ,a of title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #ajca7;a71 section #aaja7;a71 and section #afaa7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating sections #cjg and #cjh as sections #cjh and #cji2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #cjf the following new section3 #cjg4 ,promoting ability of voters to vote by mail 7a7 ,in ,general ,if an individual in a ,state is eligible to cast a vote in an election for ,federal office1 the ,state may not impose any additional conditions or requirements on the eligibility of the individual to cast the vote in such election by absentee ballot by mail1 except as required under subsection 7b7 and except to the extent that the ,state imposes a deadline for requesting the ballot and related voting materials from the appropriate ,state or local election official and for returning the ballot to the appropriate ,state or local election official4 7b7 ,requiring signature verification ,a ,state may not accept and process an absentee ballot submitted by any individual with respect to an election for ,federal office unless the ,state verifies the identification of the individual by comparing the individual's signature on the absentee ballot with the individual's signature on the official list of registered voters in the ,state1 in accordance with such procedures as the ,state may adopt4 7c7 ,deadline for providing balloting materials ,if an individual requests to vote by absentee ballot in an election for ,federal office1 the appropriate ,state or local election official shall ensure that the ballot and relating voting materials are transmitted to the individual-- 7#a7 not later than #b weeks before the date of the election2 or 7#b7 in the case of a ,state which imposes a deadline for requesting an absentee ballot and related voting materials which is less than #b weeks before the date of the election1 as expeditiously as possible4 7d7 ,accessibility for individuals with disabilities ,consistent with section #cje1 the ,state shall ensure that all absentee ballots and related voting materials in elections for ,federal office are accessible to individuals with disabilities in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation 7including with privacy and independence7 as for other voters4 7e7 ,uniform deadline for acceptance of mailed ballots ,if a ballot submitted by an individual by mail with respect to an election for ,federal office in a ,state is postmarked on or before the date of the election1 the ,state may not refuse to accept or process the ballot on the grounds that the individual did not meet a deadline for returning the ballot to the appropriate ,state or local election official4 7f7 ,no effect on ballots submitted by absent military and overseas voters ,nothing in this section may be construed to affect the treatment of any ballot submitted by an individual who is entitled to vote by absentee ballot under the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja et seq474 7g7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to issuance of voluntary guidance by election assistance commission ,section #caa7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaja7;b771 as amended by section #aaja7;b7 and section #afaa7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#d72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#e7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#f7 in the case of the recommendations with respect to section #cjg1 ,june #cj1 #bjbj4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #ajca7;c71 section #aaja7;d71 and section #afaa7;c71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the items relating to sections #cjg and #cjh as relating to sections #cjh and #cji2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #cjf the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,promoting ability of voters to vote by mail4 4 ,j ,absent ,uniformed ,services ,voters and ,overseas ,voters #agja4 ,pre-election reports on availability and transmission of absentee ballots ,section #ajb7;c7 of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7;c77 is amended to read as follows3 7c7 ,reports on ,availability1 transmission1 and receipt of absentee ballots 7#a7 ,pre-election report on absentee ballot availability ,not later than #ee days before any regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 each ,state shall submit a report to the ,attorney ,general1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission 7hereafter in this subsection referred to as the ,commission71 and the ,presidential ,designee1 and make that report publicly available that same day1 certifying that absentee ballots for the election are or will be available for transmission to absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters by not later than #de days before the election4 ,the report shall be in a form prescribed jointly by the ,attorney ,general and the ,commission and shall require the ,state to certify specific information about ballot availability from each unit of local government which will administer the election4 7#b7 ,pre-election report on absentee ballot transmission ,not later than #dc days before any regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 each ,state shall submit a report to the ,attorney ,general1 the ,commission1 and the ,presidential ,designee1 and make that report publicly available that same day1 certifying whether all absentee ballots have been transmitted by not later than #de days before the election to all qualified absent uniformed services and overseas voters whose requests were received at least #de days before the election4 ,the report shall be in a form prescribed jointly by the ,attorney ,general and the ,commission1 and shall require the ,state to certify specific information about ballot transmission1 including the total numbers of ballot requests received and ballots transmitted1 from each unit of local government which will administer the election4 7#c7 ,post-election report on number of absentee ballots transmitted and received ,not later than #ij days after the date of each regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 each ,state and unit of local government which administered the election shall 7through the ,state1 in the case of a unit of local government7 submit a report to the ,attorney ,general1 the ,commission1 and the ,presidential ,designee on the combined number of absentee ballots transmitted to absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters for the election and the combined number of such ballots which were returned by such voters and cast in the election1 and shall make such report available to the general public that same day4 4 #agjb4 ,enforcement 7a7 ,availability of civil penalties and private rights of action ,section #aje of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjg7 is amended to read as follows3 #aje4 ,enforcement 7a7 ,action by ,attorney ,general 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,attorney ,general may bring civil action in an appropriate district court for such declaratory or injunctive relief as may be necessary to carry out this title4 7#b7 ,penalty ,in a civil action brought under paragraph 7#a71 if the court finds that the ,state violated any provision of this title1 it may1 to vindicate the public interest1 assess a civil penalty against the ,state-- 7,a7 in an amount not to exceed #aaj1jjj for each such violation1 in the case of a first violation2 or 7,b7 in an amount not to exceed #bbj1jjj for each such violation1 for any subsequent violation4 7#c7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than ,december #ca of each year1 the ,attorney ,general shall submit to ,congress an annual report on any civil action brought under paragraph 7#a7 during the preceding year4 7b7 ,private right of action ,a person who is aggrieved by a ,state's violation of this title may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for such declaratory or injunctive relief as may be necessary to carry out this title4 7c7 ,state as only necessary defendant ,in any action brought under this section1 the only necessary party defendant is the ,state1 and it shall not be a defense to any such action that a local election official or a unit of local government is not named as a defendant1 notwithstanding that a ,state has exercised the authority described in section #egf of the ,military and ,overseas ,voter ,empowerment ,act to delegate to another jurisdiction in the ,state any duty or responsibility which is the subject of an action brought under this section4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to violations alleged to have occurred on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #agjc4 ,revisions to #de-;day absentee ballot transmission rule 7a7 ,repeal of waiver authority 7#a7 ,in general ,section #ajb of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7 is amended by striking subsection 7g74 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #ajb7;a77#h77;,a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7;a77#h77;,a77 is amended by striking except as provided in subsection 7g714 7b7 ,requiring use of express delivery in case of failure ,to meet requirement ,section #ajb of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb71 as amended by subsection 7a71 is amended by inserting after subsection 7f7 the following new subsection3 7g7 ,requiring use of express delivery in case of failure ,to transmit ballots within deadlines 7#a7 ,transmission of ballot by express delivery ,if a ,state fails to meet the requirement of subsection 7a77#h77;,a7 to transmit a validly requested absentee ballot to an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter not later than #de days before the election 7in the case in which the request is received at least #de days before the election7-- 7,a7 the ,state shall transmit the ballot to the voter by express delivery2 or 7,b7 in the case of a voter who has designated that absentee ballots be transmitted electronically in accordance with subsection 7f77#a71 the ,state shall transmit the ballot to the voter electronically4 7#b7 ,special rule for transmission fewer than #dj days before the election ,if1 in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 a ,state transmits an absentee ballot to an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter fewer than #dj days before the election1 the ,state shall enable the ballot to be returned by the voter by express delivery1 except that in the case of an absentee ballot of an absent uniformed services voter for a regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 the ,state may satisfy the requirement of this paragraph by notifying the voter of the procedures for the collection and delivery of such ballots under section #ajc;,a4 4 7c7 ,clarification of treatment of weekends ,section #ajb7;a77#h77;,a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjb7;a77#h77;,a77 is amended by striking the election2 and inserting the following3 the election 7or1 if the #deth day preceding the election is a weekend or legal public holiday1 not later than the most recent weekday which precedes such #deth day and which is not a legal public holiday1 but only if the request is received by at least such most recent weekday724 #agjd4 ,use of single absentee ballot application for subsequent elections 7a7 ,in general ,section #ajd of the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcjf7 is amended to read as follows3 #ajd4 ,use of single application for subsequent elections 7a7 ,in general ,if a ,state accepts and processes an official post card form 7prescribed under section #aja7 submitted by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter for simultaneous voter registration and absentee ballot application 7in accordance with section #ajb7;a77#d77 and the voter requests that the application be considered an application for an absentee ballot for each subsequent election for ,federal office held in the ,state through the next regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office 7including any runoff elections which may occur as a result of the outcome of such general election71 the ,state shall provide an absentee ballot to the voter for each such subsequent election4 7b7 ,exception for voters changing registration ,subsection 7a7 shall not apply with respect to a voter registered to vote in a ,state for any election held after the voter notifies the ,state that the voter no longer wishes to be registered to vote in the ,state or after the ,state determines that the voter has registered to vote in another ,state or is otherwise no longer eligible to vote in the ,state4 7c7 ,prohibition of refusal of application on grounds of early submission ,a ,state may not refuse to accept or to process1 with respect to any election for ,federal office1 any otherwise valid voter registration application or absentee ballot application 7including the postcard form prescribed under section #aja7 submitted by an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter on the grounds that the voter submitted the application before the first date on which the ,state otherwise accepts or processes such applications for that election which are submitted by absentee voters who are not members of the uniformed services or overseas citizens4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to voter registration and absentee ballot applications which are submitted to a ,state or local election official on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #agje4 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to elections occurring on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 ,k ,poll ,worker ,recruitment and ,training #ahja4 ,leave to serve as a poll worker for ,federal employees 7a7 ,in general ,subchapter ,,ii of chapter #fc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after section #fcbi;c the following3 #fcbi;d4 ,absence in connection with serving as a poll worker 7a7 ,in general ,an employee in or under an ,executive agency is entitled to leave1 without loss of or reduction in pay1 leave to which otherwise entitled1 credit for time or service1 or performance or efficiency rating1 not to exceed #f days in a leave year1 in order-- 7#a7 to provide election administration assistance to a ,state or unit of local government at a polling place on the date of any election for public office2 or 7#b7 to receive any training without which such employee would be ineligible to provide such assistance4 7b7 ,regulations ,the ,director of the ,office of ,personnel ,management may prescribe regulations for the administration of this section1 including regulations setting forth the terms and conditions of the election administration assistance an employee may provide for purposes of subsection 7a74 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #fc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #fcbi;c the following3 #fcbi;d4 ,absence in connection with serving as a poll worker4 4 #ahjb4 ,grants to ,states for poll worker recruitment and training 7a7 ,grants by ,election ,assistance ,commission 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission 7hereafter referred to as the ,commission7 shall make a grant to each eligible ,state for recruiting and training individuals to serve as poll workers on dates of elections for public office4 7#b7 ,use of ,commission materials ,in carrying out activities with a grant provided under this section1 the recipient of the grant shall use the manual prepared by the ,commission on successful practices for poll worker recruiting1 training and retention as an interactive training tool1 and shall develop training programs with the participation and input of experts in adult learning4 7b7 ,requirements for ,eligibility 7#a7 ,application ,each ,state that desires to receive a payment under this section shall submit an application for the payment to the ,commission at such time and in such manner and containing such information as the ,commission shall require4 7#b7 ,contents of ,application ,each application submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 describe the activities for which assistance under this section is sought2 7,b7 provide assurances that the funds provided under this section will be used to supplement and not supplant other funds used to carry out the activities2 7,c7 provide assurances that the ,state will furnish the ,commission with information on the number of individuals who served as poll workers after recruitment and training with the funds provided under this section2 and 7,d7 provide such additional information and certifications as the ,commission determines to be essential to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section4 7c7 ,amount of ,grant 7#a7 ,in general ,the amount of a grant made to a ,state under this section shall be equal to the product of-- 7,a7 the aggregate amount made available for grants to ,states under this section2 and 7,b7 the voting age population percentage for the ,state4 7#b7 ,voting age population percentage defined ,in paragraph 7#a71 the voting age population percentage for a ,state is the quotient of-- 7,a7 the voting age population of the ,state 7as determined on the basis of the most recent information available from the ,bureau of the ,census72 and 7,b7 the total voting age population of all ,states 7as determined on the basis of the most recent information available from the ,bureau of the ,census74 7d7 ,reports to ,congress 7#a7 ,reports by recipients of grants ,not later than #f months after the date on which the final grant is made under this section1 each recipient of a grant shall submit a report to the ,commission on the activities conducted with the funds provided by the grant4 7#b7 ,reports by ,commission ,not later than #a year after the date on which the final grant is made under this section1 the ,commission shall submit a report to ,congress on the grants made under this section and the activities carried out by recipients with the grants1 and shall include in the report such recommendations as the ,commission considers appropriate4 7e7 ,funding 7#a7 ,continuing availability of amount appropriated ,any amount appropriated to carry out this section shall remain available without fiscal year limitation until expended4 7#b7 ,administrative expenses ,of the amount appropriated for any fiscal year to carry out this section1 not more than #c percent shall be available for administrative expenses of the ,commission4 #ahjc4 ,state defined ,in this subtitle1 the term ,state includes the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 ,l ,enhancement of ,enforcement #ahaa4 ,enhancement of enforcement of ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7a7 ,complaints2 availability of private right of action ,section #dja of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaaa7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,the ,attorney ,general and inserting 7a7 ,in ,general4--,the ,attorney ,general2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsections3 7b7 ,filing of ,complaints by ,aggrieved ,persons 7#a7 ,in general ,a person who is aggrieved by a violation of title ,,iii which has occurred1 is occurring1 or is about to occur may file a written1 signed1 notarized complaint with the ,attorney ,general describing the violation and requesting the ,attorney ,general to take appropriate action under this section4 ,the ,attorney ,general shall immediately provide a copy of a complaint filed under the previous sentence to the entity responsible for administering the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures described in section #djb7;a7 for the ,state involved4 7#b7 ,response by ,attorney ,general ,the ,attorney ,general shall respond to each complaint filed under paragraph 7#a71 in accordance with procedures established by the ,attorney ,general that require responses and determinations to be made within the same 7or shorter7 deadlines which apply to a ,state under the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures described in section #djb7;a77#b74 ,the ,attorney ,general shall immediately provide a copy of the response made under the previous sentence to the entity responsible for administering the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures described in section #djb7;a7 for the ,state involved4 7c7 ,availability of private right of action ,any person who is authorized to file a complaint under subsection 7b77#a7 7including any individual who seeks to enforce the individual's right to a voter-verified paper ballot1 the right to have the voter-verified paper ballot counted in accordance with this ,act1 or any other right under title ,,iii7 may file an action under section #aigi of the ,revised ,statutes of the ,united ,states 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aihc7 to enforce the uniform and nondiscriminatory election technology and administration requirements under subtitle ,a of title ,,iii4 7d7 ,no effect on ,state procedures ,nothing in this section may be construed to affect the availability of the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures required under section #djb to any person filing a complaint under this subsection4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to violations occurring with respect to elections for ,federal office held in #bjbj or any succeeding year4 ,m ,federal ,election ,integrity #ahba4 ,prohibition on campaign activities by chief ,state election administration officials 7a7 ,in ,general ,title ,,iii of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #cai the following new section3 #cai;,a4 ,campaign activities by chief ,state election administration officials 7a7 ,prohibition ,it shall be unlawful for a chief ,state election administration official to take an active part in political management or in a political campaign with respect to any election for ,federal office over which such official has supervisory authority4 7b7 ,chief ,state election administration official ,the term chief ,state election administration official means the highest ,state official with responsibility for the administration of ,federal elections under ,state law4 7c7 ,active part in political management or in a political campaign ,the term active part in political management or in a political campaign means-- 7#a7 serving as a member of an authorized committee of a candidate for ,federal office2 7#b7 the use of official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election for ,federal office2 7#c7 the solicitation1 acceptance1 or receipt of a contribution from any person on behalf of a candidate for ,federal office2 and 7#d7 any other act which would be prohibited under paragraph 7#b7 or 7#c7 of section #gcbc7;b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 if taken by an individual to whom such paragraph applies 7other than any prohibition on running for public office74 7d7 ,exception in case of recusal from administration of elections involving official or immediate family member 7#a7 ,in general ,this section does not apply to a chief ,state election administration official with respect to an election for ,federal office in which the official or an immediate family member of the official is a candidate1 but only if such official recuses himself or herself from all of the official's responsibilities for the administration of such election4 7#b7 ,immediate family member defined ,in paragraph 7#a71 the term immediate family member means1 with respect to a candidate1 a father1 mother1 son1 daughter1 brother1 sister1 husband1 wife1 father-in-law1 or mother-in-law4 4 7b7 ,effective ,date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to elections for ,federal office held after ,december #bjai4 ,n ,promoting ,voter ,access ,through ,election ,administration ,improvements #a ,promoting ,voter ,access #aija4 ,treatment of universities as voter registration agencies 7a7 ,in general ,section #g7;a7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejf7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,a72 7,b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,c7 each institution of higher education 7as defined in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja77 in the ,state that receives ,federal funds4 2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#f77;,a71 by inserting or1 in the case of an institution of higher education1 with each registration of a student for enrollment in a course of study after assistance14 7b7 ,amendment to ,higher ,education ,act of #aife ,section #dhg7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajid7;a77 is amended by striking paragraph 7#bc74 7c7 ,sense of ,congress relating to option of students to register in jurisdiction of institution of higher education or jurisdiction of domicile ,it is the sense of ,congress that1 as provided under existing law1 students who attend an institution of higher education and reside in the jurisdiction of the institution while attending the institution should have the option of registering to vote in elections for ,federal office in that jurisdiction or in the jurisdiction of their own domicile4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 #aijb4 ,minimum notification requirements for voters affected by polling place changes 7a7 ,requirements ,section #cjb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb71 as amended by section #afja7;a71 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7f7 as subsection 7g72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7e7 the following new subsection3 7f7 ,minimum notification requirements for voters affected by polling place changes 7#a7 ,in general ,if a ,state assigns an individual who is a registered voter in a ,state to a polling place with respect to an election for ,federal office which is not the same polling place to which the individual was previously assigned with respect to the most recent election for ,federal office in the ,state in which the individual was eligible to vote-- 7,a7 the ,state shall notify the individual of the location of the polling place not later than #g days before the date of the election2 or 7,b7 if the ,state makes such an assignment fewer than #g days before the date of the election and the individual appears on the date of the election at the polling place to which the individual was previously assigned1 the ,state shall make every reasonable effort to enable the individual to vote on the date of the election4 7#b7 ,effective date ,this subsection shall apply with respect to elections held on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #cjb7;g7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;g771 as redesignated by subsection 7a7 and as amended by section #afja7;b71 is amended by striking 7d77#b7 and 7e77#b7 and inserting 7d77#b71 7e77#b71 and 7f77#b74 #aijc4 ,election ,day holiday 7a7 ,treatment of ,election ,day in same manner as legal public holiday for purposes of ,federal employment ,for purposes of any law relating to ,federal employment1 the ,tuesday next after the first ,monday in ,november in #bjbj and each even-numbered year thereafter shall be treated in the same manner as a legal public holiday described in section #fajc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress relating to treatment of day by private employers ,it is the sense of ,congress that private employers in the ,united ,states should give their employees a day off on the ,tuesday next after the first ,monday in ,november in #bjbj and each even-numbered year thereafter to enable the employees to cast votes in the elections held on that day4 #aijd4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement to meet identification requirements for voting 7a7 ,permitting use of statement ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #cjc the following new section3 #cjc;,a4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement to meet identification requirements 7a7 ,use of statement 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7c71 if a ,state has in effect a requirement that an individual present identification as a condition of receiving and casting a ballot in an election for ,federal office1 the ,state shall permit the individual to meet the requirement-- 7,a7 in the case of an individual who desires to vote in person1 by presenting the appropriate ,state or local election official with a sworn written statement1 signed by the individual under penalty of perjury1 attesting to the individual's identification and attesting that the individual is eligible to vote in the election2 or 7,b7 in the case of an individual who desires to vote by mail1 by submitting with the ballot the statement described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#b7 ,providing pre-printed copy of statement ,a ,state which is subject to paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 prepare a pre-printed version of the statement described in paragraph 7#a77;,a7 which includes a blank space for an individual to provide a name and signature2 7,b7 make copies of the pre-printed version available at polling places for election officials to distribute to individuals who desire to vote in person2 and 7,c7 include a copy of the pre-printed version with each blank absentee or other ballot transmitted to an individual who desires to vote by mail4 7b7 ,requiring use of regular ballot ,an individual who presents or submits a sworn written statement in accordance with subsection 7a77#a7 shall be permitted to cast a regular ballot in the election in the same manner as an individual who presents identification4 7c7 ,exception for first-,time voters registering by mail ,subsections 7a7 and 7b7 do not apply with respect to any individual described in paragraph 7#a7 of section #cjc7;b7 who is required to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#b7 of such section4 4 7b7 ,requiring ,states ,to include information on use of sworn written statement in voting information material posted at polling places ,section #cjb7;b77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhb7;b77#b771 as amended by section #ajgb7;b7 and section #abjb7;b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,g72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,h7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,i7 in the case of a ,state that has in effect a requirement that an individual present identification as a condition of receiving and casting a ballot in an election for ,federal office1 information on how an individual may meet such requirement by presenting a sworn written statement in accordance with section #cjc;,a4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cjc the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjc;,a4 ,permitting use of sworn written statement to meet identification requirements4 4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to elections occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #aije4 ,postage-free ballots 7a7 ,absentee ballots carried free of postage 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #cd of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding after section #cdjf the following3 #cdjg4 ,absentee ballots carried free of postage 7a7 ,any absentee ballot for any election shall be carried expeditiously and free of postage4 7b7 ,as used in this section1 the term absentee ballot does not include any ballot covered by section #cdjf4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #cd of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cdjf the following3 #cdjg4 ,absentee ballots carried free of postage4 4 7#c7 ,reimbursement ,section #bdja7;c7 of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking #cdjf and inserting #cdjg4 7b7 ,use by ,states of requirements payments under ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb ,to reimburse ,postal ,service 7#a7 ,authorizing use of payments ,section #bea7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajja7;b77 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking as provided in paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 and inserting as otherwise provided in this subsection2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#d7 ,reimbursement of ,postal ,service for costs associated with absentee ballots ,a ,state shall use a requirements payment to reimburse the ,united ,states ,postal ,service for the revenue which the ,postal ,service would have obtained as the result of the mailing of absentee ballots in the ,state but for section #cdjg of title #ci1 ,united ,states ,code4 4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by paragraph 7#a7 shall apply with respect to the requirements payments made to a ,state under part #a of subtitle ,d of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajja et seq47-- 7,a7 for fiscal year #bjai or any previous fiscal year1 but only to the extent that any such payment remains unobligated or unexpended by the ,state as of the date of the enactment of this ,act2 and 7,b7 for fiscal year #bjbj and each succeeding fiscal year4 #aijf4 ,reimbursement for costs incurred by ,states in establishing program to track and confirm receipt of absentee ballots 7a7 ,reimbursement ,subtitle ,d of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aedja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following new part3 #g ,payments ,to ,reimburse ,states for ,costs ,incurred in ,establishing ,program ,to ,track and ,confirm ,receipt of ,absentee ,ballots #big4 ,payments to ,states 7a7 ,payments for ,costs of ,establishing ,program ,in accordance with this section1 the ,commission shall make a payment to a ,state to reimburse the ,state for the costs incurred in establishing1 if the ,state so chooses to establish1 an absentee ballot tracking program with respect to elections for ,federal office held in the ,state 7including costs incurred prior to the date of the enactment of this part74 7b7 ,absentee ,ballot ,tracking ,program ,described 7#a7 ,program described 7,a7 ,in general ,in this part1 an absentee ballot tracking program is a program to track and confirm the receipt of absentee ballots in an election for ,federal office under which the ,state or local election official responsible for the receipt of voted absentee ballots in the election carries out procedures to track and confirm the receipt of such ballots1 and makes information on the receipt of such ballots available to the individual who cast the ballot1 by means of online access using the internet site of the official's office4 7,b7 ,information on whether vote was counted ,the information referred to under subparagraph 7,a7 with respect to the receipt of an absentee ballot shall include information regarding whether the vote cast on the ballot was counted1 and1 in the case of a vote which was not counted1 the reasons therefor4 7#b7 ,use of ,toll-,free ,telephone ,number by ,officials ,without ,internet ,site ,a program established by a ,state or local election official whose office does not have an internet site may meet the description of a program under paragraph 7#a7 if the official has established a toll-free telephone number that may be used by an individual who cast an absentee ballot to obtain the information on the receipt of the voted absentee ballot as provided under such paragraph4 7c7 ,certification of ,compliance and ,costs 7#a7 ,certification required ,in order to receive a payment under this section1 a ,state shall submit to the ,commission a statement containing-- 7,a7 a certification that the ,state has established an absentee ballot tracking program with respect to elections for ,federal office held in the ,state2 and 7,b7 a statement of the costs incurred by the ,state in establishing the program4 7#b7 ,amount of payment ,the amount of a payment made to a ,state under this section shall be equal to the costs incurred by the ,state in establishing the absentee ballot tracking program1 as set forth in the statement submitted under paragraph 7#a71 except that such amount may not exceed the product of-- 7,a7 the number of jurisdictions in the ,state which are responsible for operating the program2 and 7,b7 #c1jjj4 7#c7 ,limit on number of payments received ,a ,state may not receive more than one payment under this part4 #big;,a4 ,authorization of ,appropriations 7a7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,commission for fiscal year #bjbj and each succeeding fiscal year such sums as may be necessary for payments under this part4 7b7 ,continuing ,availability of ,funds ,any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization under this section shall remain available until expended4 4 7b7 ,clerical ,amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to subtitle ,d of title ,,ii the following3 ,part #g--,payments ,to ,reimburse ,states for ,costs ,incurred in ,establishing ,program ,to ,track and ,confirm ,receipt of ,absentee ,ballots ,sec4 #big4 ,payments to ,states4 ,sec4 #big;,a4 ,authorization of appropriations4 4 #aijg4 ,voter information response systems and hotline 7a7 ,establishment and operation of systems and services 7#a7 ,state-based response systems ,the ,attorney ,general shall coordinate the establishment of a ,state-based response system for responding to questions and complaints from individuals voting or seeking to vote1 or registering to vote or seeking to register to vote1 in elections for ,federal office4 ,such system shall provide-- 7,a7 ,state-specific1 same-day1 and immediate assistance to such individuals1 including information on how to register to vote1 the location and hours of operation of polling places1 and how to obtain absentee ballots2 and 7,b7 ,state-specific1 same-day1 and immediate assistance to individuals encountering problems with registering to vote or voting1 including individuals encountering intimidation or deceptive practices4 7#b7 ,hotline ,the ,attorney ,general1 in consultation with ,state election officials1 shall establish and operate a toll-free telephone service1 using a telephone number that is accessible throughout the ,united ,states and that uses easily identifiable numerals1 through which individuals throughout the ,united ,states-- 7,a7 may connect directly to the ,state-based response system described in paragraph 7#a7 with respect to the ,state involved2 7,b7 may obtain information on voting in elections for ,federal office1 including information on how to register to vote in such elections1 the locations and hours of operation of polling places1 and how to obtain absentee ballots2 and 7,c7 may report information to the ,attorney ,general on problems encountered in registering to vote or voting1 including incidences of voter intimidation or suppression4 7#c7 ,collaboration with ,state and local election officials 7,a7 ,collection of information from states ,the ,attorney ,general shall coordinate the collection of information on ,state and local election laws and policies1 including information on the ,statewide computerized voter registration lists maintained under title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb1 so that individuals who contact the free telephone service established under paragraph 7#b7 on the date of an election for ,federal office may receive an immediate response on that day4 7,b7 ,forwarding questions and complaints to ,states ,if an individual contacts the free telephone service established under paragraph 7#b7 on the date of an election for ,federal office with a question or complaint with respect to a particular ,state or jurisdiction within a ,state1 the ,attorney ,general shall forward the question or complaint immediately to the appropriate election official of the ,state or jurisdiction so that the official may answer the question or remedy the complaint on that date4 7#d7 ,consultation requirements for development of systems and services ,the ,attorney ,general shall ensure that the ,state-based response system under paragraph 7#a7 and the free telephone service under paragraph 7#b7 are each developed in consultation with civil rights organizations1 voting rights groups1 ,state and local election officials1 voter protection groups1 and other interested community organizations1 especially those that have experience in the operation of similar systems and services4 7b7 ,use of service by individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited ,english language proficiency ,the ,attorney ,general shall design and operate the telephone service established under this section in a manner that ensures that individuals with disabilities are fully able to use the service1 and that assistance is provided in any language in which the ,state 7or any jurisdiction in the ,state7 is required to provide election materials under section #bjc of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife4 7c7 ,voter ,hotline ,task ,force 7#a7 ,appointment by attorney general ,the ,attorney ,general shall appoint individuals 7in such number as the ,attorney ,general considers appropriate but in no event fewer than #c7 to serve on a ,voter ,hotline ,task ,force to provide ongoing analysis and assessment of the operation of the telephone service established under this section1 and shall give special consideration in making appointments to the ,task ,force to individuals who represent civil rights organizations4 ,at least one member of the ,task ,force shall be a representative of an organization promoting voting rights or civil rights which has experience in the operation of similar telephone services or in protecting the rights of individuals to vote1 especially individuals who are members of racial1 ethnic1 or linguistic minorities or of communities who have been adversely affected by efforts to suppress voting rights4 7#b7 ,eligibility ,an individual shall be eligible to serve on the ,task ,force under this subsection if the individual meets such criteria as the ,attorney ,general may establish1 except that an individual may not serve on the task force if the individual has been convicted of any criminal offense relating to voter intimidation or voter suppression4 7#c7 ,term of service ,an individual appointed to the ,task ,force shall serve a single term of #b years1 except that the initial terms of the members first appointed to the ,task ,force shall be staggered so that there are at least #c individuals serving on the ,task ,force during each year4 ,a vacancy in the membership of the ,task ,force shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment4 7#d7 ,no compensation for service ,members of the ,task ,force shall serve without pay1 but shall receive travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 in accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter ,i of chapter #eg of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7d7 ,bi-,annual report to ,congress ,not later than ,march #a of each odd-numbered year1 the ,attorney ,general shall submit a report to ,congress on the operation of the telephone service established under this section during the previous #b years1 and shall include in the report-- 7#a7 an enumeration of the number and type of calls that were received by the service2 7#b7 a compilation and description of the reports made to the service by individuals citing instances of voter intimidation or suppression2 7#c7 an assessment of the effectiveness of the service in making information available to all households in the ,united ,states with telephone service2 7#d7 any recommendations developed by the ,task ,force established under subsection 7c7 with respect to how voting systems may be maintained or upgraded to better accommodate voters and better ensure the integrity of elections1 including but not limited to identifying how to eliminate coordinated voter suppression efforts and how to establish effective mechanisms for distributing updates on changes to voting requirements2 and 7#e7 any recommendations on best practices for the ,state-based response systems established under subsection 7a77#a74 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,attorney ,general for fiscal year #bjai and each succeeding fiscal year such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section4 7#b7 ,set-aside for outreach ,of the amounts appropriated to carry out this section for a fiscal year pursuant to the authorization under paragraph 7#a71 not less than #ae percent shall be used for outreach activities to make the public aware of the availability of the telephone service established under this section1 with an emphasis on outreach to individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited proficiency in the ,english language4 #b ,improvements in ,operation of ,election ,assistance ,commission #aiaa4 ,reauthorization of ,election ,assistance ,commission ,section #baj of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjicj7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking for each of the fiscal years #bjjc through #bjje and inserting for fiscal year #bjai and each succeeding fiscal year2 and 7#b7 by striking 7but not to exceed #aj1jjj1jjj for each such year74 #aiac4 ,requiring ,states to participate in post-general election surveys 7a7 ,requirement ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq471 as amended by section #aijd7;a71 is further amended by inserting after section #cjc;,a the following new section3 #cjc;,b4 ,requiring participation in post-general election surveys 7a7 ,requirement ,each ,state shall furnish to the ,commission such information as the ,commission may request for purposes of conducting any post-election survey of the ,states with respect to the administration of a regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office4 7b7 ,effective date ,this section shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj and any succeeding election4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aijd7;c71 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cjc;,a the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjc;,b4 ,requiring participation in post-general election surveys4 4 #aiad4 ,reports by ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology on use of funds transferred from ,election ,assistance ,commission 7a7 ,requiring reports on use of funds as condition of receipt ,section #bca of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjiga7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 ,report on use of funds transferred from ,commission ,to the extent that funds are transferred from the ,commission to the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology for purposes of carrying out this section during any fiscal year1 the ,director may not use such funds unless the ,director certifies at the time of transfer that the ,director will submit a report to the ,commission not later than #ij days after the end of the fiscal year detailing how the ,director used such funds during the year4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to fiscal year #bjbj and each succeeding fiscal year4 #aiae4 ,recommendations to improve operations of ,election ,assistance ,commission 7a7 ,assessment of information technology and cybersecurity ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjai1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall carry out an assessment of the security and effectiveness of the ,commission's information technology systems1 including the cybersecurity of such systems4 7b7 ,improvements to administrative complaint procedures 7#a7 ,review of procedures ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall carry out a review of the effectiveness and efficiency of the ,state-based administrative complaint procedures established and maintained under section #djb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baaab7 for the investigation and resolution of allegations of violations of title ,,iii of such ,act4 7#b7 ,recommendations to streamline procedures ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjai1 the ,commission shall submit to ,congress a report on the review carried out under paragraph 7#a71 and shall include in the report such recommendations as the ,commission considers appropriate to streamline and improve the procedures which are the subject of the review4 #aiaf4 ,repeal of exemption of ,election ,assistance ,commission from certain government contracting requirements 7a7 ,in general ,section #bje of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjibe7 is amended by striking subsection 7e74 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to contracts entered into by the ,election ,assistance ,commission on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #c ,miscellaneous ,provisions #aiba4 ,application of laws to ,commonwealth of ,northern ,mariana ,islands 7a7 ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic ,section #c7d7 of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejb7d77 is amended by striking ,states and the ,district of ,columbia and inserting ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7b7 ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#a7 ,coverage of ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands ,section #ija of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baada7 is amended by striking and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands and inserting the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments to ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb ,such ,act is further amended as follows3 7,a7 ,the second sentence of section #bac7;a77#b7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjidc7;a77#b77 is amended by striking and ,american ,samoa and inserting ,american ,samoa1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7,b7 ,section #beb7;c77#b7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajjb7;c77#b77 is amended by striking or the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands and inserting the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 or the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#c7 ,conforming amendment relating to consultation of ,help ,america ,vote ,foundation with local election officials ,section #ijajb7;c7 of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands and inserting the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to fiscal years beginning with the first fiscal year which begins after funds are appropriated to the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands pursuant to the payment under section #b4 #aibb4 ,no effect on other laws 7a7 ,in general ,except as specifically provided1 nothing in this subtitle may be construed to authorize or require conduct prohibited under any of the following laws1 or to supersede1 restrict1 or limit the application of such laws3 7#a7 ,the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq474 7#b7 ,the ,voting ,accessibility for the ,elderly and ,handicapped ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaja et seq474 7#c7 ,the ,uniformed and ,overseas ,citizens ,absentee ,voting ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjcja et seq474 7#d7 ,the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq474 7#e7 ,the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abaja et seq474 7#f7 ,the ,rehabilitation ,act of #aigc 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #gja et seq474 7b7 ,no effect on preclearance or other requirements under ,voting ,rights ,act ,the approval by any person of a payment or grant application under this title1 or any other action taken by any person under this title1 shall not be considered to have any effect on requirements for preclearance under section #e of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcjd7 or any other requirements of such ,act4 ,o ,severability #aica4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,,ii ,election ,integrity ,subtitle ,a--,findings ,reaffirming ,commitment of ,congress ,to ,restore the ,voting ,rights ,act ,sec4 #bjja4 ,findings reaffirming commitment of ,congress to restore the ,voting ,rights ,act4 ,subtitle ,b--,findings ,relating to ,native ,american ,voting ,rights ,sec4 #baja4 ,findings relating to ,native ,american voting rights4 ,subtitle ,c--,findings ,relating to ,district of ,columbia ,statehood ,sec4 #bbja4 ,findings relating to ,district of ,columbia statehood4 ,subtitle ,d--,findings ,relating to ,territorial ,voting ,rights ,sec4 #bcja4 ,findings relating to territorial voting rights4 ,subtitle ,e--,redistricting ,reform ,sec4 #bdjj4 ,short title2 finding of constitutional authority4 ,part #a--,requirements for ,congressional ,redistricting ,sec4 #bdja4 ,limit on congressional redistricting after an apportionment4 ,sec4 #bdjb4 ,requiring congressional redistricting to be conducted through plan of independent ,state commission4 ,part #b--;,independent ,redistricting ,commissions ,sec4 #bdaa4 ,independent redistricting commission4 ,sec4 #bdab4 ,establishment of selection pool of individuals eligible to serve as members of commission4 ,sec4 #bdac4 ,criteria for redistricting plan by independent commission2 public notice and input4 ,sec4 #bdad4 ,establishment of related entities4 ,part #c--,role of ,courts in ,development of ,redistricting ,plans ,sec4 #bdba4 ,enactment of plan developed by #c-;judge court4 ,sec4 #bdbb4 ,special rule for redistricting conducted under order of ,federal court4 ,part #d--;,administrative and ,miscellaneous ,provisions ,sec4 #bdca4 ,payments to ,states for carrying out redistricting4 ,sec4 #bdcb4 ,civil enforcement4 ,sec4 #bdcc4 ,state apportionment notice defined4 ,sec4 #bdcd4 ,no effect on elections for ,state and local office4 ,sec4 #bdce4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,f--,saving ,voters ,from ,voter ,purging ,sec4 #beja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #bejb4 ,conditions for removal of voters from list of registered voters4 ,subtitle ,g--,severability ,sec4 #bfja4 ,severability4 ,a ,findings ,reaffirming ,commitment of ,congress ,to ,restore the ,voting ,rights ,act #bjja4 ,findings reaffirming commitment of ,congress to restore the ,voting ,rights ,act ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the right to vote for all ,americans is sacrosanct and rules for voting and election administration should protect the right to vote and promote voter participation4 7#b7 ,the ,voting ,rights ,act has empowered the ,department of ,justice and ,federal courts for nearly a half a century to block discriminatory voting practices before their implementation in ,states and localities with the most troubling histories and ongoing records of racial discrimination4 7#c7 ,there continues to be an alarming movement to erect barriers to make it more difficult for ,americans to participate in our ,nation's democratic process4 ,the ,nation has witnessed unprecedented efforts to turn back the clock and erect barriers to voting for communities of color which have faced historic and continuing discrimination1 as well as disabled1 young1 elderly1 and low-income ,americans4 7#d7 ,the ,supreme ,court's #bjac ,shelby ,county v4 ,holder decision gutted decades-long ,federal protections for communities of color that face historic and continuing discrimination1 emboldening ,states and local jurisdictions to pass voter suppression laws and implement procedures1 such as those requiring photo identification1 limiting early voting hours1 eliminating same-day registration1 purging voters from the rolls1 and reducing the number of polling places4 ,congress is committed to reversing the devastating impact of this decision4 7#e7 ,racial discrimination in voting is a clear and persistent problem4 ,the actions of ,states and localities around the country post-,shelby ,county1 including at least #aj findings by ,federal courts of intentional discrimination1 underscore the need for ,congress to conduct investigatory and evidentiary hearings to determine the legislation necessary to restore the ,voting ,rights ,act and combat continuing efforts in ,america that suppress the free exercise of the franchise in communities of color4 7#f7 ,the #bjah midterm election provides further evidence that systemic voter discrimination and intimidation continues to occur in communities of color across the country1 making it clear that democracy reform cannot be achieved until ,congress restores key provisions of the ,voting ,rights ,act4 7#g7 ,congress must remain vigilant in protecting every eligible citizen's right to vote4 ,congress should respond by modernizing the electoral system to-- 7,a7 improve access to the ballot2 7,b7 enhance the integrity and security of our voting systems2 7,c7 ensure greater accountability for the administration of elections2 and 7,d7 restore protections for voters against practices in ,states and localities plagued by the persistence of voter disenfranchisement2 and 7,e7 ensure that ,federal civil rights laws protect the rights of voters against discriminatory and deceptive practices4 ,b ,findings ,relating to ,native ,american ,voting ,rights #baja4 ,findings relating to ,native ,american voting rights ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the right to vote for all ,americans is sacred4 ,congress must fulfill the ,federal ,government's trust responsibility to protect and promote ,native ,americans' exercise of their fundamental right to vote1 including equal access to voter registration voting mechanisms and locations1 and the ability to serve as election officials4 7#b7 ,the ,native ,american ,voting ,rights ,coalition's four-,state survey of voter discrimination 7#bjaf7 and nine field hearings in ,indian ,country 7#bjag-bjah7 revealed obstacles that ,native ,americans must overcome1 including a lack of accessible and proximate registration and polling sites1 nontraditional addresses for residents on ,indian reservations1 inadequate language assistance for ,tribal members1 and voter identification laws that discriminate against ,native ,americans4 ,the ,department of ,justice and courts have recognized that some jurisdictions have been unresponsive to reasonable requests from federally recognized ,indian ,tribes for more accessible and proximate voter registration sites and in-person voting locations4 7#c7 ,the #bjah elections provide further evidence that systemic voter discrimination and intimidation continues to occur in communities of color and ,tribal lands across the country1 making it clear that democracy reform cannot be achieved until ,congress restores key provisions of the ,voting ,rights ,act and passes additional protections4 7#d7 ,congress has broad1 plenary authority to enact legislation to safeguard the voting rights of ,native ,american voters4 7#e7 ,congress must conduct investigatory and evidentiary hearings to determine the necessary legislation to restore the ,voting ,rights ,act and combat continuous efforts that suppress the voter franchise within ,tribal lands1 to include1 but not to be limited to1 the ,native ,american ,voting ,rights ,act 7,,navra7 and the ,voting ,rights ,advancement ,act 7,,vraa74 ,c ,findings ,relating to ,district of ,columbia ,statehood #bbja4 ,findings relating to ,district of ,columbia statehood ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,district of ,columbia residents deserve full congressional voting rights and self-government1 which only statehood can provide4 7#b7 ,the #gjj1jjj residents of the ,district of ,columbia pay more ,federal taxes per capita than residents of any ,state in the country1 yet do not have full and equal representation in ,congress and self-government4 7#c7 ,since the founding of the ,united ,states1 the residents of the ,district of ,columbia have always carried all the obligations of citizenship1 including serving in all of the ,nation's wars and paying ,federal taxes1 all without voting representation on the floor in either ,chamber of ,congress or freedom from congressional interference in purely local matters4 7#d7 ,there are no constitutional1 historical1 financial1 or economic reasons why the #gjj1jjj ,americans who live in the ,district of ,columbia should not be granted statehood4 7#e7 ,the ,district of ,columbia has a larger population than two ,states1 ,wyoming and ,vermont1 and is close to the population of the seven ,states that have a population of under one million fully represented residents4 7#f7 ,the ,district of ,columbia government has one of the strongest fiscal positions of any jurisdiction in the ,united ,states1 with a #ad1fjj1jjj1jjj budget and a #b1gjj1jjj1jjj general fund balance1 or surplus4 7#g7 ,the ,district of ,columbia's total personal income is higher than that of seven ,states1 its per capita personal consumption expenditures is higher than those of any ,state1 and its total personal consumption expenditures is greater than those of seven ,states4 7#h7 ,congress has authority under article ,,iv1 section #c1 clause #a1 which gives ,congress power to admit new ,states to the ,union1 and ,article ,i1 ,section #h1 ,clause #ag1 which grants ,congress power over the seat of the ,federal ,government1 to admit the new ,state carved out of the residential areas of the ,federal seat of ,government1 while maintaining as the ,federal seat of ,government the ,united ,states ,capitol ,complex1 the principal ,federal monuments1 ,federal buildings and grounds1 the ,national ,mall1 the ,white ,house and other ,federal property4 ,d ,findings ,relating to ,territorial ,voting ,rights #bcja4 ,findings relating to territorial voting rights ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the right to vote is one of the most powerful instruments residents of the territories of the ,united ,states have to ensure that their voices are heard4 7#b7 ,these ,americans have played an important part in the ,american democracy for more than #abj years4 7#c7 ,political participation and the right to vote are among the highest concerns of territorial residents in part because they were not always afforded these rights4 7#d7 ,voter participation in the territories consistently ranks higher than many communities on the mainland4 7#e7 ,territorial residents serve and die1 on a per capita basis1 at a higher rate in every ,united ,states war and conflict since ,,wwi1 as an expression of their commitment to ,american democratic principles and patriotism4 ,e ,redistricting ,reform #bdjj4 ,short title2 finding of constitutional authority 7a7 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,redistricting ,reform ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,finding of ,constitutional authority ,congress finds that it has the authority to establish the terms and conditions ,states must follow in carrying out ,congressional redistricting after an apportionment of ,members of the ,house of ,representatives because-- 7#a7 the authority granted to ,congress under article ,i1 section #d of the ,constitution of the ,united ,states gives ,congress the power to enact laws governing the time1 place1 and manner of elections for ,members of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7#b7 the authority granted to ,congress under section #e of the fourteenth amendment to the ,constitution gives ,congress the power to enact laws to enforce section #b of such amendment1 which requires ,representatives to be apportioned among the several ,states according to their number4 #a ,requirements for ,congressional ,redistricting #bdja4 ,limit on congressional redistricting after an apportionment ,the ,act entitled ,an ,act for the relief of ,doctor ,ricardo ,vallejo ,samala and to provide for congressional redistricting1 approved ,december #ad1 #aifg 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #b;c71 is amended by adding at the end the following3 ,a ,state which has been redistricted in the manner provided by law after an apportionment under section #bb7;a7 of the ,act entitled ,an ,act to provide for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and to provide for an apportionment of ,representatives in ,congress1 approved ,june #ah1 #aibi 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #b;a71 may not be redistricted again until after the next apportionment of ,representatives under such section1 unless a court requires the ,state to conduct such subsequent redistricting to comply with the ,constitution or to enforce the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq4744 #bdjb4 ,requiring congressional redistricting to be conducted through plan of independent ,state commission 7a7 ,use of ,plan ,required ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 any ,congressional redistricting conducted by a ,state shall be conducted in accordance with-- 7#a7 the redistricting plan developed and enacted into law by the independent redistricting commission established in the ,state1 in accordance with part #b2 or 7#b7 if a plan developed by such commission is not enacted into law1 the redistricting plan developed and enacted into law by a #c-;judge court of the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia1 in accordance with section #bdba4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #bb7;c7 of the ,act entitled ,an ,act to provide for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and to provide for an apportionment of ,representatives in ,congress1 approved ,june #ah1 #aibi 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #b;a7c771 is amended by striking in the manner provided by the law thereof and inserting3 in the manner provided by the ,redistricting ,reform ,act of #bjai4 #b ,independent ,redistricting ,commissions #bdaa4 ,independent redistricting commission 7a7 ,appointment of members 7#a7 ,in general ,the nonpartisan agency established or designated by a ,state under section #bdad7;a7 shall establish an independent redistricting commission for the ,state1 which shall consist of #ae members appointed by the agency as follows3 7,a7 ,the agency shall first appoint #f members as follows3 7i7 ,the agency shall appoint #b members on a random basis from the majority category of the approved selection pool 7as described in section #bdab7;b77#a77;,a774 7ii7 ,the agency shall appoint #b members on a random basis from the minority category of the approved selection pool 7as described in section #bdab7;b77#a77;,b774 7iii7 ,the agency shall appoint #b members on a random basis from the independent category of the approved selection pool 7as described in section #bdab7;b77#a77;,c774 7,b7 ,the members appointed by the agency under subparagraph 7,a7 shall then appoint #i members as follows3 7i7 ,the members shall appoint #c members on a random basis from the majority category of the approved selection pool 7as described in section #bdab7;b77#a77;,a774 7ii7 ,the members shall appoint #c members on a random basis from the minority category of the approved selection pool 7as described in section #bdab7;b77#a77;,b774 7iii7 ,the members shall appoint #c members on a random basis from the independent category of the approved selection pool 7as described in section #bdab7;b77#a77;,c774 7#b7 ,appointment of alternates to serve in case of vacancies 7,a7 ,members appointed by agency ,at the time the agency appoints the members of the independent redistricting commission under subparagraph 7,a7 of paragraph 7#a7 from each of the categories referred to in such subparagraph1 the agency shall1 on a random basis1 designate #b other individuals from such category to serve as alternate members who may be appointed to fill vacancies in the commission in accordance with paragraph 7#c74 7,b7 ,members appointed by first members ,at the time the members appointed by the agency appoint the other members of the independent redistricting commission under subparagraph 7,b7 of paragraph 7#a7 from each of the categories referred to in such subparagraph1 the members shall1 on a random basis1 designate #b other individuals from such category to serve as alternate members who may be appointed to fill vacancies in the commission in accordance with paragraph 7#c74 7#c7 ,vacancy 7,a7 ,members appointed by agency ,if a vacancy occurs in the commission with respect to a member who was appointed by the nonpartisan agency under subparagraph 7,a7 of paragraph 7#a7 from one of the categories referred to in such subparagraph1 the agency shall fill the vacancy by appointing1 on a random basis1 one of the #b alternates from such category who was designated under subparagraph 7,a7 of paragraph 7#b74 ,at the time the agency appoints an alternate to fill a vacancy under the previous sentence1 the agency shall designate1 on a random basis1 another individual from the same category to serve as an alternate member1 in accordance with subparagraph 7,a7 of paragraph 7#b74 7,b7 ,members appointed by first members ,if a vacancy occurs in the commission with respect to a member who was appointed by the first members of the commission under subparagraph 7,b7 of paragraph 7#a7 from one of the categories referred to in such subparagraph1 the first members shall fill the vacancy by appointing1 on a random basis1 one of the #b alternates from such category who was designated under subparagraph 7,b7 of paragraph 7#b74 ,at the time the first members appoint an alternate to fill a vacancy under the previous sentence1 the first members shall designate1 on a random basis1 another individual from the same category to serve as an alternate member1 in accordance with subparagraph 7,b7 of paragraph 7#b74 7#d7 ,special rules for appointment of members appointed by first members ,the appointment of any of the #i members of the independent redistricting commission who are appointed by the first members of the commission pursuant to subparagraph 7,b7 of paragraph 7#a71 as well as the appointment of alternates for such members pursuant to subparagraph 7,b7 of paragraph 7#b7 and the appointment of members to fill vacancies with respect to such members pursuant to subparagraph 7,b7 of paragraph 7#c71 shall require the affirmative vote of at least #d of the members appointed by the nonpartisan agency under subparagraph 7,a7 of paragraph 7#a71 including at least one member from each of the categories referred to in such subparagraph4 ,the #i members appointed pursuant to subparagraph 7,b7 of paragraph 7#a71 as well as the alternates appointed pursuant to subparagraph 7,b7 of paragraph 7#b7 and the members appointed to fill vacancies pursuant to subparagraph 7,b7 of paragraph 7#c71 shall be selected1 if necessary1 to ensure that the commission as a whole reflects the demographic and geographic diversity of the ,state1 including racial and language minorities protected under the ,voting ,rights ,act1 and that such minorities are provided with a meaningful opportunity to participate in the development and enactment of the ,state's redistricting plan4 7b7 ,procedures for ,conducting ,commission ,business 7#a7 ,chair ,members of an independent redistricting commission established under this section shall select by majority vote one member who was appointed from the independent category of the approved selection pool described in section #bdab7;b77#a77;,c7 to serve as chair of the commission4 ,the commission may not take any action to develop a redistricting plan for the ,state under section #bdac until the appointment of the commission's chair4 7#b7 ,requiring majority approval for actions ,the independent redistricting commission of a ,state may not publish and disseminate any draft or final redistricting plan1 or take any other action1 without the approval of at least-- 7,a7 a majority of the whole membership of the commission2 and 7,b7 at least one member of the commission appointed from each of the categories of the approved selection pool described in section #bdab7;b77#a74 7#c7 ,quorum ,a majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum4 7c7 ,staff2 ,contractors 7#a7 ,staff ,the independent redistricting commission of a ,state may appoint and set the pay of such staff as it considers appropriate1 subject to ,state law4 7#b7 ,contractors ,the independent redistricting commission of a ,state may enter into such contracts with vendors as it considers appropriate1 subject to ,state law1 except that any such contract shall be valid only if approved by the vote of a majority of the members of the commission1 including at least one member appointed from each of the categories of the approved selection pool described in section #bdab7;b77#a74 7#c7 ,goal of impartiality ,the commission shall take such steps as it considers appropriate to ensure that any staff appointed under this subsection1 and any vendor with whom the commission enters into a contract under this subsection1 will work in an impartial manner1 and may require any person who applies for an appointment to a staff position or for a vendor's contract with the commission to provide information on the person's history of political activity 7including donations to candidates1 political committees1 and political parties7 as a condition of the appointment or the contract4 7d7 ,termination 7#a7 ,in general ,the independent redistricting commission of a ,state shall terminate on the earlier of-- 7,a7 ,june #ad of the following year ending in the numeral zero2 or 7,b7 the day on which the nonpartisan agency established or designated by a ,state under section #bdad7;a7 has1 in accordance with section #bdab7;b77#a71 submitted a selection pool to the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting for the ,state established under section #bdad7;b74 7#b7 ,preservation of records ,the ,state shall ensure that the records of the independent redistricting commission are retained in the appropriate ,state archive in such manner as may be necessary to enable the ,state to respond to any civil action brought with respect to ,congressional redistricting in the ,state4 #bdab4 ,establishment of selection pool of individuals eligible to serve as members of commission 7a7 ,criteria for ,eligibility 7#a7 ,in general ,an individual is eligible to serve as a member of an independent redistricting commission if the individual meets each of the following criteria3 7,a7 ,as of the date of appointment1 the individual is registered to vote in elections for ,federal office held in the ,state4 7,b7 ,during the #c-year period ending on the date of the individual's appointment1 the individual has been continuously registered to vote with the same political party1 or has not been registered to vote with any political party4 7,c7 ,the individual submits to the nonpartisan agency established or designated by a ,state under section #bdac1 at such time and in such form as the agency may require1 an application for inclusion in the selection pool under this section1 and includes with the application a written statement containing the following information and assurances3 7i7 ,a statement of the political party with which the individual is affiliated1 if any4 7ii7 ,an assurance that the individual shall commit to carrying out the individual's duties under this subtitle in an honest1 independent1 and impartial fashion1 and to upholding public confidence in the integrity of the redistricting process4 7iii7 ,an assurance that1 during the covered periods described in paragraph 7#c71 the individual has not taken and will not take any action which would disqualify the individual from serving as a member of the commission under paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,disqualifications ,an individual is not eligible to serve as a member of the commission if any of the following applies during any of the covered periods described in paragraph 7#c73 7,a7 ,the individual or 7in the case of the covered periods described in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of paragraph 7#c77 an immediate family member of the individual holds public office or is a candidate for election for public office4 7,b7 ,the individual or 7in the case of the covered periods described in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of paragraph 7#c77 an immediate family member of the individual serves as an officer of a political party or as an officer1 employee1 or paid consultant of a campaign committee of a candidate for public office4 7,c7 ,the individual or 7in the case of the covered periods described in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of paragraph 7#c77 an immediate family member of the individual holds a position as a registered lobbyist under the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #afja et seq47 or an equivalent ,state or local law4 7,d7 ,the individual or 7in the case of the covered periods described in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of paragraph 7#c77 an immediate family member of the individual is an employee of an elected public official1 a contractor with the legislature of the ,state1 or a donor to the campaign of any candidate for public office 7other than a donor who1 during any of such covered periods1 gives an aggregate amount of #bj1jjj or less to the campaigns of all candidates for all public offices74 7#c7 ,covered periods described ,in this subsection1 the term covered period means1 with respect to the appointment of an individual to the commission1 any of the following3 7,a7 ,the #e-year period ending on the date of the individual's appointment4 7,b7 ,the period beginning on the date of the individual's appointment and ending on ,august #ad of the next year ending in the numeral one4 7,c7 ,the #e-year period beginning on the day after the last day of the period described in subparagraph 7,b74 7#d7 ,immediate family member defined ,in this subsection1 the term immediate family member means1 with respect to an individual1 a father1 stepfather1 mother1 stepmother1 son1 stepson1 daughter1 stepdaughter1 brother1 stepbrother1 sister1 stepsister1 husband1 wife1 father-in-law1 or mother-in-law4 7b7 ,development and ,submission of ,selection ,pool 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than ,june #ae of each year ending in the numeral zero1 the nonpartisan agency established or designated by a ,state under section #bdad7;a7 shall develop and submit to the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting for the ,state established under section #bdad7;b7 a selection pool of #cf individuals who are eligible to serve as members of the independent redistricting commission of the ,state under this subtitle1 consisting of individuals in the following categories3 7,a7 ,a majority category1 consisting of #ab individuals who are affiliated with the political party with the largest percentage of the registered voters in the ,state who are affiliated with a political party 7as determined with respect to the most recent ,statewide election for ,federal office held in the ,state for which such information is available74 7,b7 ,a minority category1 consisting of #ab individuals who are affiliated with the political party with the second largest percentage of the registered voters in the ,state who are affiliated with a political party 7as so determined74 7,c7 ,an independent category1 consisting of #ab individuals who are not affiliated with either of the political parties described in subparagraph 7,a7 or subparagraph 7,b74 7#b7 ,factors taken into account in developing pool ,in selecting individuals for the selection pool under this subsection1 the nonpartisan agency shall-- 7,a7 to the maximum extent practicable1 ensure that the pool reflects the representative demographic groups 7including races1 ethnicities1 and genders7 and geographic regions of the ,state2 and 7,b7 take into consideration the analytical skills of the individuals selected in relevant fields 7including mapping1 data management1 law1 community outreach1 demography1 and the geography of the ,state7 and their ability to work on an impartial basis4 7#c7 ,determination of political party affiliation of individuals in selection pool ,for purposes of this section1 an individual shall be considered to be affiliated with a political party on the basis of the information the individual provides in the application submitted under subsection 7a77#a77;,d74 7#d7 ,encouraging residents to apply for inclusion in pool ,the nonpartisan agency shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that residents of the ,state across various geographic regions and demographic groups are aware of the opportunity to serve on the independent redistricting commission1 including publicizing the role of the panel and using newspapers1 broadcast media1 and online sources1 including ethnic media1 to encourage individuals to apply for inclusion in the selection pool developed under this subsection4 7#e7 ,report on establishment of selection pool ,at the time the nonpartisan agency submits the selection pool to the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting under paragraph 7#a71 it shall publish a report describing the process by which the pool was developed1 and shall include in the report a description of how the individuals in the pool meet the eligibility criteria of subsection 7a7 and of how the pool reflects the factors the agency is required to take into consideration under paragraph 7#b74 7#f7 ,action by ,select ,committee 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ad days after receiving the selection pool from the nonpartisan agency under paragraph 7#a71 the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting shall-- 7i7 approve the pool as submitted by the nonpartisan agency1 in which case the pool shall be considered the approved selection pool for purposes of section #bdaa7;a77#a72 or 7ii7 reject the pool1 in which case the nonpartisan agency shall develop and submit a replacement selection pool in accordance with subsection 7c74 7,b7 ,inaction deemed rejection ,if the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting fails to approve or reject the pool within the deadline set forth in subparagraph 7,a71 the ,select ,committee shall be deemed to have rejected the pool for purposes of such subparagraph4 7c7 ,development of ,replacement ,selection ,pool 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting rejects the selection pool submitted by the nonpartisan agency under subsection 7b71 not later than #ad days after the rejection1 the nonpartisan agency shall develop and submit to the ,select ,committee a replacement selection pool1 under the same terms and conditions that applied to the development and submission of the selection pool under paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#e7 of subsection 7b74 ,the replacement pool submitted under this paragraph may include individuals who were included in the rejected selection pool submitted under subsection 7b71 so long as at least one of the individuals in the replacement pool was not included in such rejected pool4 7#b7 ,action by ,select ,committee 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ad days after receiving the replacement selection pool from the nonpartisan agency under paragraph 7#a71 the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting shall-- 7i7 approve the pool as submitted by the nonpartisan agency1 in which case the pool shall be considered the approved selection pool for purposes of section #bdaa7;a77#a72 or 7ii7 reject the pool1 in which case the nonpartisan agency shall develop and submit a second replacement selection pool in accordance with subsection 7d74 7,b7 ,inaction deemed rejection ,if the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting fails to approve or reject the pool within the deadline set forth in subparagraph 7,a71 the ,select ,committee shall be deemed to have rejected the pool for purposes of such subparagraph4 7d7 ,development of ,second ,replacement ,selection ,pool 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting rejects the replacement selection pool submitted by the nonpartisan agency under subsection 7c71 not later than #ad days after the rejection1 the nonpartisan agency shall develop and submit to the ,select ,committee a second replacement selection pool1 under the same terms and conditions that applied to the development and submission of the selection pool under paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#e7 of subsection 7b74 ,the second replacement selection pool submitted under this paragraph may include individuals who were included in the rejected selection pool submitted under subsection 7b7 or the rejected replacement selection pool submitted under subsection 7c71 so long as at least one of the individuals in the replacement pool was not included in either such rejected pool4 7#b7 ,action by ,select ,committee 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ad days after receiving the second replacement selection pool from the nonpartisan agency under paragraph 7#a71 the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting shall-- 7i7 approve the pool as submitted by the nonpartisan agency1 in which case the pool shall be considered the approved selection pool for purposes of section #bdaa7;a77#a72 or 7ii7 reject the pool1 in which case-- 7,i7 the nonpartisan agency shall not develop or submit any other selection pool for purposes of this subtitle2 and 7,,ii7 the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia shall develop and enact the redistricting plan for the ,state1 in accordance with section #bdba4 7,b7 ,inaction deemed rejection ,if the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting fails to approve or reject the pool within the deadline set forth in subparagraph 7,a71 the ,select ,committee shall be deemed to have rejected the pool for purposes of such subparagraph4 #bdac4 ,criteria for redistricting plan by independent commission2 public notice and input 7a7 ,development of redistricting plan 7#a7 ,criteria ,in developing a redistricting plan of a ,state1 the independent redistricting commission of a ,state shall establish single-member congressional districts using the following criteria as set forth in the following order of priority3 7,a7 ,districts shall comply with the ,united ,states ,constitution1 including the requirement that they equalize total population4 7,b7 ,districts shall comply with the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq47 and all applicable ,federal laws4 7,c7 ,districts shall provide racial1 ethnic1 and language minorities with an equal opportunity to participate in the political process and to elect candidates of choice and shall not dilute or diminish their ability to elect candidates of choice whether alone or in coalition with others4 7,d7 ,districts shall minimize the division of communities of interest1 neighborhoods1 and political subdivisions to the extent practicable4 ,a community of interest is defined as an area with recognized similarities of interests1 including but not limited to ethnic1 economic1 social1 cultural1 geographic or historic identities4 ,the term communities of interest may1 in circumstances1 include political subdivisions such as counties1 municipalities1 or school districts1 but shall not include common relationships with political parties1 officeholders1 or political candidates4 7#b7 ,no favoring or disfavoring of political parties ,the redistricting plan developed by the independent redistricting commission shall not1 when considered on a ,statewide basis1 unduly favor or disfavor any political party4 7#c7 ,factors prohibited from consideration ,in developing the redistricting plan for the ,state1 the independent redistricting commission may not take into consideration any of the following factors1 except to the extent necessary to comply with the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife3 7,a7 ,the political party affiliation or voting history of the population of a district4 7,b7 ,the residence of any ,member of the ,house of ,representatives or candidate4 7b7 ,public notice and input 7#a7 ,use of open and transparent process ,the independent redistricting commission of a ,state shall hold each of its meetings in public1 shall solicit and take into consideration comments from the public throughout the process of developing the redistricting plan for the ,state1 and shall carry out its duties in an open and transparent manner which provides for the widest public dissemination reasonably possible of its proposed and final redistricting plans4 7#b7 ,website ,the commission shall maintain a public internet site which is not affiliated with or maintained by the office of any elected official and which includes the following features3 7,a7 ,general information on the commission and its members1 including contact information4 7,b7 ,an updated schedule of commission hearings and activities1 including deadlines for the submission of comments4 7,c7 ,all draft redistricting plans developed by the commission under subsection 7c7 and the final redistricting plan developed under subsection 7d74 7,d7 ,live streaming of commission hearings and an archive of previous meetings and other commission records4 7,e7 ,a method by which members of the public may submit comments directly to the commission4 7,f7 ,access to the demographic data used by the commission to develop the proposed redistricting plans1 together with any software used to draw maps of proposed districts4 7#c7 ,public comment period ,the commission shall solicit1 accept1 and consider comments from the public with respect to its duties1 activities1 and procedures at any time during the period-- 7,a7 which begins on ,january #a of the year ending in the numeral one2 and 7,b7 which ends #g days before the date of the meeting at which the commission shall vote on approving the final redistricting plan for enactment into law under subsection 7d77#b74 7#d7 ,meetings and hearings in various geographic locations ,to the greatest extent practicable1 the commission shall hold its meetings and hearings in various geographic regions and locations throughout the ,state4 7c7 ,development and ,publication of ,preliminary ,redistricting ,plan 7#a7 ,in general ,prior to developing and publishing a final redistricting plan under subsection 7d71 the independent redistricting commission of a ,state shall develop and publish a preliminary redistricting plan4 7#b7 ,minimum public hearings prior to development 7,a7 #c hearings required ,prior to developing a preliminary redistricting plan under this subsection1 the commission shall hold not fewer than #c public hearings at which members of the public may provide input and comments regarding the potential contents of redistricting plans for the ,state and the process by which the commission will develop the preliminary plan under this subsection4 7,b7 ,minimum period for notice prior to hearings ,the commission shall notify the public through the website maintained under subsection 7b77#b71 as well as through publication of notice in newspapers of general circulation throughout the ,state1 of the date1 time1 and location of each of the hearings held under this paragraph not fewer than #ad days prior to the date of the hearing4 7#c7 ,publication of preliminary plan 7,a7 ,in general ,the commission shall post the preliminary redistricting plan developed under this subsection1 together with a report that includes the commission's responses to any public comments received under subsection 7b77#c71 on the website maintained under subsection 7b77#b71 and shall provide for the publication of each such plan in newspapers of general circulation throughout the ,state4 7,b7 ,minimum period for notice prior to publication ,not fewer than #ad days prior to the date on which the commission posts and publishes the preliminary plan under this paragraph1 the commission shall notify the public through the website maintained under subsection 7b77#b71 as well as through publication of notice in newspapers of general circulation throughout the ,state1 of the pending publication of the plan4 7#d7 ,minimum period for public comment after publication of plan ,the commission shall accept and consider comments from the public with respect to the preliminary redistricting plan published under paragraph 7#c7 for not fewer than #cj days after the date on which the plan is published4 7#e7 ,post-publication hearings 7,a7 #c hearings required ,after posting and publishing the preliminary redistricting plan under paragraph 7#c71 the commission shall hold not fewer than #c public hearings at which members of the public may provide input and comments regarding the preliminary plan4 7,b7 ,minimum period for notice prior to hearings ,the commission shall notify the public through the website maintained under subsection 7b77#b71 as well as through publication of notice in newspapers of general circulation throughout the ,state1 of the date1 time1 and location of each of the hearings held under this paragraph not fewer than #ad days prior to the date of the hearing4 7#f7 ,permitting multiple preliminary plans ,at the option of the commission1 after developing and publishing the preliminary redistricting plan under this subsection1 the commission may develop and publish subsequent preliminary redistricting plans1 so long as the process for the development and publication of each such subsequent plan meets the requirements set forth in this subsection for the development and publication of the first preliminary redistricting plan4 7d7 ,process for ,enactment of ,final ,redistricting ,plan 7#a7 ,in general ,after taking into consideration comments from the public on any preliminary redistricting plan developed and published under subsection 7c71 the independent redistricting commission of a ,state shall develop and publish a final redistricting plan for the ,state4 7#b7 ,meeting2 final vote ,not later than ,august #ae of each year ending in the numeral one1 the commission shall hold a public hearing at which the members of the commission shall vote on approving the final plan for enactment into law4 7#c7 ,publication of plan and accompanying materials ,not fewer than #ad days before the date of the meeting under paragraph 7#b71 the commission shall provide the following information to the public through the website maintained under subsection 7b77#b71 as well as through newspapers of general circulation throughout the ,state3 7,a7 ,the final redistricting plan1 including all relevant maps4 7,b7 ,a report by the commission to accompany the plan which provides the background for the plan and the commission's reasons for selecting the plan as the final redistricting plan1 including responses to the public comments received on any preliminary redistricting plan developed and published under subsection 7c74 7,c7 ,any dissenting or additional views with respect to the plan of individual members of the commission4 7#d7 ,enactment ,the final redistricting plan developed and published under this subsection shall be deemed to be enacted into law if-- 7,a7 the plan is approved by a majority of the whole membership of the commission2 and 7,b7 at least one member of the commission appointed from each of the categories of the approved selection pool described in section #bdab7;b77#a7 approves the plan4 7e7 ,deadline ,the independent redistricting commission of a ,state shall approve a final redistricting plan for the ,state not later than ,august #ae of each year ending in the numeral one4 #bdad4 ,establishment of related entities 7a7 ,establishment or ,designation of ,nonpartisan ,agency of ,state ,legislature 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall establish a nonpartisan agency in the legislative branch of the ,state government to appoint the members of the independent redistricting commission for the ,state in accordance with section #bdaa4 7#b7 ,nonpartisanship described ,for purposes of this subsection1 an agency shall be considered to be nonpartisan if under law the agency-- 7,a7 is required to provide services on a nonpartisan basis2 7,b7 is required to maintain impartiality2 and 7,c7 is prohibited from advocating for the adoption or rejection of any legislative proposal4 7#c7 ,designation of existing agency ,at its option1 a ,state may designate an existing agency in the legislative branch of its government to appoint the members of the independent redistricting commission plan for the ,state under this subtitle1 so long as the agency meets the requirements for nonpartisanship under this subsection4 7#d7 ,termination of agency specifically established for redistricting ,if a ,state does not designate an existing agency under paragraph 7#c7 but instead establishes a new agency to serve as the nonpartisan agency under this section1 the new agency shall terminate upon the enactment into law of the redistricting plan for the ,state4 7#e7 ,deadline ,the ,state shall meet the requirements of this subsection not later than each ,august #ae of a year ending in the numeral nine4 7b7 ,establishment of ,select ,committee on ,redistricting 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,state shall appoint a ,select ,committee on ,redistricting to approve or disapprove a selection pool developed by the independent redistricting commission for the ,state under section #bdab4 7#b7 ,appointment ,the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting for a ,state under this subsection shall consist of the following members3 7,a7 #a member of the upper house of the ,state legislature1 who shall be appointed by the leader of the party with the greatest number of seats in the upper house4 7,b7 #a member of the upper house of the ,state legislature1 who shall be appointed by the leader of the party with the second greatest number of seats in the upper house4 7,c7 #a member of the lower house of the ,state legislature1 who shall be appointed by the leader of the party with the greatest number of seats in the lower house4 7,d7 #a member of the lower house of the ,state legislature1 who shall be appointed by the leader of the party with the second greatest number of seats in the lower house4 7#c7 ,special rule for ,states with unicameral legislature ,in the case of a ,state with a unicameral legislature1 the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting for the ,state under this subsection shall consist of the following members3 7,a7 #b members of the ,state legislature appointed by the leader of the party with the greatest number of seats in the legislature4 7,b7 #b members of the ,state legislature appointed by the leader of the party with the second greatest number of seats in legislature4 7#d7 ,deadline ,the ,state shall meet the requirements of this subsection not later than each ,january #ae of a year ending in the numeral zero4 #c ,role of ,courts in ,development of ,redistricting ,plans #bdba4 ,enactment of plan developed by #c-;judge court 7a7 ,development of ,plan ,if any of the triggering events described in subsection 7c7 occur with respect to a ,state-- 7#a7 not later than ,december #ae of the year in which the triggering event occurs1 the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia1 acting through a #c-;judge court convened pursuant to section #bbhd of title #bh1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall develop and publish the congressional redistricting plan for the ,state2 and 7#b7 the plan developed and published by the ,court under this subsection shall be deemed to be enacted on the date on which the ,court publishes the plan4 7b7 ,procedures for ,development of ,plan 7#a7 ,criteria ,it is the sense of ,congress that1 in developing a redistricting plan for a ,state under this section1 the ,court should adhere to the same terms and conditions that applied 7or that would have applied1 as the case may be7 to the development of a plan by the independent redistricting commission of the ,state under section #bdac7;a74 7#b7 ,access to information and records of commission ,the ,court shall have access to any information1 data1 software1 or other records and material that was used 7or that would have been used1 as the case may be7 by the independent redistricting commission of the ,state in carrying out its duties under this subtitle4 7c7 ,triggering ,events ,described ,the triggering events described in this subsection are as follows3 7#a7 ,the failure of the ,state to establish or designate a nonpartisan agency of the ,state legislature under section #bdad7;a7 prior to the expiration of the deadline set forth in section #bdad7;a77#e74 7#b7 ,the failure of the ,state to appoint a ,select ,committee on ,redistricting under section #bdad7;b7 prior to the expiration of the deadline set forth in section #bdad7;b77#d74 7#c7 ,the failure of the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting to approve any selection pool under section #bdab prior to the expiration of the deadline set forth for the approval of the second replacement selection pool in section #bdab7;d77#b74 7#d7 ,the failure of the independent redistricting commission of the ,state to approve a final redistricting plan for the ,state prior to the expiration of the deadline set forth in section #bdac7;e74 #bdbb4 ,special rule for redistricting conducted under order of ,federal court ,if a ,federal court requires a ,state to conduct redistricting subsequent to an apportionment of ,representatives in the ,state in order to comply with the ,constitution or to enforce the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife1 section #bdac shall apply with respect to the redistricting1 except that the court may revise any of the deadlines set forth in such section if the court determines that a revision is appropriate in order to provide for a timely enactment of a new redistricting plan for the ,state4 #d ,administrative and ,miscellaneous ,provisions #bdca4 ,payments to ,states for carrying out redistricting 7a7 ,authorization of payments ,subject to subsection 7d71 not later than #cj days after a ,state receives a ,state apportionment notice1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall make a payment to the ,state in an amount equal to the product of-- 7#a7 the number of ,representatives to which the ,state is entitled1 as provided under the notice2 and 7#b7 #aej1jjj4 7b7 ,use of funds ,a ,state shall use the payment made under this section to establish and operate the ,state's independent redistricting commission1 to implement the ,state redistricting plan1 and to otherwise carry out ,congressional redistricting in the ,state4 7c7 ,no payment to states with single member ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission shall not make a payment under this section to any ,state which is not entitled to more than one ,representative under its ,state apportionment notice4 7d7 ,requiring ,submission of ,selection ,pool as ,condition of ,payment ,the ,election ,assistance ,commission may not make a payment to a ,state under this section until the ,state certifies to the ,commission that the nonpartisan agency established or designated by a ,state under section #bdad7;a7 has1 in accordance with section #bdab7;b77#a71 submitted a selection pool to the ,select ,committee on ,redistricting for the ,state established under section #bdad7;b74 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for payments under this section4 #bdcb4 ,civil enforcement 7a7 ,civil ,enforcement 7#a7 ,actions by ,attorney ,general ,the ,attorney ,general may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for such relief as may be appropriate to carry out this subtitle4 7#b7 ,availability of private right of action ,any citizen of a ,state who is aggrieved by the failure of the ,state redistricting plan which is enacted into law under section #bdac to meet the requirements for such a plan under this subtitle may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for such relief as may be appropriate to remedy the failure1 so long as the individual brings the action during the #de-;day period which begins on the date on which the plan is enacted into law4 7b7 ,expedited ,consideration ,in any action brought forth under this section1 the following rules shall apply3 7#a7 ,the action shall be filed in the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia and shall be heard by a #c-;judge court convened pursuant to section #bbhd of title #bh1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,the #c-;judge court shall consolidate actions brought for relief under subsection 7b77#a7 with respect to the same ,state redistricting plan4 7#c7 ,a copy of the complaint shall be delivered promptly to the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,secretary of the ,senate4 7#d7 ,a final decision in the action shall be reviewable only by appeal directly to the ,supreme ,court of the ,united ,states4 ,such appeal shall be taken by the filing of a notice of appeal within #aj days1 and the filing of a jurisdictional statement within #cj days1 of the entry of the final decision4 7#e7 ,it shall be the duty of the district court and the ,supreme ,court of the ,united ,states to advance on the docket and to expedite to the greatest possible extent the disposition of the action and appeal4 7c7 ,attorney's ,fees ,in a civil action under this section1 the court may allow the prevailing party 7other than the ,united ,states7 reasonable attorney fees1 including litigation expenses1 and costs4 7d7 ,relation to ,other ,laws 7#a7 ,rights and remedies additional to other rights and remedies ,the rights and remedies established by this section are in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law1 and neither the rights and remedies established by this section nor any other provision of this subtitle shall supersede1 restrict1 or limit the application of the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq474 7#b7 ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife ,nothing in this subtitle authorizes or requires conduct that is prohibited by the ,voting ,rights ,act of #aife 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #ajcja et seq474 #bdcc4 ,state apportionment notice defined ,in this subtitle1 the ,state apportionment notice means1 with respect to a ,state1 the notice sent to the ,state from the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives under section #bb7;b7 of the ,act entitled ,an ,act to provide for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and to provide for an apportionment of ,representatives in ,congress1 approved ,june #ah1 #aibi 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #b;a71 of the number of ,representatives to which the ,state is entitled4 #bdcd4 ,no effect on elections for ,state and local office ,nothing in this subtitle or in any amendment made by this subtitle may be construed to affect the manner in which a ,state carries out elections for ,state or local office1 including the process by which a ,state establishes the districts used in such elections4 #bdce4 ,effective date ,this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to redistricting carried out pursuant to the decennial census conducted during #bjbj or any succeeding decennial census4 ,f ,saving ,voters ,from ,voter ,purging #beja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,stop ,automatically ,voiding ,eligible ,voters ,off ,their ,enlisted ,rolls in ,states ,act or the ,save ,voters ,act4 #bejb4 ,conditions for removal of voters from list of registered voters 7a7 ,conditions described ,the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeja et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #h the following new section3 #h;,a4 ,conditions for removal of voters from official list of registered voters 7a7 ,verification on basis of objective and reliable evidence of ineligibility ,notwithstanding any other provision of this ,act1 a ,state may not remove any registrant from the official list of voters eligible to vote in elections for ,federal office in the ,state unless the ,state verifies1 on the basis of objective and reliable evidence1 that the registrant is ineligible to vote in such elections on any of the grounds described in paragraph 7#c7 or paragraph 7#d7 of section #h7;a74 7b7 ,factors not considered as objective and reliable evidence of ineligibility ,for purposes of subsection 7a71 the following factors1 or any combination thereof1 shall not be treated as objective and reliable evidence of a registrant's ineligibility to vote3 7#a7 ,the failure of the registrant to vote in any election4 7#b7 ,the failure of the registrant to respond to any notice sent under section #h7;d74 7#c7 ,the failure of the registrant to take any other action with respect to voting in any election or with respect to the registrant's status as a registrant4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic ,section #h7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjejg7;a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking provide and inserting subject to section #h;,a1 provide2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking conduct and inserting subject to section #h;,a1 conduct4 7#b7 ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb ,section #cjc7;a77#d77;,a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;a77#d77;,a77 is amended by striking 1 registrants and inserting 1 and subject to section #h;,a of such ,act1 registrants4 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,g ,severability #bfja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,,iii ,election ,security ,sec4 #cjjj4 ,short title2 sense of ,congress4 ,subtitle ,a--,financial ,support for ,election ,infrastructure ,part #a--,voting ,system ,security ,improvement ,grants ,sec4 #cjja4 ,grants for obtaining compliant paper ballot voting systems and carrying out voting system security improvements4 ,sec4 #cjjb4 ,coordination of voting system security activities with use of requirements payments and election administration requirements under ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb4 ,sec4 #cjjc4 ,incorporation of definitions4 ,part #b--;,grants for ,risk-,limiting ,audits of ,results of ,elections ,sec4 #cjaa4 ,grants to ,states for conducting risk-limiting audits of results of elections4 ,sec4 #cjab4 ,,gao analysis of effects of audits4 ,part #c--;,election ,infrastructure ,innovation ,grant ,program ,sec4 #cjba4 ,election infrastructure innovation grant program4 ,subtitle ,b--,security ,measures ,sec4 #caja4 ,election infrastructure designation4 ,sec4 #cajb4 ,timely threat information4 ,sec4 #cajc4 ,security clearance assistance for election officials4 ,sec4 #cajd4 ,security risk and vulnerability assessments4 ,sec4 #caje4 ,annual reports4 ,subtitle ,c--,enhancing ,protections for ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions ,sec4 #cbja4 ,national strategy to protect ,united ,states democratic institutions4 ,sec4 #cbjb4 ,national ,commission to ,protect ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions4 ,subtitle ,d--,promoting ,cybersecurity ,through ,improvements in ,election ,administration ,sec4 #ccja4 ,testing of existing voting systems to ensure compliance with election cybersecurity guidelines and other guidelines4 ,sec4 #ccjb4 ,treatment of electronic poll books as part of voting systems4 ,sec4 #ccjc4 ,pre-election reports on voting system usage4 ,sec4 #ccjd4 ,streamlining collection of election information4 ,subtitle ,e--,preventing ,election ,hacking ,sec4 #cdja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #cdjb4 ,election ,security ,bug ,bounty ,program4 ,sec4 #cdjc4 ,definitions4 ,subtitle ,f--,miscellaneous ,provisions ,sec4 #ceja4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #cejb4 ,initial report on adequacy of resources available for implementation4 ,subtitle ,g--,severability ,sec4 #cfja4 ,severability4 #cjjj4 ,short title2 sense of ,congress 7a7 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,election ,security ,act4 7b7 ,sense of ,congress on need ,to improve election infrastructure security ,it is the sense of ,congress that1 in light of the lessons learned from ,russian interference in the #bjaf ,presidential election1 the ,federal ,government should intensify its efforts to improve the security of election infrastructure in the ,united ,states1 including through the use of individual1 durable1 paper ballots marked by the voter by hand4 ,a ,financial ,support for ,election ,infrastructure #a ,voting ,system ,security ,improvement ,grants #cjja4 ,grants for obtaining compliant paper ballot voting systems and carrying out voting system security improvements 7a7 ,availability of grants ,subtitle ,d of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajja et seq471 as amended by section #aijf7;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new part3 #h ,grants for ,obtaining ,compliant ,paper ,ballot ,voting ,systems and ,carrying ,out ,voting ,system ,security ,improvements #bih4 ,grants for obtaining compliant paper ballot voting systems and carrying out voting system security improvements 7a7 ,availability and use of grant ,the ,commission shall make a grant to each eligible ,state-- 7#a7 to replace a voting system-- 7,a7 which does not meet the requirements which are first imposed on the ,state pursuant to the amendments made by the ,voter ,confidence and ,increased ,accessibility ,act of #bjai with a voting system which does meet such requirements1 for use in the regularly scheduled general elections for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj1 or 7,b7 which does meet such requirements but which is not in compliance with the most recent voluntary voting system guidelines issued by the ,commission prior to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj with another system which does meet such requirements and is in compliance with such guidelines2 and 7#b7 to carry out voting system security improvements described in section #bih;,a with respect to the regularly scheduled general elections for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj and each succeeding election for ,federal office4 7b7 ,amount of grant ,the amount of a grant made to a ,state under this section shall be such amount as the ,commission determines to be appropriate1 except that such amount may not be less than the product of #a and the average of the number of individuals who cast votes in any of the two most recent regularly scheduled general elections for ,federal office held in the ,state4 7c7 ,pro rata reductions ,if the amount of funds appropriated for grants under this part is insufficient to ensure that each ,state receives the amount of the grant calculated under subsection 7b71 the ,commission shall make such pro rata reductions in such amounts as may be necessary to ensure that the entire amount appropriated under this part is distributed to the ,states4 #bih;,a4 ,voting system security improvements described 7a7 ,permitted uses ,a voting system security improvement described in this section is any of the following3 7#a7 ,the acquisition of goods and services from qualified election infrastructure vendors by purchase1 lease1 or such other arrangements as may be appropriate4 7#b7 ,cyber and risk mitigation training4 7#c7 ,a security risk and vulnerability assessment of the ,state's election infrastructure which is carried out by a provider of cybersecurity services under a contract entered into between the chief ,state election official and the provider4 7#d7 ,the maintenance of election infrastructure1 including addressing risks and vulnerabilities which are identified under either of the security risk and vulnerability assessments described in paragraph 7#c71 except that none of the funds provided under this part may be used to renovate or replace a building or facility which is used primarily for purposes other than the administration of elections for public office4 7#e7 ,providing increased technical support for any information technology infrastructure that the chief ,state election official deems to be part of the ,state's election infrastructure or designates as critical to the operation of the ,state's election infrastructure4 7#f7 ,enhancing the cybersecurity and operations of the information technology infrastructure described in paragraph 7#d74 7#g7 ,enhancing the cybersecurity of voter registration systems4 7b7 ,qualified election infrastructure vendors described 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this part1 a qualified election infrastructure vendor is any person who provides1 supports1 or maintains1 or who seeks to provide1 support1 or maintain1 election infrastructure on behalf of a ,state1 unit of local government1 or election agency 7as defined in section #ceja of the ,election ,security ,act7 who meets the criteria described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,criteria ,the criteria described in this paragraph are such criteria as the ,chairman1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 shall establish and publish1 and shall include each of the following requirements3 7,a7 ,the vendor must be owned and controlled by a citizen or permanent resident of the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,the vendor must disclose to the ,chairman and the ,secretary1 and to the chief ,state election official of any ,state to which the vendor provides any goods and services with funds provided under this part1 of any sourcing outside the ,united ,states for parts of the election infrastructure4 7,c7 ,the vendor agrees to ensure that the election infrastructure will be developed and maintained in a manner that is consistent with the cybersecurity best practices issued by the ,technical ,guidelines ,development ,committee4 7,d7 ,the vendor agrees to maintain its information technology infrastructure in a manner that is consistent with the cybersecurity best practices issued by the ,technical ,guidelines ,development ,committee4 7,e7 ,the vendor agrees to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#c7 with respect to any known or suspected cybersecurity incidents involving any of the goods and services provided by the vendor pursuant to a grant under this part4 7,f7 ,the vendor agrees to permit independent security testing by the ,commission 7in accordance with section #bca7;a77 and by the ,secretary of the goods and services provided by the vendor pursuant to a grant under this part4 7#c7 ,cybersecurity incident reporting requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,a vendor meets the requirements of this paragraph if1 upon becoming aware of the possibility that an election cybersecurity incident has occurred involving any of the goods and services provided by the vendor pursuant to a grant under this part-- 7i7 the vendor promptly assesses whether or not such an incident occurred1 and submits a notification meeting the requirements of subparagraph 7,b7 to the ,secretary and the ,chairman of the assessment as soon as practicable 7but in no case later than #c days after the vendor first becomes aware of the possibility that the incident occurred72 7ii7 if the incident involves goods or services provided to an election agency1 the vendor submits a notification meeting the requirements of subparagraph 7,b7 to the agency as soon as practicable 7but in no case later than #c days after the vendor first becomes aware of the possibility that the incident occurred71 and cooperates with the agency in providing any other necessary notifications relating to the incident2 and 7iii7 the vendor provides all necessary updates to any notification submitted under clause 7i7 or clause 7ii74 7,b7 ,contents of notifications ,each notification submitted under clause 7i7 or clause 7ii7 of subparagraph 7,a7 shall contain the following information with respect to any election cybersecurity incident covered by the notification3 7i7 ,the date1 time1 and time zone when the election cybersecurity incident began1 if known4 7ii7 ,the date1 time1 and time zone when the election cybersecurity incident was detected4 7iii7 ,the date1 time1 and duration of the election cybersecurity incident4 7iv7 ,the circumstances of the election cybersecurity incident1 including the specific election infrastructure systems believed to have been accessed and information acquired1 if any4 7v7 ,any planned and implemented technical measures to respond to and recover from the incident4 7vi7 ,in the case of any notification which is an update to a prior notification1 any additional material information relating to the incident1 including technical data1 as it becomes available4 #bih;,b4 ,eligibility of ,states ,a ,state is eligible to receive a grant under this part if the ,state submits to the ,commission1 at such time and in such form as the ,commission may require1 an application containing-- 7#a7 a description of how the ,state will use the grant to carry out the activities authorized under this part2 7#b7 a certification and assurance that1 not later than #e years after receiving the grant1 the ,state will carry out risk-limiting audits and will carry out voting system security improvements1 as described in section #bih;,a2 and 7#c7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 #bih;,c4 ,reports to ,congress ,not later than #ij days after the end of each fiscal year1 the ,commission shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees1 including the ,committees on ,homeland ,security1 ,house ,administration1 and the ,judiciary of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committees on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs1 the ,judiciary1 and ,rules and ,administration of the ,senate1 on the activities carried out with the funds provided under this part4 #bih;,d4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated for grants under this part-- 7#a7 #a1jjj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 and 7#b7 #age1jjj1jjj for each of the fiscal years #bjbj1 #bjbb1 #bjbd1 and #bjbf4 7b7 ,continuing availability of amounts ,any amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of this section shall remain available until expended4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by section #aijf7;b71 is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to subtitle ,d of title ,,ii the following3 ,part #h--;,grants for ,obtaining ,compliant ,paper ,ballot ,voting ,systems and ,carrying ,out ,voting ,system ,security ,improvements ,sec4 #bih4 ,grants for obtaining compliant paper ballot voting systems and carrying out voting system security improvements4 ,sec4 #bih;,a4 ,voting system security improvements described4 ,sec4 #bih;,b4 ,eligibility of ,states4 ,sec4 #bih;,c4 ,reports to ,congress4 ,sec4 #bih;,d4 ,authorization of appropriations4 4 #cjjb4 ,coordination of voting system security activities with use of requirements payments and election administration requirements under ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7a7 ,duties of ,election ,assistance ,commission ,section #bjb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjibb7 is amended in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a7 by striking by and inserting and the security of election infrastructure by4 7b7 ,membership of ,secretary of ,homeland ,security on ,board of ,advisors of ,election ,assistance ,commission ,section #bad7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjidd7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking #cg members and inserting #ch members2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ag7 ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security or the ,secretary's designee4 4 7c7 ,representative of ,department of ,homeland ,security on ,technical ,guidelines ,development ,committee ,section #bba7;c77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjifa7;c77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,e7 as subparagraph 7,f72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,d7 the following new subparagraph3 7,e7 ,a representative of the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 4 7d7 ,goals of periodic studies of election administration issues2 consultation with ,secretary of ,homeland ,security ,section #bda7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjiha7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking the ,commission shall and inserting the ,commission1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security 7as appropriate71 shall2 7#b7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#c72 7#c7 by redesignating paragraph 7#d7 as paragraph 7#e72 and 7#d7 by inserting after paragraph 7#c7 the following new paragraph3 7#d7 will be secure against attempts to undermine the integrity of election systems by cyber or other means2 and 4 7e7 ,requirements payments 7#a7 ,use of payments for voting system security improvements ,section #bea7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajja7;b771 as amended by section #aije7;b77#a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 ,permitting use of payments for voting system security improvements ,a ,state may use a requirements payment to carry out any of the following activities3 7,a7 ,cyber and risk mitigation training4 7,b7 ,providing increased technical support for any information technology infrastructure that the chief ,state election official deems to be part of the ,state's election infrastructure or designates as critical to the operation of the ,state's election infrastructure4 7,c7 ,enhancing the cybersecurity and operations of the information technology infrastructure described in subparagraph 7,b74 7,d7 ,enhancing the security of voter registration databases4 4 7#b7 ,incorporation of election infrastructure protection in ,state plans for use of payments ,section #bed7;a77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajjd7;a77#a77 is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting 1 including the protection of election infrastructure44 7#c7 ,composition of committee responsible for developing ,state plan for use of payments ,section #bee of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajje7 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating subsection 7b7 as subsection 7c72 and 7,b7 by inserting after subsection 7a7 the following new subsection3 7b7 ,geographic representation ,the members of the committee shall be a representative group of individuals from the ,state's counties1 cities1 towns1 and ,indian tribes1 and shall represent the needs of rural as well as urban areas of the ,state1 as the case may be4 4 7f7 ,ensuring protection of computerized ,statewide voter registration list ,section #cjc7;a77#c7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajhc7;a77#c77 is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting 1 as well as other measures to prevent and deter cybersecurity incidents1 as identified by the ,commission1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 and the ,technical ,guidelines ,development ,committee44 #cjjc4 ,incorporation of definitions 7a7 ,in general ,section #ija of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjja 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baada7 is amended to read as follows3 #ija4 ,definitions ,in this ,act1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,the term cybersecurity incident has the meaning given the term incident in section #bbg of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #adh74 7#b7 ,the term election infrastructure has the meaning given such term in section #ceja of the ,election ,security ,act4 7#c7 ,the term ,state means each of the several ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by amending the item relating to section #ija to read as follows3 ,sec4 #ija4 ,definitions4 4 #b ,grants for ,risk-,limiting ,audits of ,results of ,elections #cjaa4 ,grants to ,states for conducting risk-limiting audits of results of elections 7a7 ,availability of grants ,subtitle ,d of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajja et seq471 as amended by sections #aijf7;a7 and #cjja7;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new part3 #i ,grants for ,conducting ,risk-,limiting ,audits of ,results of ,elections #bii4 ,grants for conducting risk-limiting audits of results of elections 7a7 ,availability of grants ,the ,commission shall make a grant to each eligible ,state to conduct risk-limiting audits as described in subsection 7b7 with respect to the regularly scheduled general elections for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj and each succeeding election for ,federal office4 7b7 ,risk-,limiting audits described ,in this part1 a risk-limiting audit is a post-election process-- 7#a7 which is conducted in accordance with rules and procedures established by the chief ,state election official of the ,state which meet the requirements of subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 under which1 if the reported outcome of the election is incorrect1 there is at least a predetermined percentage chance that the audit will replace the incorrect outcome with the correct outcome as determined by a full1 hand-to-eye tabulation of all votes validly cast in that election that ascertains voter intent manually and directly from voter-verifiable paper records4 7c7 ,requirements for rules and procedures ,the rules and procedures established for conducting a risk-limiting audit shall include the following elements3 7#a7 ,rules for ensuring the security of ballots and documenting that prescribed procedures were followed4 7#b7 ,rules and procedures for ensuring the accuracy of ballot manifests produced by election agencies4 7#c7 ,rules and procedures for governing the format of ballot manifests1 cast vote records1 and other data involved in the audit4 7#d7 ,methods to ensure that any cast vote records used in the audit are those used by the voting system to tally the election results sent to the chief ,state election official and made public4 7#e7 ,procedures for the random selection of ballots to be inspected manually during each audit4 7#f7 ,rules for the calculations and other methods to be used in the audit and to determine whether and when the audit of an election is complete4 7#g7 ,procedures and requirements for testing any software used to conduct risk-limiting audits4 7d7 ,definitions ,in this part1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,the term ballot manifest means a record maintained by each election agency that meets each of the following requirements3 7,a7 ,the record is created without reliance on any part of the voting system used to tabulate votes4 7,b7 ,the record functions as a sampling frame for conducting a risk-limiting audit4 7,c7 ,the record contains the following information with respect to the ballots cast and counted in the election3 7i7 ,the total number of ballots cast and counted by the agency 7including undervotes1 overvotes1 and other invalid votes74 7ii7 ,the total number of ballots cast in each election administered by the agency 7including undervotes1 overvotes1 and other invalid votes74 7iii7 ,a precise description of the manner in which the ballots are physically stored1 including the total number of physical groups of ballots1 the numbering system for each group1 a unique label for each group1 and the number of ballots in each such group4 7#b7 ,the term incorrect outcome means an outcome that differs from the outcome that would be determined by a full tabulation of all votes validly cast in the election1 determining voter intent manually1 directly from voter-verifiable paper records4 7#c7 ,the term outcome means the winner of an election1 whether a candidate or a position4 7#d7 ,the term reported outcome means the outcome of an election which is determined according to the canvass and which will become the official1 certified outcome unless it is revised by an audit1 recount1 or other legal process4 #bii;,a4 ,eligibility of ,states ,a ,state is eligible to receive a grant under this part if the ,state submits to the ,commission1 at such time and in such form as the ,commission may require1 an application containing-- 7#a7 a certification that1 not later than #e years after receiving the grant1 the ,state will conduct risk-limiting audits of the results of elections for ,federal office held in the ,state as described in section #bii2 7#b7 a certification that1 not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section1 the chief ,state election official of the ,state has established or will establish the rules and procedures for conducting the audits which meet the requirements of section #bii7;c72 7#c7 a certification that the audit shall be completed not later than the date on which the ,state certifies the results of the election2 7#d7 a certification that1 after completing the audit1 the ,state shall publish a report on the results of the audit1 together with such information as necessary to confirm that the audit was conducted properly2 7#e7 a certification that1 if a risk-limiting audit conducted under this part leads to a full manual tally of an election1 ,state law requires that the ,state or election agency shall use the results of the full manual tally as the official results of the election2 and 7#f7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 #bii;,b4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated for grants under this part #bj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai1 to remain available until expended4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act1 as amended by sections #aijf7;b7 and #cjja7;b71 is further amended by adding at the end of the items relating to subtitle ,d of title ,,ii the following3 ,part #i--;,grants for ,conducting ,risk-,limiting ,audits of ,results of ,elections ,sec4 #bii4 ,grants for conducting risk-limiting audits of results of elections4 ,sec4 #bii;,a4 ,eligibility of ,states4 ,sec4 #bii;,b4 ,authorization of appropriations4 4 #cjab4 ,,gao analysis of effects of audits 7a7 ,analysis ,not later than #f months after the first election for ,federal office is held after grants are first awarded to ,states for conducting risk-limiting under part #i of subtitle ,d of title ,,ii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7as added by section #cjaa7 for conducting risk-limiting audits of elections for ,federal office1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct an analysis of the extent to which such audits have improved the administration of such elections and the security of election infrastructure in the ,states receiving such grants4 7b7 ,report ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit a report on the analysis conducted under subsection 7a7 to the appropriate congressional committees4 #c ,election ,infrastructure ,innovation ,grant ,program #cjba4 ,election infrastructure innovation grant program 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iii of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aha et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating the second section #cai 7relating to ,,emp and ,,gmd mitigation research and development7 as section #cbj2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new section3 #cba4 ,election infrastructure innovation grant program 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,under ,secretary for ,science and ,technology1 in coordination with the ,chairman of the ,election ,assistance ,commission 7established pursuant to the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb7 and in consultation with the ,director of the ,national ,science ,foundation1 shall establish a competitive grant program to award grants to eligible entities1 on a competitive basis1 for purposes of research and development that are determined to have the potential to significantly to improve the security 7including cybersecurity71 quality1 reliability1 accuracy1 accessibility1 and affordability of election infrastructure4 7b7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #ij days after the conclusion of each fiscal year for which grants are awarded under this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and the ,committee on ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs and the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration of the ,senate a report describing such grants and analyzing the impact1 if any1 of such grants on the security and operation of election infrastructure4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary #f1bej1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjai through #bjbg for purposes of carrying out this section4 7d7 ,eligible entity defined ,in this section1 the term eligible entity means-- 7#a7 an institution of higher education 7as defined in section #aja7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja7;a771 including an institution of higher education that is a historically ,black college or university 7which has the meaning given the term 8part ,b institution0 in section #cbb of such ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfa77 or other minority-serving institution listed in section #cga7;a7 of such ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfgq7a772 7#b7 an organization described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from tax under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code2 or 7#c7 an organization1 association1 or a for-profit company1 including a small business concern 7as such term is defined under section #c of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcb771 including a small business concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as defined under section #h7;d77#c77;,c7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcg7;d77#c77;,c774 4 7b7 ,definition ,section #b of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aja7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#f7 through 7#bj7 as paragraphs 7#g7 through 7#ba71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#e7 the following new paragraph3 7#f7 ,election infrastructure ,the term election infrastructure means storage facilities1 polling places1 and centralized vote tabulation locations used to support the administration of elections for public office1 as well as related information and communications technology1 including voter registration databases1 voting machines1 electronic mail and other communications systems 7including electronic mail and other systems of vendors who have entered into contracts with election agencies to support the administration of elections1 manage the election process1 and report and display election results71 and other systems used to manage the election process and to report and display election results on behalf of an election agency4 4 7c7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents in section #a7;b7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb is amended by striking both items relating to section #cai and the item relating to section #cah and inserting the following new items3 ,sec4 #cah4 ,social media working group4 ,sec4 #cai4 ,transparency in research and development4 ,sec4 #cbj4 ,,emp and ,,gmd mitigation research and development4 ,sec4 #cba4 ,election infrastructure innovation grant program4 4 ,b ,security ,measures #caja4 ,election infrastructure designation ,subparagraph 7,j7 of section #bjja7c7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #fja7c77 is amended by inserting 1 including election infrastructure before the period at the end4 #cajb4 ,timely threat information ,subsection 7d7 of section #bja of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aba7 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#bg7 ,to provide timely threat information regarding election infrastructure to the chief ,state election official of the ,state with respect to which such information pertains4 4 #cajc4 ,security clearance assistance for election officials ,in order to promote the timely sharing of information on threats to election infrastructure1 the ,secretary may-- 7#a7 help expedite a security clearance for the chief ,state election official and other appropriate ,state personnel involved in the administration of elections1 as designated by the chief ,state election official2 7#b7 sponsor a security clearance for the chief ,state election official and other appropriate ,state personnel involved in the administration of elections1 as designated by the chief ,state election official2 and 7#c7 facilitate the issuance of a temporary clearance to the chief ,state election official and other appropriate ,state personnel involved in the administration of elections1 as designated by the chief ,state election official1 if the ,secretary determines classified information to be timely and relevant to the election infrastructure of the ,state at issue4 #cajd4 ,security risk and vulnerability assessments 7a7 ,in general ,paragraph 7#f7 of section #bbg7;c7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #adh7;c77 is amended by inserting 7including by carrying out a security risk and vulnerability assessment7 after risk management support4 7b7 ,prioritization ,to enhance election security 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after receiving a written request from a chief ,state election official1 the ,secretary shall1 to the extent practicable1 commence a security risk and vulnerability assessment 7pursuant to paragraph 7#f7 of section #bbg7;c7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb1 as amended by subsection 7a77 on election infrastructure in the ,state at issue4 7#b7 ,notification ,if the ,secretary1 upon receipt of a request described in paragraph 7#a71 determines that a security risk and vulnerability assessment cannot be commenced within #ij days1 the ,secretary shall expeditiously notify the chief ,state election official who submitted such request4 #caje4 ,annual reports 7a7 ,reports on assistance and assessments ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act and annually thereafter through #bjbf1 the ,secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees-- 7#a7 efforts to carry out section #bjc during the prior year1 including specific information on which ,states were helped1 how many officials have been helped in each ,state1 how many security clearances have been sponsored in each ,state1 and how many temporary clearances have been issued in each ,state2 and 7#b7 efforts to carry out section #bje during the prior year1 including specific information on which ,states were helped1 the dates on which the ,secretary received a request for a security risk and vulnerability assessment pursuant to such section1 the dates on which the ,secretary commenced each such request1 and the dates on which the ,secretary transmitted a notification in accordance with subsection 7b77#b7 of such section4 7b7 ,reports on foreign threats ,not later than #ij days after the end of each fiscal year 7beginning with fiscal year #bjai71 the ,secretary and the ,director of ,national ,intelligence1 in coordination with the heads of appropriate offices of the ,federal ,government1 shall submit a joint report to the appropriate congressional committees on foreign threats to elections in the ,united ,states1 including physical and cybersecurity threats4 7c7 ,information from ,states ,for purposes of preparing the reports required under this section1 the ,secretary shall solicit and consider information and comments from ,states and election agencies1 except that the provision of such information and comments by a ,state or election agency shall be voluntary and at the discretion of the ,state or agency4 ,c ,enhancing ,protections for ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions #cbja4 ,national strategy to protect ,united ,states democratic institutions 7a7 ,in general ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,president1 acting through the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,chairman1 the ,secretary of ,defense1 the ,secretary of ,state1 the ,attorney ,general1 the ,secretary of ,education1 the ,director of ,national ,intelligence1 the ,chairman of the ,federal ,election ,commission1 and the heads of any other appropriate ,federal agencies1 shall issue a national strategy to protect against cyber attacks1 influence operations1 disinformation campaigns1 and other activities that could undermine the security and integrity of ,united ,states democratic institutions4 7b7 ,considerations ,the national strategy required under subsection 7a7 shall include consideration of the following3 7#a7 ,the threat of a foreign state actor1 foreign terrorist organization 7as designated pursuant to section #bai of the ,immigration and ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahi771 or a domestic actor carrying out a cyber attack1 influence operation1 disinformation campaign1 or other activity aimed at undermining the security and integrity of ,united ,states democratic institutions4 7#b7 ,the extent to which ,united ,states democratic institutions are vulnerable to a cyber attack1 influence operation1 disinformation campaign1 or other activity aimed at undermining the security and integrity of such democratic institutions4 7#c7 ,potential consequences1 such as an erosion of public trust or an undermining of the rule of law1 that could result from a successful cyber attack1 influence operation1 disinformation campaign1 or other activity aimed at undermining the security and integrity of ,united ,states democratic institutions4 7#d7 ,lessons learned from other ,western governments the institutions of which were subject to a cyber attack1 influence operation1 disinformation campaign1 or other activity aimed at undermining the security and integrity of such institutions1 as well as actions that could be taken by the ,united ,states ,government to bolster collaboration with foreign partners to detect1 deter1 prevent1 and counter such activities4 7#e7 ,potential impacts such as an erosion of public trust in democratic institutions as could be associated with a successful cyber breach or other activity negatively affecting election infrastructure4 7#f7 ,roles and responsibilities of the ,secretary1 the ,chairman1 and the heads of other ,federal entities and non-,federal entities1 including chief ,state election officials and representatives of multistate information sharing and analysis center4 7#g7 ,any findings1 conclusions1 and recommendations to strengthen protections for ,united ,states democratic institutions that have been agreed to by a majority of ,commission members on the ,national ,commission to ,protect ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions1 authorized pursuant to section #cbjjb4 7c7 ,implementation plan ,not later than #ij days after the issuance of the national strategy required under subsection 7a71 the ,president1 acting through the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,chairman1 shall issue an implementation plan for ,federal efforts to implement such strategy that includes the following3 7#a7 ,strategic objectives and corresponding tasks4 7#b7 ,projected timelines and costs for the tasks referred to in paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,metrics to evaluate performance of such tasks4 7d7 ,classification ,the national strategy required under subsection 7a7 shall be in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex4 #cbjb4 ,national ,commission to ,protect ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established within the legislative branch the ,national ,commission to ,protect ,united ,states ,democratic ,institutions 7hereafter in this section referred to as the ,commission74 7b7 ,purpose ,the purpose of the ,commission is to counter efforts to undermine democratic institutions within the ,united ,states4 7c7 ,composition 7#a7 ,membership ,the ,commission shall be composed of #aj members appointed for the life of the ,commission as follows3 7,a7 ,one member shall be appointed by the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,one member shall be appointed by the ,chairman4 7,c7 #b members shall be appointed by the majority leader of the ,senate1 in consultation with the ,chairman of the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs1 the ,chairman of the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 and the ,chairman of the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration4 7,d7 #b members shall be appointed by the minority leader of the ,senate1 in consultation with the ranking minority member of the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs1 the ranking minority member of the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 and the ranking minority member of the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration4 7,e7 #b members shall be appointed by the ,speaker of the ,house of ,representatives1 in consultation with the ,chairman of the ,committee on ,homeland ,security1 the ,chairman of the ,committee on ,house ,administration1 and the ,chairman of the ,committee on the ,judiciary4 7,f7 #b members shall be appointed by the minority leader of the ,house of ,representatives1 in consultation with the ranking minority member of the ,committee on ,homeland ,security1 the ranking minority member of the ,committee on the ,judiciary1 and the ranking minority member of the ,committee on ,house ,administration4 7#b7 ,qualifications ,individuals shall be selected for appointment to the ,commission solely on the basis of their professional qualifications1 achievements1 public stature1 experience1 and expertise in relevant fields1 including1 but not limited to cybersecurity1 national security1 and the ,constitution of the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,no compensation for service ,members shall not receive compensation for service on the ,commission1 but shall receive travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 in accordance with chapter #eg of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#d7 ,deadline for appointment ,all members of the ,commission shall be appointed no later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#e7 ,vacancies ,a vacancy on the ,commission shall not affect its powers and shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made4 ,the appointment of the replacement member shall be made not later than #fj days after the date on which the vacancy occurs4 7d7 ,chair and ,vice ,chair ,the ,commission shall elect a ,chair and ,vice ,chair from among its members4 7e7 ,quorum and meetings 7#a7 ,quorum ,the ,commission shall meet and begin the operations of the ,commission not later than #cj days after the date on which all members have been appointed or1 if such meeting cannot be mutually agreed upon1 on a date designated by the ,speaker of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,president pro ,tempore of the ,senate4 ,each subsequent meeting shall occur upon the call of the ,chair or a majority of its members4 ,a majority of the members of the ,commission shall constitute a quorum1 but a lesser number may hold meetings4 7#b7 ,authority of individuals to act for ,commission ,any member of the ,commission may1 if authorized by the ,commission1 take any action that the ,commission is authorized to take under this section4 7f7 ,powers 7#a7 ,hearings and evidence ,the ,commission 7or1 on the authority of the ,commission1 any subcommittee or member thereof7 may1 for the purpose of carrying out this section1 hold hearings and sit and act at such times and places1 take such testimony1 receive such evidence1 and administer such oaths as the ,commission considers advisable to carry out its duties4 7#b7 ,contracting ,the ,commission may1 to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in appropriation ,acts1 enter into contracts to enable the ,commission to discharge its duties under this section4 7g7 ,assistance from ,federal agencies 7#a7 ,general ,services ,administration ,the ,administrator of ,general ,services shall provide to the ,commission on a reimbursable basis administrative support and other services for the performance of the ,commission's functions4 7#b7 ,other departments and agencies ,in addition to the assistance provided under paragraph 7#a71 the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 the ,election ,assistance ,commission1 and other appropriate departments and agencies of the ,united ,states shall provide to the ,commission such services1 funds1 facilities1 and staff as they may determine advisable and as may be authorized by law4 7h7 ,public meetings ,any public meetings of the ,commission shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the protection of information provided to or developed for or by the ,commission as required by any applicable statute1 regulation1 or ,executive order4 7i7 ,security clearances 7#a7 ,in general ,the heads of appropriate departments and agencies of the executive branch shall cooperate with the ,commission to expeditiously provide ,commission members and staff with appropriate security clearances to the extent possible under applicable procedures and requirements4 7#b7 ,preferences ,in appointing staff1 obtaining detailees1 and entering into contracts for the provision of services for the ,commission1 the ,commission shall give preference to individuals otherwise who have active security clearances4 7j7 ,reports 7#a7 ,interim reports ,at any time prior to the submission of the final report under paragraph 7#b71 the ,commission may submit interim reports to the ,president and ,congress such findings1 conclusions1 and recommendations to strengthen protections for democratic institutions in the ,united ,states as have been agreed to by a majority of the members of the ,commission4 7#b7 ,final report ,not later than #ah months after the date of the first meeting of the ,commission1 the ,commission shall submit to the ,president and ,congress a final report containing such findings1 conclusions1 and recommendations to strengthen protections for democratic institutions in the ,united ,states as have been agreed to by a majority of the members of the ,commission4 7k7 ,termination 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall terminate upon the expiration of the #fj-;day period which begins on the date on which the ,commission submits the final report required under subsection 7j77#b74 7#b7 ,administrative activities prior to termination ,during the #fj-;day period described in paragraph 7#b71 the ,commission may carry out such administrative activities as may be required to conclude its work1 including providing testimony to committees of ,congress concerning the final report and disseminating the final report4 7l7 ,nonapplicability of ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to the ,commission4 ,d ,promoting ,cybersecurity ,through ,improvements in ,election ,administration #ccja4 ,testing of existing voting systems to ensure compliance with election cybersecurity guidelines and other guidelines 7a7 ,requiring testing of existing voting systems 7#a7 ,in general ,section #bca7;a7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjiga7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,testing to ensure compliance with guidelines 7,a7 ,testing ,not later than #i months before the date of each regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 the ,commission shall provide for the testing by accredited laboratories under this section of the voting system hardware and software which was certified for use in the most recent such election1 on the basis of the most recent voting system guidelines applicable to such hardware or software 7including election cybersecurity guidelines7 issued under this ,act4 7,b7 ,decertification of hardware or software failing to meet guidelines ,if1 on the basis of the testing described in subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commission determines that any voting system hardware or software does not meet the most recent guidelines applicable to such hardware or software issued under this ,act1 the ,commission shall decertify such hardware or software4 4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by paragraph 7#a7 shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj and each succeeding regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office4 7b7 ,issuance of cybersecurity guidelines by ,technical ,guidelines ,development ,committee ,section #bba7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjifa7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,election cybersecurity guidelines ,not later than #f months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph1 the ,development ,committee shall issue election cybersecurity guidelines1 including standards and best practices for procuring1 maintaining1 testing1 operating1 and updating election systems to prevent and deter cybersecurity incidents4 4 #ccjb4 ,treatment of electronic poll books as part of voting systems 7a7 ,inclusion in definition of voting system ,section #cja7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking this section and inserting this ,act2 7#b7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#a72 7#c7 by redesignating paragraph 7#b7 as paragraph 7#c72 and 7#d7 by inserting after paragraph 7#a7 the following new paragraph3 7#b7 any electronic poll book used with respect to the election2 and 4 7b7 ,definition ,section #cja of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsections 7c7 and 7d7 as subsections 7d7 and 7e72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following new subsection3 7c7 ,electronic poll book defined ,in this ,act1 the term electronic poll book means the total combination of mechanical1 electromechanical1 or electronic equipment 7including the software1 firmware1 and documentation required to program1 control1 and support the equipment7 that is used-- 7#a7 to retain the list of registered voters at a polling location1 or vote center1 or other location at which voters cast votes in an election for ,federal office2 and 7#b7 to identify registered voters who are eligible to vote in an election4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,section #cja7;e7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;e771 as redesignated by subsection 7b71 is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting the following3 1 or1 with respect to any requirements relating to electronic poll books1 on and after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 #ccjc4 ,pre-election reports on voting system usage 7a7 ,requiring ,states ,to submit reports ,title ,,iii of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #cja the following new section3 #cja;,a4 ,pre-election reports on voting system usage 7a7 ,requiring ,states ,to submit reports ,not later than #abj days before the date of each regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 the chief ,state election official of a ,state shall submit a report to the ,commission containing a detailed voting system usage plan for each jurisdiction in the ,state which will administer the election1 including a detailed plan for the usage of electronic poll books and other equipment and components of such system4 7b7 ,effective date ,subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office held in ,november #bjbj and each succeeding regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents of such ,act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #cja the following new item3 ,sec4 #cja;,a4 ,pre-election reports on voting system usage4 4 #ccjd4 ,streamlining collection of election information ,section #bjb of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjibb7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,the ,commission and inserting 7a7 ,in general4--,the ,commission2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7b7 ,waiver of certain requirements ,subchapter ,i of chapter #ce of title #dd1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall not apply to the collection of information for purposes of maintaining the clearinghouse described in paragraph 7#a7 of subsection 7a74 4 ,e ,preventing ,election ,hacking #cdja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,prevent ,election ,hacking ,act of #bjai4 #cdjb4 ,election ,security ,bug ,bounty ,program 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a program to be known as the ,election ,security ,bug ,bounty ,program 7hereafter in this subtitle referred to as the ,program7 to improve the cybersecurity of the systems used to administer elections for ,federal office by facilitating and encouraging assessments by independent technical experts1 in cooperation with ,state and local election officials and election service providers1 to identify and report election cybersecurity vulnerabilities4 7b7 ,voluntary participation by election officials and election service providers 7#a7 ,no requirement to participate in program ,participation in the ,program shall be entirely voluntary for ,state and local election officials and election service providers4 7#b7 ,encouraging participation and input from election officials ,in developing the ,program1 the ,secretary shall solicit input from1 and encourage participation by1 ,state and local election officials4 7c7 ,activities funded ,in establishing and carrying out the ,program1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 establish a process for ,state and local election officials and election service providers to voluntarily participate in the ,program2 7#b7 designate appropriate information systems to be included in the ,program2 7#c7 provide compensation to eligible individuals1 organizations1 and companies for reports of previously unidentified security vulnerabilities within the information systems designated under subparagraph 7,a7 and establish criteria for individuals1 organizations1 and companies to be considered eligible for such compensation in compliance with ,federal laws2 7#d7 consult with the ,attorney ,general on how to ensure that approved individuals1 organizations1 or companies that comply with the requirements of the ,program are protected from prosecution under section #ajcj of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 and similar provisions of law1 and from liability under civil actions for specific activities authorized under the ,program2 7#e7 consult with the ,secretary of ,defense and the heads of other departments and agencies that have implemented programs to provide compensation for reports of previously undisclosed vulnerabilities in information systems1 regarding lessons that may be applied from such programs2 7#f7 develop an expeditious process by which an individual1 organization1 or company can register with the ,department1 submit to a background check as determined by the ,department1 and receive a determination as to eligibility for participation in the ,program2 and 7#g7 engage qualified interested persons1 including representatives of private entities1 about the structure of the ,program and1 to the extent practicable1 establish a recurring competition for independent technical experts to assess election systems for the purpose of identifying and reporting election cybersecurity vulnerabilities4 7d7 ,use of service providers ,the ,secretary may award competitive contracts as necessary to manage the ,program4 #cdjc4 ,definitions ,in this subtitle1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,the terms election and ,federal office have the meanings given such terms in section #cja of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja74 7#b7 ,the term election cybersecurity vulnerability means any security vulnerability 7as defined in section #ajb of the ,cybersecurity ,information ,sharing ,act of #bjae 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aeja77 that affects an election system4 7#c7 ,the term election service provider means any person providing1 supporting1 or maintaining an election system on behalf of a ,state or local election official1 such as a contractor or vendor4 7#d7 ,the term election system means any information system 7as defined in section #cejb of title #dd1 ,united ,states ,code7 which is part of an election infrastructure4 7#e7 ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 or1 upon designation by the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,deputy ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 the ,director of ,cybersecurity and ,infrastructure ,security of the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 or a ,senate-confirmed official that reports to the ,director4 7#f7 ,the term ,state means each of the several ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands4 7#g7 ,the term voting system has the meaning given such term in section #cja7;b7 of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bajha7;b774 ,f ,miscellaneous ,provisions #ceja4 ,definitions ,except as provided in section #cdjd1 in this title1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,the term ,chairman means the chair of the ,election ,assistance ,commission4 7#b7 ,the term appropriate congressional committees means the ,committees on ,homeland ,security and ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committees on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs and ,rules and ,administration of the ,senate4 7#c7 ,the term chief ,state election official means1 with respect to a ,state1 the individual designated by the ,state under section #aj of the ,national ,voter ,registration ,act of #aiic 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #bjeji7 to be responsible for coordination of the ,state's responsibilities under such ,act4 7#d7 ,the term ,commission means the ,election ,assistance ,commission4 7#e7 ,the term democratic institutions means the diverse range of institutions that are essential to ensuring an independent judiciary1 free and fair elections1 and rule of law4 7#f7 ,the term election agency means any component of a ,state1 or any component of a unit of local government in a ,state1 which is responsible for the administration of elections for ,federal office in the ,state4 7#g7 ,the term election infrastructure means storage facilities1 polling places1 and centralized vote tabulation locations used to support the administration of elections for public office1 as well as related information and communications technology1 including voter registration databases1 voting machines1 electronic mail and other communications systems 7including electronic mail and other systems of vendors who have entered into contracts with election agencies to support the administration of elections1 manage the election process1 and report and display election results71 and other systems used to manage the election process and to report and display election results on behalf of an election agency4 7#h7 ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security4 7#i7 ,the term ,state has the meaning given such term in section #ija of the ,help ,america ,vote ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #baada74 #cejb4 ,initial report on adequacy of resources available for implementation ,not later than #abj days after enactment of this ,act1 the ,chairman and the ,secretary shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of ,congress1 including the ,committees on ,homeland ,security and ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate1 analyzing the adequacy of the funding1 resources1 and personnel available to carry out this title and the amendments made by this title4 ,g ,severability #cfja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,b ,campaign ,finance ,,iv ,campaign ,finance ,transparency ,subtitle ,a--,findings ,relating to ,illicit ,money ,undermining ,our ,democracy ,sec4 #djja4 ,findings relating to illicit money undermining our democracy4 ,subtitle ,b--,,disclose ,act ,sec4 #dajj4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,regulation of ,certain ,political ,spending ,sec4 #daja4 ,application of ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals to domestic corporations1 limited liability corporations1 and partnerships that are foreign-controlled1 foreign-influenced1 and foreign-owned4 ,sec4 #dajb4 ,clarification of application of foreign money ban to certain disbursements and activities4 ,part #b--,reporting of ,campaign-,related ,disbursements ,sec4 #daaa4 ,reporting of campaign-related disbursements4 ,sec4 #daab4 ,application of foreign money ban to disbursements for campaign-related disbursements consisting of covered transfers4 ,sec4 #daac4 ,effective date4 ,part #c--,other ,administrative ,reforms ,sec4 #daba4 ,petition for certiorari4 ,sec4 #dabb4 ,judicial review of actions related to campaign finance laws4 ,subtitle ,c--,honest ,ads ,sec4 #dbja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #dbjb4 ,purpose4 ,sec4 #dbjc4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #dbjd4 ,sense of ,congress4 ,sec4 #dbje4 ,expansion of definition of public communication4 ,sec4 #dbjf4 ,expansion of definition of electioneering communication4 ,sec4 #dbjg4 ,application of disclaimer statements to online communications4 ,sec4 #dbjh4 ,political record requirements for online platforms4 ,sec4 #dbji4 ,preventing contributions1 expenditures1 independent expenditures1 and disbursements for electioneering communications by foreign nationals in the form of online advertising4 ,subtitle ,d--,stand ,by ,every ,ad ,sec4 #dcja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #dcjb4 ,stand ,by ,every ,ad4 ,sec4 #dcjc4 ,disclaimer requirements for communications made through prerecorded telephone calls4 ,sec4 #dcjd4 ,no expansion of persons subject to disclaimer requirements on internet communications4 ,sec4 #dcje4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,e--,secret ,money ,transparency ,sec4 #ddja4 ,repeal of restriction of use of funds by ,internal ,revenue ,service to bring transparency to political activity of certain nonprofit organizations4 ,subtitle ,f--,shareholder ,right-,to-,know ,sec4 #deja4 ,repeal of restriction on use of funds by ,securities and ,exchange ,commission to ensure shareholders of corporations have knowledge of corporation political activity4 ,subtitle ,g--,disclosure of ,political ,spending by ,government ,contractors ,sec4 #dfja4 ,repeal of restriction on use of funds to require disclosure of political spending by government contractors4 ,subtitle ,h--,limitation and ,disclosure ,requirements for ,presidential ,inaugural ,committees ,sec4 #dgja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #dgjb4 ,limitations and disclosure of certain donations to1 and disbursements by1 inaugural committees4 ,subtitle ,i--,severability ,sec4 #dhja4 ,severability4 ,a ,findings ,relating to ,illicit ,money ,undermining ,our ,democracy #djja4 ,findings relating to illicit money undermining our democracy ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,criminals1 terrorists1 and corrupt government officials frequently abuse anonymously held limited liability companies 7,l,l,cs71 also known as 8shell companies10 to hide1 move1 and launder the dirty money derived from illicit activities such as trafficking1 bribery1 exploitation1 and embezzlement4 ,ownership and control of the finances that run through shell companies are obscured to regulators and law enforcement because little information is required and collected when establishing these entities4 7#b7 ,the public release of the 8,panama ,papers0 in #bjaf and the 8,paradise ,papers0 in #bjag revealed that these shell companies often purchase and sell ,united ,states real estate4 ,united ,states anti-money laundering laws do not apply to cash transactions involving real estate effectively concealing the beneficiaries and transactions from regulators and law enforcement4 7#c7 ,congress should curb the use of anonymous shell companies for illicit purposes by requiring ,united ,states companies to disclose their beneficial owners1 strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance laws4 7#d7 ,congress should examine the money laundering and terrorist financing risks in the real estate market1 including the role of anonymous parties1 and review legislation to address any vulnerabilities identified in this sector4 7#e7 ,congress should examine the methods by which corruption flourishes and the means to detect and deter the financial misconduct that fuels this driver of global instability4 ,congress should monitor government efforts to enforce ,united ,states anti-corruption laws and regulations4 ,b ,,disclose ,act #dajj4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,democracy ,is ,strengthened by ,casting ,light ,on ,spending in ,elections ,act of #bjai or the ,,disclose ,act of #bjai4 #a ,regulation of ,certain ,political ,spending #daja4 ,application of ban on contributions and expenditures by foreign nationals to domestic corporations1 limited liability corporations1 and partnerships that are foreign-controlled1 foreign-influenced1 and foreign-owned 7a7 ,application of ban ,section #cai7;b7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaba7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking or at the end of paragraph 7#a72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#b7 and inserting 2 or2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 any corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership which is not a foreign national described in paragraph 7#a7 and-- 7,a7 in which a foreign national described in paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 directly or indirectly owns or controls-- 7i7 #e percent or more of the voting shares1 if the foreign national is a foreign country1 a foreign government official1 or a corporation principally owned or controlled by a foreign country or foreign government official2 or 7ii7 #bj percent or more of the voting shares1 if the foreign national is not described in clause 7i72 7,b7 in which two or more foreign nationals described in paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b71 each of whom owns or controls at least #e percent of the voting shares1 directly or indirectly own or control #ej percent or more of the voting shares2 7,c7 over which one or more foreign nationals described in paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 has the power to direct1 dictate1 or control the decisionmaking process of the corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership with respect to its interests in the ,united ,states2 or 7,d7 over which one or more foreign nationals described in paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 has the power to direct1 dictate1 or control the decisionmaking process of the corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership with respect to activities in connection with a ,federal1 ,state1 or local election1 including-- 7i7 the making of a contribution1 donation1 expenditure1 independent expenditure1 or disbursement for an electioneering communication 7within the meaning of section #cjd7;f77#c772 or 7ii7 the administration of a political committee established or maintained by the corporation4 4 7b7 ,certification of ,compliance ,section #cai of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaba7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,certification of compliance required prior ,to carrying out activity ,prior to the making in connection with an election for ,federal office of any contribution1 donation1 expenditure1 independent expenditure1 or disbursement for an electioneering communication by a corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership during a year1 the chief executive officer of the corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership 7or1 if the corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership does not have a chief executive officer1 the highest ranking official of the corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership71 shall file a certification with the ,commission1 under penalty of perjury1 that the corporation1 limited liability corporation1 or partnership is not prohibited from carrying out such activity under subsection 7b77#c71 unless the chief executive officer has previously filed such a certification during that calendar year4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect upon the expiration of the #ahj-;day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and shall take effect without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated regulations to carry out such amendments4 #dajb4 ,clarification of application of foreign money ban to certain disbursements and activities 7a7 ,application to disbursements to ,super ,p,a,cs ,section #cai7;a77#a77;,a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaba7;a77#a77;,a77 is amended by striking the semicolon and inserting the following3 1 including any disbursement to a political committee which accepts donations or contributions that do not comply with the limitations1 prohibitions1 and reporting requirements of this ,act 7or any disbursement to or on behalf of any account of a political committee which is established for the purpose of accepting such donations or contributions724 7b7 ,conditions under which corporate ,p,a,cs may make contributions and expenditures ,section #caf7;b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaah7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#h7 ,a separate segregated fund established by a corporation may not make a contribution or expenditure during a year unless the fund has certified to the ,commission the following during the year3 7,a7 ,each individual who manages the fund1 and who is responsible for exercising decisionmaking authority for the fund1 is a citizen of the ,united ,states or is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,no foreign national under section #cai participates in any way in the decisionmaking processes of the fund with regard to contributions or expenditures under this ,act4 7,c7 ,the fund does not solicit or accept recommendations from any foreign national under section #cai with respect to the contributions or expenditures made by the fund4 7,d7 ,any member of the board of directors of the corporation who is a foreign national under section #cai abstains from voting on matters concerning the fund or its activities4 4 #b ,reporting of ,campaign-,related ,disbursements #daaa4 ,reporting of campaign-related disbursements 7a7 ,disclosure requirements for corporations1 labor organizations1 and certain other entities 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cbd of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabf7 is amended to read as follows3 #cbd4 ,disclosure of campaign-related disbursements by covered organizations 7a7 ,disclosure statement 7#a7 ,in general ,any covered organization that makes campaign-related disbursements aggregating more than #aj1jjj in an election reporting cycle shall1 not later than #bd hours after each disclosure date1 file a statement with the ,commission made under penalty of perjury that contains the information described in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 in the case of the first statement filed under this subsection1 for the period beginning on the first day of the election reporting cycle 7or1 if earlier1 the period beginning one year before the first such disclosure date7 and ending on the first such disclosure date2 and 7,b7 in the case of any subsequent statement filed under this subsection1 for the period beginning on the previous disclosure date and ending on such disclosure date4 7#b7 ,information described ,the information described in this paragraph is as follows3 7,a7 ,the name of the covered organization and the principal place of business of such organization and1 in the case of a covered organization that is a corporation 7other than a business concern that is an issuer of a class of securities registered under section #ab of the ,securities ,exchange ,act of #aicd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #ghl7 or that is required to file reports under section #ae7;d7 of that ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #gho7d777 or an entity described in subsection 7e77#b71 a list of the beneficial owners 7as defined in paragraph 7#d77;,a77 of the entity that-- 7i7 identifies each beneficial owner by name and current residential or business street address2 and 7ii7 if any beneficial owner exercises control over the entity through another legal entity1 such as a corporation1 partnership1 limited liability company1 or trust1 identifies each such other legal entity and each such beneficial owner who will use that other entity to exercise control over the entity4 7,b7 ,the amount of each campaign-related disbursement made by such organization during the period covered by the statement of more than #a1jjj1 and the name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made4 7,c7 ,in the case of a campaign-related disbursement that is not a covered transfer1 the election to which the campaign-related disbursement pertains and if the disbursement is made for a public communication1 the name of any candidate identified in such communication and whether such communication is in support of or in opposition to a candidate4 7,d7 ,a certification by the chief executive officer or person who is the head of the covered organization that the campaign-related disbursement is not made in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with or at the request or suggestion of a candidate1 authorized committee1 or agent of a candidate1 political party1 or agent of a political party4 7,e7 7i7 ,if the covered organization makes campaign-related disbursements using exclusively funds in a segregated bank account consisting of funds that were paid directly to such account by persons other than the covered organization that controls the account1 for each such payment to the account-- 7,i7 the name and address of each person who made such payment during the period covered by the statement2 7,,ii7 the date and amount of such payment2 and 7,,iii7 the aggregate amount of all such payments made by the person during the period beginning on the first day of the election reporting cycle 7or1 if earlier1 the period beginning one year before the disclosure date7 and ending on the disclosure date1 but only if such payment was made by a person who made payments to the account in an aggregate amount of #aj1jjj or more during the period beginning on the first day of the election reporting cycle 7or1 if earlier1 the period beginning one year before the disclosure date7 and ending on the disclosure date4 7ii7 ,in any calendar year after #bjbj1 section #cae7;c77#a77;,b7 shall apply to the amount described in clause 7i7 in the same manner as such section applies to the limitations established under subsections 7a77#a77;,a71 7a77#a77;,b71 7a77#c71 and 7h7 of such section1 except that for purposes of applying such section to the amounts described in subsection 7b71 the base period shall be #bjbj4 7,f7 7i7 ,if the covered organization makes campaign-related disbursements using funds other than funds in a segregated bank account described in subparagraph 7,e71 for each payment to the covered organization-- 7,i7 the name and address of each person who made such payment during the period covered by the statement2 7,,ii7 the date and amount of such payment2 and 7,,iii7 the aggregate amount of all such payments made by the person during the period beginning on the first day of the election reporting cycle 7or1 if earlier1 the period beginning one year before the disclosure date7 and ending on the disclosure date1 but only if such payment was made by a person who made payments to the covered organization in an aggregate amount of #aj1jjj or more during the period beginning on the first day of the election reporting cycle 7or1 if earlier1 the period beginning one year before the disclosure date7 and ending on the disclosure date4 7ii7 ,in any calendar year after #bjbj1 section #cae7;c77#a77;,b7 shall apply to the amount described in clause 7i7 in the same manner as such section applies to the limitations established under subsections 7a77#a77;,a71 7a77#a77;,b71 7a77#c71 and 7h7 of such section1 except that for purposes of applying such section to the amounts described in subsection 7b71 the base period shall be #bjbj4 7,g7 ,such other information as required in rules established by the ,commission to promote the purposes of this section4 7#c7 ,exceptions 7,a7 ,amounts received in ordinary course of business ,the requirement to include in a statement filed under paragraph 7#a7 the information described in paragraph 7#b7 shall not apply to amounts received by the covered organization in commercial transactions in the ordinary course of any trade or business conducted by the covered organization or in the form of investments 7other than investments by the principal shareholder in a limited liability corporation7 in the covered organization4 7,b7 ,donor restriction on use of funds ,the requirement to include in a statement submitted under paragraph 7#a7 the information described in subparagraph 7,f7 of paragraph 7#b7 shall not apply if-- 7i7 the person described in such subparagraph prohibited1 in writing1 the use of the payment made by such person for campaign-related disbursements2 and 7ii7 the covered organization agreed to follow the prohibition and deposited the payment in an account which is segregated from any account used to make campaign-related disbursements4 7,c7 ,amounts received from affiliates ,the requirement to include in a statement submitted under paragraph 7#a7 the information described in subparagraph 7,f7 of paragraph 7#b7 shall not apply to any amount which is described in subsection 7f77#c74 7,d7 ,threat of harassment or reprisal ,the requirement to include any information relating to the name or address of any person 7other than a candidate7 in a statement submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall not apply if the inclusion of the information would subject the person to serious threats1 harassment1 or reprisals4 7#d7 ,other definitions ,for purposes of this section3 7,a7 ,beneficial owner defined 7i7 ,in general ,except as provided in clause 7ii71 the term beneficial owner means1 with respect to any entity1 a natural person who1 directly or indirectly-- 7,i7 exercises substantial control over an entity through ownership1 voting rights1 agreement1 or otherwise2 or 7,,ii7 has a substantial interest in or receives substantial economic benefits from the assets of an entity4 7ii7 ,exceptions ,the term beneficial owner shall not include-- 7,i7 a minor child2 7,,ii7 a person acting as a nominee1 intermediary1 custodian1 or agent on behalf of another person2 7,,iii7 a person acting solely as an employee of an entity and whose control over or economic benefits from the entity derives solely from the employment status of the person2 7,,iv7 a person whose only interest in an entity is through a right of inheritance1 unless the person also meets the requirements of clause 7i72 or 7,v7 a creditor of an entity1 unless the creditor also meets the requirements of clause 7i74 7iii7 ,anti-abuse rule ,the exceptions under clause 7ii7 shall not apply if used for the purpose of evading1 circumventing1 or abusing the provisions of clause 7i7 or paragraph 7#b77;,a74 7,b7 ,disclosure date ,the term disclosure date means-- 7i7 the first date during any election reporting cycle by which a person has made campaign-related disbursements aggregating more than #aj1jjj2 and 7ii7 any other date during such election reporting cycle by which a person has made campaign-related disbursements aggregating more than #aj1jjj since the most recent disclosure date for such election reporting cycle4 7,c7 ,election reporting cycle ,the term election reporting cycle means the #b-year period beginning on the date of the most recent general election for ,federal office4 7,d7 ,payment ,the term payment includes any contribution1 donation1 transfer1 payment of dues1 or other payment4 7b7 ,coordination with other provisions 7#a7 ,other reports filed with the ,commission ,information included in a statement filed under this section may be excluded from statements and reports filed under section #cjd4 7#b7 ,treatment as separate segregated fund ,a segregated bank account referred to in subsection 7a77#b77;,e7 may be treated as a separate segregated fund for purposes of section #ebg7;f77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7c7 ,filing ,statements required to be filed under subsection 7a7 shall be subject to the requirements of section #cjd7;d7 to the same extent and in the same manner as if such reports had been required under subsection 7c7 or 7g7 of section #cjd4 7d7 ,campaign-,related disbursement defined 7#a7 ,in general ,in this section1 the term campaign-related disbursement means a disbursement by a covered organization for any of the following3 7,a7 ,an independent expenditure which expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for election for ,federal office1 or is the functional equivalent of express advocacy because1 when taken as a whole1 it can be interpreted by a reasonable person only as advocating the election or defeat of a candidate for election for ,federal office4 7,b7 ,any public communication which refers to a clearly identified candidate for election for ,federal office and which promotes or supports a candidate for that office1 or attacks or opposes a candidate for that office1 without regard to whether the communication expressly advocates a vote for or against a candidate for that office4 7,c7 ,an electioneering communication1 as defined in section #cjd7;f77#c74 7,d7 ,a covered transfer4 7#b7 ,intent not required ,a disbursement for an item described in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,d7 of paragraph 7#a7 shall be treated as a campaign-related disbursement regardless of the intent of the person making the disbursement4 7e7 ,covered organization defined ,in this section1 the term covered organization means any of the following3 7#a7 ,a corporation 7other than an organization described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf74 7#b7 ,a limited liability corporation that is not otherwise treated as a corporation for purposes of this ,act 7other than an organization described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf74 7#c7 ,an organization described in section #eja7;c7 of such ,code and exempt from taxation under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code 7other than an organization described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of such ,code74 7#d7 ,a labor organization 7as defined in section #caf7;b774 7#e7 ,any political organization under section #ebg of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 other than a political committee under this ,act 7except as provided in paragraph 7#f774 7#f7 ,a political committee with an account that accepts donations or contributions that do not comply with the contribution limits or source prohibitions under this ,act1 but only with respect to such accounts4 7f7 ,covered transfer defined 7#a7 ,in general ,in this section1 the term covered transfer means any transfer or payment of funds by a covered organization to another person if the covered organization-- 7,a7 designates1 requests1 or suggests that the amounts be used for-- 7i7 campaign-related disbursements 7other than covered transfers72 or 7ii7 making a transfer to another person for the purpose of making or paying for such campaign-related disbursements2 7,b7 made such transfer or payment in response to a solicitation or other request for a donation or payment for-- 7i7 the making of or paying for campaign-related disbursements 7other than covered transfers72 or 7ii7 making a transfer to another person for the purpose of making or paying for such campaign-related disbursements2 7,c7 engaged in discussions with the recipient of the transfer or payment regarding-- 7i7 the making of or paying for campaign-related disbursements 7other than covered transfers72 or 7ii7 donating or transferring any amount of such transfer or payment to another person for the purpose of making or paying for such campaign-related disbursements2 7,d7 made campaign-related disbursements 7other than a covered transfer7 in an aggregate amount of #ej1jjj or more during the #b-year period ending on the date of the transfer or payment1 or knew or had reason to know that the person receiving the transfer or payment made such disbursements in such an aggregate amount during that #b-year period2 or 7,e7 knew or had reason to know that the person receiving the transfer or payment would make campaign-related disbursements in an aggregate amount of #ej1jjj or more during the #b-year period beginning on the date of the transfer or payment4 7#b7 ,exclusions ,the term covered transfer does not include any of the following3 7,a7 ,a disbursement made by a covered organization in a commercial transaction in the ordinary course of any trade or business conducted by the covered organization or in the form of investments made by the covered organization4 7,b7 ,a disbursement made by a covered organization if-- 7i7 the covered organization prohibited1 in writing1 the use of such disbursement for campaign-related disbursements2 and 7ii7 the recipient of the disbursement agreed to follow the prohibition and deposited the disbursement in an account which is segregated from any account used to make campaign-related disbursements4 7#c7 ,special rule regarding transfers among affiliates 7,a7 ,special rule ,a transfer of an amount by one covered organization to another covered organization which is treated as a transfer between affiliates under subparagraph 7,c7 shall be considered a covered transfer by the covered organization which transfers the amount only if the aggregate amount transferred during the year by such covered organization to that same covered organization is equal to or greater than #ej1jjj4 7,b7 ,determination of amount of certain payments among affiliates ,in determining the amount of a transfer between affiliates for purposes of subparagraph 7,a71 to the extent that the transfer consists of funds attributable to dues1 fees1 or assessments which are paid by individuals on a regular1 periodic basis in accordance with a per-individual calculation which is made on a regular basis1 the transfer shall be attributed to the individuals paying the dues1 fees1 or assessments and shall not be attributed to the covered organization4 7,c7 ,description of transfers between affiliates ,a transfer of amounts from one covered organization to another covered organization shall be treated as a transfer between affiliates if-- 7i7 one of the organizations is an affiliate of the other organization2 or 7ii7 each of the organizations is an affiliate of the same organization1 except that the transfer shall not be treated as a transfer between affiliates if one of the organizations is established for the purpose of making campaign-related disbursements4 7,d7 ,determination of affiliate status ,for purposes of subparagraph 7,c71 a covered organization is an affiliate of another covered organization if-- 7i7 the governing instrument of the organization requires it to be bound by decisions of the other organization2 7ii7 the governing board of the organization includes persons who are specifically designated representatives of the other organization or are members of the governing board1 officers1 or paid executive staff members of the other organization1 or whose service on the governing board is contingent upon the approval of the other organization2 or 7iii7 the organization is chartered by the other organization4 7,e7 ,coverage of transfers to affiliated section #eja7;c77#c7 organizations ,this paragraph shall apply with respect to an amount transferred by a covered organization to an organization described in paragraph 7#c7 of section #eja7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from tax under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code in the same manner as this paragraph applies to an amount transferred by a covered organization to another covered organization4 7g7 ,no effect on other reporting requirements ,nothing in this section shall be construed to waive or otherwise affect any other requirement of this ,act which relates to the reporting of campaign-related disbursements4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #cjd7;f77#f7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7 is amended by striking ,any requirement and inserting ,except as provided in section #cbd7;b71 any requirement4 7b7 ,coordination with ,fin,c,e,n 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,director of the ,financial ,crimes ,enforcement ,network of the ,department of the ,treasury shall provide the ,federal ,election ,commission with such information as necessary to assist in administering and enforcing section #cbd of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga1 as added by this section4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #f months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,chairman of the ,federal ,election ,commission1 in consultation with the ,director of the ,financial ,crimes ,enforcement ,network of the ,department of the ,treasury1 shall submit to ,congress a report with recommendations for providing further legislative authority to assist in the administration and enforcement of such section #cbd4 #daab4 ,application of foreign money ban to disbursements for campaign-related disbursements consisting of covered transfers ,section #cai7;a77#a77;,a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaba7;a77#a77;,a771 as amended by section #dajb1 is amended by striking the semicolon and inserting the following3 1 and any disbursement to another person who made a campaign-related disbursement consisting of a covered transfer 7as described in section #cbd7 during the #b-year period ending on the date of the disbursement24 #daac4 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this part shall apply with respect to disbursements made on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj1 and shall take effect without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated regulations to carry out such amendments4 #c ,other ,administrative ,reforms #daba4 ,petition for certiorari ,section #cjg7;a77#f7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajg7;a77#f77 is amended by inserting 7including a proceeding before the ,supreme ,court on certiorari7 after appeal4 #dabb4 ,judicial review of actions related to campaign finance laws 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iv of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjada et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #djf the following new section3 #djg4 ,judicial review 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding section #cgc7;f71 if any action is brought for declaratory or injunctive relief to challenge the constitutionality of any provision of this ,act or of chapter #ie or #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 or is brought to with respect to any action of the ,commission under chapter #ie or #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 the following rules shall apply3 7#a7 ,the action shall be filed in the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia and an appeal from the decision of the district court may be taken to the ,court of ,appeals for the ,district of ,columbia ,circuit4 7#b7 ,in the case of an action relating to declaratory or injunctive relief to challenge the constitutionality of a provision-- 7,a7 a copy of the complaint shall be delivered promptly to the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,secretary of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 it shall be the duty of the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,court of ,appeals for the ,district of ,columbia1 and the ,supreme ,court of the ,united ,states to advance on the docket and to expedite to the greatest possible extent the disposition of the action and appeal4 7b7 ,intervention by ,members of ,congress ,in any action in which the constitutionality of any provision of this ,act or chapter #ie or #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is raised1 any ,member of the ,house of ,representatives 7including a ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to the ,congress7 or ,senate shall have the right to intervene either in support of or opposition to the position of a party to the case regarding the constitutionality of the provision4 ,to avoid duplication of efforts and reduce the burdens placed on the parties to the action1 the court in any such action may make such orders as it considers necessary1 including orders to require interveners taking similar positions to file joint papers or to be represented by a single attorney at oral argument4 7c7 ,challenge by ,members of ,congress ,any ,member of ,congress may bring an action1 subject to the special rules described in subsection 7a71 for declaratory or injunctive relief to challenge the constitutionality of any provision of this ,act or chapter #ie or #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,in general 7,a7 ,section #ijaa of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 #ijaa4 ,judicial review ,for provisions relating to judicial review of certifications1 determinations1 and actions by the ,commission under this chapter1 see section #djg of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 4 7,b7 ,section #ijda of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 #ijda4 ,judicial review ,for provisions relating to judicial review of actions by the ,commission under this chapter1 see section #djg of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 4 7,c7 ,section #djc of the ,bipartisan ,campaign ,finance ,reform ,act of #bjjb 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaj note7 is repealed4 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply to actions brought on or after ,january #a1 #bjai4 ,c ,honest ,ads #dbja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,honest ,ads ,act4 #dbjb4 ,purpose ,the purpose of this subtitle is to enhance the integrity of ,american democracy and national security by improving disclosure requirements for online political advertisements in order to uphold the ,supreme ,court's well-established standard that the electorate bears the right to be fully informed4 #dbjc4 ,findings ,congress makes the following findings3 7#a7 ,on ,january #f1 #bjag1 the ,office of the ,director of ,national ,intelligence published a report titled ,assessing ,russian ,activities and ,intentions in ,recent ,u4,s4 ,elections1 noting that ,russian ,president ,vladimir ,putin ordered an influence campaign in #bjaf aimed at the ,,us presidential election 4 4 4 4 ,moscow's influence campaign followed a ,russian messaging strategy that blends covert intelligence operation--such as cyber activity--with overt efforts by ,russian ,government agencies1 state-funded media1 third-party intermediaries1 and paid social media users or trolls4 7#b7 ,on ,november #bd1 #bjaf1 ,the ,washington ,post reported findings from #b teams of independent researchers that concluded ,russians exploited ,american-made technology platforms to attack ,u4,s4 democracy at a particularly vulnerable moment 4 4 4 as part of a broadly effective strategy of sowing distrust in ,u4,s4 democracy and its leaders44 7#c7 ,findings from a #bjag study on the manipulation of public opinion through social media conducted by the ,computational ,propaganda ,research ,project at the ,oxford ,internet ,institute found that the ,kremlin is using pro-,russian bots to manipulate public discourse to a highly targeted audience4 ,with a sample of nearly #a1cjj1jjj tweets1 researchers found that in the #bjaf election's #c decisive ,states1 propaganda constituted #dj percent of the sampled election-related tweets that went to ,pennsylvanians1 #cd percent to ,michigan voters1 and #cj percent to those in ,wisconsin4 ,in other swing ,states1 the figure reached #db percent in ,missouri1 #da percent in ,florida1 #dj percent in ,north ,carolina1 #ch percent in ,colorado1 and #ce percent in ,ohio4 7#d7 ,on ,september #f1 #bjag1 the nation's largest social media platform disclosed that between ,june #bjae and ,may #bjag1 ,russian entities purchased #ajj1jjj in political advertisements1 publishing roughly #c1jjj ads linked to fake accounts associated with the ,internet ,research ,agency1 a pro-,kremlin organization4 ,according to the company1 the ads purchased focused on amplifying divisive social and political messages 4 4 44 7#e7 ,in #bjjb1 the ,bipartisan ,campaign ,reform ,act became law1 establishing disclosure requirements for political advertisements distributed from a television or radio broadcast station or provider of cable or satellite television4 ,in #bjjc1 the ,supreme ,court upheld regulations on electioneering communications established under the ,act1 noting that such requirements provide the electorate with information and insure that the voters are fully informed about the person or group who is speaking44 7#f7 ,according to a study from ,borrell ,associates1 in #bjaf1 #a1dae1jjj1jjj was spent on online advertising1 more than quadruple the amount in #bjab4 7#g7 ,the reach of a few large internet platforms--larger than any broadcast1 satellite1 or cable provider--has greatly facilitated the scope and effectiveness of disinformation campaigns4 ,for instance1 the largest platform has over #baj1jjj1jjj ,americans users--over #afj1jjj1jjj of them on a daily basis4 ,by contrast1 the largest cable television provider has #bb1dcj1jjj subscribers1 while the largest satellite television provider has #ba1jjj1jjj subscribers4 ,and the most-watched television broadcast in ,united ,states history had #aah1jjj1jjj viewers4 7#h7 ,the public nature of broadcast television1 radio1 and satellite ensures a level of publicity for any political advertisement4 ,these communications are accessible to the press1 fact-checkers1 and political opponents2 this creates strong disincentives for a candidate to disseminate materially false1 inflammatory1 or contradictory messages to the public4 ,social media platforms1 in contrast1 can target portions of the electorate with direct1 ephemeral advertisements often on the basis of private information the platform has on individuals1 enabling political advertisements that are contradictory1 racially or socially inflammatory1 or materially false4 7#i7 ,according to com,score1 #b companies own #h of the #aj most popular smartphone applications as of ,june #bjag1 including the most popular social media and email services--which deliver information and news to users without requiring proactivity by the user4 ,those same #b companies accounted for #ii percent of revenue growth from digital advertising in #bjaf1 including #gg percent of gross spending4 #gi percent of online ,americans--representing #fh percent of all ,americans--use the single largest social network1 while #ff percent of these users are most likely to get their news from that site4 7#aj7 ,in its #bjjf rulemaking1 the ,federal ,election ,commission noted that only #ah percent of all ,americans cited the internet as their leading source of news about the #bjjd ,presidential election2 by contrast1 the ,pew ,research ,center found that #fe percent of ,americans identified an internet-based source as their leading source of information for the #bjaf election4 7#aa7 ,the ,federal ,election ,commission1 the independent ,federal agency charged with protecting the integrity of the ,federal campaign finance process by providing transparency and administering campaign finance laws1 has failed to take action to address online political advertisements4 7#ab7 ,in testimony before the ,senate ,select ,committee on ,intelligence titled1 ,disinformation3 ,a ,primer in ,russian ,active ,measures and ,influence ,campaigns1 multiple expert witnesses testified that while the disinformation tactics of foreign adversaries have not necessarily changed1 social media services now provide platforms practically purpose-built for active measures4 ,similarly1 as ,gen4 ,keith ,b4 ,alexander 7,,ret471 the former ,director of the ,national ,security ,agency1 testified1 during the ,cold ,war if the ,soviet ,union sought to manipulate information flow1 it would have to do so principally through its own propaganda outlets or through active measures that would generate specific news3 planting of leaflets1 inciting of violence1 creation of other false materials and narratives4 ,but the news itself was hard to manipulate because it would have required actual control of the organs of media1 which took long-term efforts to penetrate4 ,today1 however1 because the clear majority of the information on social media sites is uncurated and there is a rapid proliferation of information sources and other sites that can reinforce information1 there is an increasing likelihood that the information available to average consumers may be inaccurate 7whether intentionally or otherwise7 and may be more easily manipulable than in prior eras44 7#ac7 ,current regulations on political advertisements do not provide sufficient transparency to uphold the public's right to be fully informed about political advertisements made online4 #dbjd4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 the dramatic increase in digital political advertisements1 and the growing centrality of online platforms in the lives of ,americans1 requires the ,congress and the ,federal ,election ,commission to take meaningful action to ensure that laws and regulations provide the accountability and transparency that is fundamental to our democracy2 7#b7 free and fair elections require both transparency and accountability which give the public a right to know the true sources of funding for political advertisements in order to make informed political choices and hold elected officials accountable2 and 7#c7 transparency of funding for political advertisements is essential to enforce other campaign finance laws1 including the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals4 #dbje4 ,expansion of definition of public communication 7a7 ,in general ,paragraph 7#bb7 of section #cja of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja7bb77 is amended by striking or satellite communication and inserting satellite1 paid internet1 or paid digital communication4 7b7 ,treatment of contributions and expenditures ,section #cja of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#h77;,b7-- 7,a7 in clause 7v71 by striking on broadcasting stations1 or in newspapers1 magazines1 or similar types of general public political advertising and inserting in any public communication2 7,b7 in clause 7ix71 by striking broadcasting1 newspaper1 magazine1 billboard1 direct mail1 or similar type of general public communication or political advertising and inserting public communication2 and 7,c7 in clause 7x71 by striking but not including the use of broadcasting1 newspapers1 magazines1 billboards1 direct mail1 or similar types of general public communication or political advertising and inserting but not including use in any public communication2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#i77;,b7-- 7,a7 by amending clause 7i7 to read as follows3 7i7 any news story1 commentary1 or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station or any print1 online1 or digital newspaper1 magazine1 blog1 publication1 or periodical1 unless such broadcasting1 print1 online1 or digital facilities are owned or controlled by any political party1 political committee1 or candidate2 2 and 7,b7 in clause 7iv71 by striking on broadcasting stations1 or in newspapers1 magazines1 or similar types of general public political advertising and inserting in any public communication4 7c7 ,disclosure and disclaimer statements ,subsection 7a7 of section #cah of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking financing any communication through any broadcasting station1 newspaper1 magazine1 outdoor advertising facility1 mailing1 or any other type of general public political advertising and inserting financing any public communication2 and 7#b7 by striking solicits any contribution through any broadcasting station1 newspaper1 magazine1 outdoor advertising facility1 mailing1 or any other type of general public political advertising and inserting solicits any contribution through any public communication4 #dbjf4 ,expansion of definition of electioneering communication 7a7 ,expansion to online communications 7#a7 ,application to qualified ,internet and digital communications 7,a7 ,in general ,subparagraph 7,a7 of section #cjd7;f77#c7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;f77#c77;,a77 is amended by striking or satellite communication each place it appears in clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 and inserting satellite1 or qualified internet or digital communication4 7,b7 ,qualified ,internet or digital communication ,paragraph 7#c7 of section #cjd7;f7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;f77 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 ,qualified ,internet or digital communication ,the term qualified internet or digital communication means any communication which is placed or promoted for a fee on an online platform 7as defined in subsection 7j77#c774 4 7#b7 ,nonapplication of relevant electorate to online communications ,section #cjd7;f77#c77;,a77i77,,iii7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;f77#c77;,a77i77,,iii77 is amended by inserting any broadcast1 cable1 or satellite before communication4 7#c7 ,news exemption ,section #cjd7;f77#c77;,b77i7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;f77#c77;,b77i77 is amended to read as follows3 7i7 a communication appearing in a news story1 commentary1 or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station or any online or digital newspaper1 magazine1 blog1 publication1 or periodical1 unless such broadcasting1 online1 or digital facilities are owned or controlled by any political party1 political committee1 or candidate2 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to communications made on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 #dbjg4 ,application of disclaimer statements to online communications 7a7 ,clear and conspicuous manner requirement ,subsection 7a7 of section #cah of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking shall clearly state each place it appears in paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c7 and inserting shall state in a clear and conspicuous manner2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following flush sentence3 ,for purposes of this section1 a communication does not make a statement in a clear and conspicuous manner if it is difficult to read or hear or if the placement is easily overlooked44 7b7 ,special rules for qualified ,internet or digital communications 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cah of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 ,special rules for qualified ,internet or digital communications 7#a7 ,special rules with respect to statements ,in the case of any qualified internet or digital communication 7as defined in section #cjd7;f77#c77;,d77 which is disseminated through a medium in which the provision of all of the information specified in this section is not possible1 the communication shall1 in a clear and conspicuous manner-- 7,a7 state the name of the person who paid for the communication2 and 7,b7 provide a means for the recipient of the communication to obtain the remainder of the information required under this section with minimal effort and without receiving or viewing any additional material other than such required information4 7#b7 ,safe harbor for determining clear and conspicuous manner ,a statement in qualified internet or digital communication 7as defined in section #cjd7;f77#c77;,d77 shall be considered to be made in a clear and conspicuous manner as provided in subsection 7a7 if the communication meets the following requirements3 7,a7 ,text or graphic communications ,in the case of a text or graphic communication1 the statement-- 7i7 appears in letters at least as large as the majority of the text in the communication2 and 7ii7 meets the requirements of paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 of subsection 7c74 7,b7 ,audio communications ,in the case of an audio communication1 the statement is spoken in a clearly audible and intelligible manner at the beginning or end of the communication and lasts at least #c seconds4 7,c7 ,video communications ,in the case of a video communication which also includes audio1 the statement-- 7i7 is included at either the beginning or the end of the communication2 and 7ii7 is made both in-- 7,i7 a written format that meets the requirements of subparagraph 7,a7 and appears for at least #d seconds2 and 7,,ii7 an audible format that meets the requirements of subparagraph 7,b74 7,d7 ,other communications ,in the case of any other type of communication1 the statement is at least as clear and conspicuous as the statement specified in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 or 7,c74 4 7#b7 ,nonapplication of certain exceptions ,the exceptions provided in section #aaj4aa7;f77#a77;i7 and 7ii7 of title #aa1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor to such rules1 shall have no application to qualified internet or digital communications 7as defined in section #cjd7;f77#c77;,d7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga74 7c7 ,modification of additional requirements for certain communications ,section #cah7;d7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;d77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a77;,a7-- 7,a7 by striking which is transmitted through radio and inserting which is in an audio format2 and 7,b7 by striking ,by radio in the heading and inserting ,audio format2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#a77;,b7-- 7,a7 by striking which is transmitted through television and inserting which is in video format2 and 7,b7 by striking ,by television in the heading and inserting ,video format2 and 7#c7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 by striking transmitted through radio or television and inserting made in audio or video format2 and 7,b7 by striking through television in the second sentence and inserting in video format4 #dbjh4 ,political record requirements for online platforms 7a7 ,in general ,section #cjd of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7j7 ,disclosure of certain online advertisements 7#a7 ,in general 7,a7 ,requirements for online platforms ,an online platform shall maintain1 and make available for online public inspection in machine readable format1 a complete record of any request to purchase on such online platform a qualified political advertisement which is made by a person whose aggregate requests to purchase qualified political advertisements on such online platform during the calendar year exceeds #ejj4 7,b7 ,requirements for advertisers ,any person who requests to purchase a qualified political advertisement on an online platform shall provide the online platform with such information as is necessary for the online platform to comply with the requirements of subparagraph 7,a74 7#b7 ,contents of record ,a record maintained under paragraph 7#a77;,a7 shall contain-- 7,a7 a digital copy of the qualified political advertisement2 7,b7 a description of the audience targeted by the advertisement1 the number of views generated from the advertisement1 and the date and time that the advertisement is first displayed and last displayed2 and 7,c7 information regarding-- 7i7 the average rate charged for the advertisement2 7ii7 the name of the candidate to which the advertisement refers and the office to which the candidate is seeking election1 the election to which the advertisement refers1 or the national legislative issue to which the advertisement refers 7as applicable72 7iii7 in the case of a request made by1 or on behalf of1 a candidate1 the name of the candidate1 the authorized committee of the candidate1 and the treasurer of such committee2 and 7iv7 in the case of any request not described in clause 7iii71 the name of the person purchasing the advertisement1 the name1 address1 and phone number of a contact person for such person1 and a list of the chief executive officers or members of the executive committee or of the board of directors of such person4 7#c7 ,online platform ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term online platform means any public-facing website1 web application1 or digital application 7including a social network1 ad network1 or search engine7 which-- 7,a7 sells qualified political advertisements2 and 7,b7 has #ej1jjj1jjj or more unique monthly ,united ,states visitors or users for a majority of months during the preceding #ab months4 7#d7 ,qualified political advertisement 7,a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term qualified political advertisement means any advertisement 7including search engine marketing1 display advertisements1 video advertisements1 native advertisements1 and sponsorships7 that-- 7i7 is made by or on behalf of a candidate2 or 7ii7 communicates a message relating to any political matter of national importance1 including-- 7,i7 a candidate2 7,,ii7 any election to ,federal office2 or 7,,iii7 a national legislative issue of public importance4 7#e7 ,time to maintain file ,the information required under this subsection shall be made available as soon as possible and shall be retained by the online platform for a period of not less than #d years4 7#f7 ,penalties ,for penalties for failure by online platforms1 and persons requesting to purchase a qualified political advertisement on online platforms1 to comply with the requirements of this subsection1 see section #cji4 4 7b7 ,rulemaking ,not later than #ij days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,federal ,election ,commission shall establish rules-- 7#a7 requiring common data formats for the record required to be maintained under section #cjd7;j7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7as added by subsection 7a77 so that all online platforms submit and maintain data online in a common1 machine-readable and publicly accessible format2 and 7#b7 establishing search interface requirements relating to such record1 including searches by candidate name1 issue1 purchaser1 and date4 7c7 ,reporting ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 and biannually thereafter1 the ,chairman of the ,federal ,election ,commission shall submit a report to ,congress on-- 7#a7 matters relating to compliance with and the enforcement of the requirements of section #cjd7;j7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga1 as added by subsection 7a72 7#b7 recommendations for any modifications to such section to assist in carrying out its purposes2 and 7#c7 identifying ways to bring transparency and accountability to political advertisements distributed online for free4 #dbji4 ,preventing contributions1 expenditures1 independent expenditures1 and disbursements for electioneering communications by foreign nationals in the form of online advertising ,section #cai of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaba71 as amended by section #daja7;b71 is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7d7 ,responsibilities of broadcast stations1 providers of cable and satellite television1 and online platforms ,each television or radio broadcast station1 provider of cable or satellite television1 or online platform 7as defined in section #cjd7;j77#c77 shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that communications described in section #cah7;a7 and made available by such station1 provider1 or platform are not purchased by a foreign national1 directly or indirectly4 4 ,d ,stand ,by ,every ,ad #dcja4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,stand ,by ,every ,ad ,act4 #dcjb4 ,stand ,by ,every ,ad 7a7 ,expanded disclaimer requirements for certain communications ,section #cah of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj71 as amended by section #dbjg7;b77#a71 is further amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7e7 as subsection 7f72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7d7 the following new subsection3 7e7 ,expanded disclaimer requirements for communications not authorized by candidates or committees 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#f71 any communication described in paragraph 7#c7 of subsection 7a7 which is transmitted in an audio or video format 7including an internet or digital communication71 or which is an internet or digital communication transmitted in a text or graphic format1 shall include1 in addition to the requirements of paragraph 7#c7 of subsection 7a71 the following3 7,a7 ,the individual disclosure statement described in paragraph 7#b77;,a7 7if the person paying for the communication is an individual7 or the organizational disclosure statement described in paragraph 7#b77;,b7 7if the person paying for the communication is not an individual74 7,b7 ,if the communication is transmitted in a video format1 or is an internet or digital communication which is transmitted in a text or graphic format1 and is paid for in whole or in part with a payment which is treated as a campaign-related disbursement under section #cbd1 the ,top ,five ,funders list 7if applicable71 unless1 on the basis of criteria established in regulations issued by the ,commission1 the communication is of such short duration that including the ,top ,five ,funders list in the communication would constitute a hardship to the person paying for the communication by requiring a disproportionate amount of the content of the communication to consist of the ,top ,five ,funders list4 7,c7 ,if the communication is transmitted in an audio format and is paid for in whole or in part with a payment which is treated as a campaign-related disbursement under section #cbd1 the ,top ,two ,funders list 7if applicable71 unless1 on the basis of criteria established in regulations issued by the ,commission1 the communication is of such short duration that including the ,top ,two ,funders list in the communication would constitute a hardship to the person paying for the communication by requiring a disproportionate amount of the content of the communication to consist of the ,top ,two ,funders list4 7#b7 ,disclosure statements described 7,a7 ,individual disclosure statements ,the individual disclosure statement described in this subparagraph is the following3 ,i am 1 and ,i approve this message41 with the blank filled in with the name of the applicable individual4 7,b7 ,organizational disclosure statements ,the organizational disclosure statement described in this subparagraph is the following3 ,i am 1 the of 1 and approves this message41 with-- 7i7 the first blank to be filled in with the name of the applicable individual2 7ii7 the second blank to be filled in with the title of the applicable individual2 and 7iii7 the third and fourth blank each to be filled in with the name of the organization or other person paying for the communication4 7#c7 ,method of conveyance of statement 7,a7 ,communications in text or graphic format ,in the case of a communication to which this subsection applies which is transmitted in a text or graphic format1 the disclosure statements required under paragraph 7#a7 shall appear in letters at least as large as the majority of the text in the communication4 7,b7 ,communications transmitted in audio format ,in the case of a communication to which this subsection applies which is transmitted in an audio format1 the disclosure statements required under paragraph 7#a7 shall be made by audio by the applicable individual in a clear and conspicuous manner4 7,c7 ,communications transmitted in video format ,in the case of a communication to which this subsection applies which is transmitted in a video format1 the information required under paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 shall appear in writing at the end of the communication or in a crawl along the bottom of the communication in a clear and conspicuous manner1 with a reasonable degree of color contrast between the background and the printed statement1 for a period of at least #f seconds2 and 7ii7 shall also be conveyed by an unobscured1 full-screen view of the applicable individual or by the applicable individual making the statement in voice-over accompanied by a clearly identifiable photograph or similar image of the individual1 except in the case of a ,top ,five ,funders list4 7#d7 ,applicable individual defined ,the term applicable individual means1 with respect to a communication to which this subsection applies-- 7,a7 if the communication is paid for by an individual1 the individual involved2 7,b7 if the communication is paid for by a corporation1 the chief executive officer of the corporation 7or1 if the corporation does not have a chief executive officer1 the highest ranking official of the corporation72 7,c7 if the communication is paid for by a labor organization1 the highest ranking officer of the labor organization2 and 7,d7 if the communication is paid for by any other person1 the highest ranking official of such person4 7#e7 ,top ,five ,funders list and ,top ,two ,funders list defined 7,a7 ,top ,five ,funders list ,the term ,top ,five ,funders list means1 with respect to a communication which is paid for in whole or in part with a campaign-related disbursement 7as defined in section #cbd71 a list of the five persons who1 during the #ab-month period ending on the date of the disbursement1 provided the largest payments of any type in an aggregate amount equal to or exceeding #aj1jjj to the person who is paying for the communication and the amount of the payments each such person provided4 ,if two or more people provided the fifth largest of such payments1 the person paying for the communication shall select one of those persons to be included on the ,top ,five ,funders list4 7,b7 ,top ,two ,funders list ,the term ,top ,two ,funders list means1 with respect to a communication which is paid for in whole or in part with a campaign-related disbursement 7as defined in section #cbd71 a list of the persons who1 during the #ab-month period ending on the date of the disbursement1 provided the largest and the second largest payments of any type in an aggregate amount equal to or exceeding #aj1jjj to the person who is paying for the communication and the amount of the payments each such person provided4 ,if two or more persons provided the second largest of such payments1 the person paying for the communication shall select one of those persons to be included on the ,top ,two ,funders list4 7,c7 ,exclusion of certain payments ,for purposes of subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 in determining the amount of payments made by a person to a person paying for a communication1 there shall be excluded the following3 7i7 ,any amounts provided in the ordinary course of any trade or business conducted by the person paying for the communication or in the form of investments in the person paying for the communication4 7ii7 ,any payment which the person prohibited1 in writing1 from being used for campaign-related disbursements1 but only if the person paying for the communication agreed to follow the prohibition and deposited the payment in an account which is segregated from any account used to make campaign-related disbursements4 7#f7 ,exception for communications paid for by political parties and certain political committees ,this subsection does not apply to any communication to which subsection 7d77#b7 applies4 4 7b7 ,application of expanded requirements to public communications consisting of campaign-,related disbursements ,section #cah7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;a77 is amended by striking for the purpose of financing communications expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate and inserting for a campaign-related disbursement1 as defined in section #cbd1 consisting of a public communication4 7c7 ,exception for communications paid for by political parties and certain political committees ,section #cah7;d77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;d77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the heading1 by striking ,others and inserting certain political committees2 7#b7 by striking ,any communication and inserting 7,a7 ,any communication2 7#c7 by inserting which 7except to the extent provided in subparagraph 7,b77 is paid for by a political committee 7including a political committee of a political party7 and after subsection 7a72 7#d7 by striking or other person each place it appears2 and 7#e7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,b7 7i7 ,this paragraph does not apply to a communication paid for in whole or in part during a calendar year with a campaign-related disbursement1 but only if the covered organization making the campaign-related disbursement made campaign-related disbursements 7as defined in section #cbd7 aggregating more than #aj1jjj during such calendar year4 7ii7 ,for purposes of clause 7i71 in determining the amount of campaign-related disbursements made by a covered organization during a year1 there shall be excluded the following3 7,i7 ,any amounts received by the covered organization in the ordinary course of any trade or business conducted by the covered organization or in the form of investments in the covered organization4 7,,ii7 ,any amounts received by the covered organization from a person who prohibited1 in writing1 the organization from using such amounts for campaign-related disbursements1 but only if the covered organization agreed to follow the prohibition and deposited the amounts in an account which is segregated from any account used to make campaign-related disbursements4 4 #dcjc4 ,disclaimer requirements for communications made through prerecorded telephone calls 7a7 ,application of requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cah7;a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;a771 as amended by section #dbje7;c71 is amended by inserting after public communication each place it appears the following3 7including a telephone call consisting in substantial part of a prerecorded audio message74 7#b7 ,application to communications subject to expanded disclaimer requirements ,section #cah7;e77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;e77#a771 as added by section #dcjb7;a71 is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a7 by striking which is transmitted in an audio or video format and inserting which is transmitted in an audio or video format or which consists of a telephone call consisting in substantial part of a prerecorded audio message4 7b7 ,treatment as communication transmitted in audio format 7#a7 ,communications by candidates or authorized persons ,section #cah7;d7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;d77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,prerecorded telephone calls ,any communication described in paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 or 7#c7 of subsection 7a7 7other than a communication which is subject to subsection 7e77 which is a telephone call consisting in substantial part of a prerecorded audio message shall include1 in addition to the requirements of such paragraph1 the audio statement required under subparagraph 7,a7 of paragraph 7#a7 or the audio statement required under paragraph 7#b7 7whichever is applicable71 except that the statement shall be made at the beginning of the telephone call4 4 7#b7 ,communications subject to expanded disclaimer requirements ,section #cah7;e77#c7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabj7;e77#c771 as added by section #dcjb7;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,c7 ,prerecorded telephone calls ,in the case of a communication to which this subsection applies which is a telephone call consisting in substantial part of a prerecorded audio message1 the communication shall be considered to be transmitted in an audio format4 4 #dcjd4 ,no expansion of persons subject to disclaimer requirements on internet communications ,nothing in this subtitle or the amendments made by this subtitle may be construed to require any person who is not required under section #cah of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7as provided under section #aaj4aa of title #aa of the ,code of ,federal ,regulations7 to include a disclaimer on communications made by the person through the internet to include any disclaimer on any such communications4 #dcje4 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to communications made on or after ,january #a1 #bjbj1 and shall take effect without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated regulations to carry out such amendments4 ,e ,secret ,money ,transparency #ddja4 ,repeal of restriction of use of funds by ,internal ,revenue ,service to bring transparency to political activity of certain nonprofit organizations ,notwithstanding section #aja of division ,c of ,public ,law #aae-bde1 section #abe of ,division ,e of the ,consolidated ,appropriations ,act1 #bjah shall have no force or effect during fiscal year #bjai4 ,f ,shareholder ,right-,to-,know #deja4 ,repeal of restriction on use of funds by ,securities and ,exchange ,commission to ensure shareholders of corporations have knowledge of corporation political activity ,notwithstanding section #aja of division ,c of ,public ,law #aae-bde1 section #fca of ,division ,e of the ,consolidated ,appropriations ,act1 #bjai shall have no force or effect during fiscal year #bjai4 ,g ,disclosure of ,political ,spending by ,government ,contractors #dfja4 ,repeal of restriction on use of funds to require disclosure of political spending by government contractors ,notwithstanding section #aja of division ,c of ,public ,law #aae-bde1 section #gce of ,division ,e of the ,consolidated ,appropriations ,act1 #bjai shall have no force or effect during fiscal year #bjai4 ,h ,limitation and ,disclosure ,requirements for ,presidential ,inaugural ,committees #dgja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,presidential ,inaugural ,committee ,oversight ,act4 #dgjb4 ,limitations and disclosure of certain donations to1 and disbursements by1 inaugural committees 7a7 ,requirements for ,inaugural ,committees ,title ,,iii of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #cbe4 ,inaugural committees 7a7 ,prohibited donations 7#a7 ,in general ,it shall be unlawful-- 7,a7 for an ,inaugural ,committee-- 7i7 to solicit1 accept1 or receive a donation from a person that is not an individual2 or 7ii7 to solicit1 accept1 or receive a donation from a foreign national2 7,b7 for a person-- 7i7 to make a donation to an ,inaugural ,committee in the name of another person1 or to knowingly authorize his or her name to be used to effect such a donation2 7ii7 to knowingly accept a donation to an ,inaugural ,committee made by a person in the name of another person2 or 7iii7 to convert a donation to an ,inaugural ,committee to personal use as described in paragraph 7#b72 and 7,c7 for a foreign national to1 directly or indirectly1 make a donation1 or make an express or implied promise to make a donation1 to an ,inaugural ,committee4 7#b7 ,conversion of donation to personal use ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a77;,b77iii71 a donation shall be considered to be converted to personal use if any part of the donated amount is used to fulfill a commitment1 obligation1 or expense of a person that would exist irrespective of the responsibilities of the ,inaugural ,committee under chapter #e of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#c7 ,no effect on disbursement of unused funds to nonprofit organizations ,nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit an ,inaugural ,committee from disbursing unused funds to an organization which is described in section #eja7;c77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and is exempt from taxation under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code4 7b7 ,limitation on donations 7#a7 ,in general ,it shall be unlawful for an individual to make donations to an ,inaugural ,committee which1 in the aggregate1 exceed #ej1jjj4 7#b7 ,indexing ,at the beginning of each ,presidential election year 7beginning with #bjbd71 the amount described in paragraph 7#a7 shall be increased by the cumulative percent difference determined in section #cae7;c77#a77;,a7 since the previous ,presidential election year4 ,if any amount after such increase is not a multiple of #a1jjj1 such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of #a1jjj4 7c7 ,disclosure of certain donations and disbursements 7#a7 ,donations over #a1jjj 7,a7 ,in general ,an ,inaugural ,committee shall file with the ,commission a report disclosing any donation by an individual to the committee in an amount of #a1jjj or more not later than #bd hours after the receipt of such donation4 7,b7 ,contents of report ,a report filed under subparagraph 7,a7 shall contain-- 7i7 the amount of the donation2 7ii7 the date the donation is received2 and 7iii7 the name and address of the individual making the donation4 7#b7 ,final report ,not later than the date that is #ij days after the date of the ,presidential inaugural ceremony1 the ,inaugural ,committee shall file with the ,commission a report containing the following information3 7,a7 ,for each donation of money or anything of value made to the committee in an aggregate amount equal to or greater than #bjj-- 7i7 the amount of the donation2 7ii7 the date the donation is received2 and 7iii7 the name and address of the individual making the donation4 7,b7 ,the total amount of all disbursements1 and all disbursements in the following categories3 7i7 ,disbursements made to meet committee operating expenses4 7ii7 ,repayment of all loans4 7iii7 ,donation refunds and other offsets to donations4 7iv7 ,any other disbursements4 7,c7 ,the name and address of each person-- 7i7 to whom a disbursement in an aggregate amount or value in excess of #bjj is made by the committee to meet a committee operating expense1 together with date1 amount1 and purpose of such operating expense2 7ii7 who receives a loan repayment from the committee1 together with the date and amount of such loan repayment2 7iii7 who receives a donation refund or other offset to donations from the committee1 together with the date and amount of such disbursement2 and 7iv7 to whom any other disbursement in an aggregate amount or value in excess of #bjj is made by the committee1 together with the date and amount of such disbursement4 7d7 ,definitions ,for purposes of this section3 7#a7 7,a7 ,the term donation includes-- 7i7 any gift1 subscription1 loan1 advance1 or deposit of money or anything of value made by any person to the committee2 or 7ii7 the payment by any person of compensation for the personal services of another person which are rendered to the committee without charge for any purpose4 7,b7 ,the term donation does not include the value of services provided without compensation by any individual who volunteers on behalf of the committee4 7#b7 ,the term foreign national has the meaning given that term by section #cai7;b74 7#c7 ,the term ,inaugural ,committee has the meaning given that term by section #eja of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code4 4 7b7 ,confirming amendment related to reporting requirements ,section #cjd of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subsection 7h72 and 7#b7 by redesignating subsection 7i7 as subsection 7h74 7c7 ,conforming amendment related to status of committee ,section #eaj of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended to read as follows3 #eaj4 ,disclosure of and prohibition on certain donations ,a committee shall not be considered to be the ,inaugural ,committee for purposes of this chapter unless the committee agrees to1 and meets1 the requirements of section #cbe of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 4 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this ,act shall apply with respect to ,inaugural ,committees established under chapter #e of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code1 for inaugurations held in #bjba and any succeeding year4 ,i ,severability #dhja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,v ,campaign ,finance ,empowerment ,subtitle ,a--,findings ,relating to ,citizens ,united ,decision ,sec4 #ejja4 ,findings relating to ,citizens ,united decision4 ,subtitle ,b--,congressional ,elections ,sec4 #eajj4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,my ,voice ,voucher ,pilot ,program ,sec4 #eaja4 ,establishment of pilot program4 ,sec4 #eajb4 ,voucher program described4 ,sec4 #eajc4 ,reports4 ,sec4 #eajd4 ,definitions4 ,part #b--,small ,dollar ,financing of ,congressional ,election ,campaigns ,sec4 #eaaa4 ,benefits and eligibility requirements for candidates4 ,title ,v--,small ,dollar ,financing of ,congressional ,election ,campaigns ,subtitle ,a--,benefits ,sec4 #eja4 ,benefits for participating candidates4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,procedures for making payments4 ,sec4 #ejc4 ,use of funds4 ,sec4 #ejd4 ,qualified small dollar contributions described4 ,subtitle ,b--,eligibility and ,certification ,sec4 #eaa4 ,eligibility4 ,sec4 #eab4 ,qualifying requirements4 ,sec4 #eac4 ,certification4 ,subtitle ,c--,requirements for ,candidates ,certified as ,participating ,candidates ,sec4 #eba4 ,contribution and expenditure requirements4 ,sec4 #ebb4 ,administration of campaign4 ,sec4 #ebc4 ,preventing unnecessary spending of public funds4 ,sec4 #ebd4 ,remitting unspent funds after election4 ,subtitle ,d--,enhanced ,match ,support ,sec4 #eca4 ,enhanced support for general election4 ,sec4 #ecb4 ,eligibility4 ,sec4 #ecc4 ,amount4 ,sec4 #ecd4 ,waiver of authority to retain portion of unspent funds after election4 ,subtitle ,e--,administrative ,provisions ,sec4 #eda4 ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund4 ,sec4 #edb4 ,reviews and reports by ,government ,accountability ,office4 ,sec4 #edc4 ,administration by ,commission4 ,sec4 #edd4 ,violations and penalties4 ,sec4 #ede4 ,appeals process4 ,sec4 #edf4 ,indexing of amounts4 ,sec4 #edg4 ,election cycle defined4 ,sec4 #eaab4 ,contributions and expenditures by multicandidate and political party committees on behalf of participating candidates4 ,sec4 #eaac4 ,prohibiting use of contributions by participating candidates for purposes other than campaign for election4 ,sec4 #eaad4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,c--,presidential ,elections ,sec4 #ebjj4 ,short title4 ,part #a--,primary ,elections ,sec4 #ebja4 ,increase in and modifications to matching payments4 ,sec4 #ebjb4 ,eligibility requirements for matching payments4 ,sec4 #ebjc4 ,repeal of expenditure limitations4 ,sec4 #ebjd4 ,period of availability of matching payments4 ,sec4 #ebje4 ,examination and audits of matchable contributions4 ,sec4 #ebjf4 ,modification to limitation on contributions for ,presidential primary candidates4 ,part #b--;,general ,elections ,sec4 #ebaa4 ,modification of eligibility requirements for public financing4 ,sec4 #ebab4 ,repeal of expenditure limitations and use of qualified campaign contributions4 ,sec4 #ebac4 ,matching payments and other modifications to payment amounts4 ,sec4 #ebad4 ,increase in limit on coordinated party expenditures4 ,sec4 #ebae4 ,establishment of uniform date for release of payments4 ,sec4 #ebaf4 ,amounts in ,presidential ,election ,campaign ,fund4 ,sec4 #ebag4 ,use of general election payments for general election legal and accounting compliance4 ,part #c--;,effective ,date ,sec4 #ebba4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,d--,personal ,use ,services as ,authorized ,campaign ,expenditures ,sec4 #ecja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #ecjb4 ,treatment of payments for child care and other personal use services as authorized campaign expenditure4 ,subtitle ,e--,severability ,sec4 #edja4 ,severability4 ,a ,findings ,relating to ,citizens ,united ,decision #ejja4 ,findings relating to ,citizens ,united decision ,congress finds the following3 7#a7 ,the ,american ,republic was founded on the principle that all people are created equal1 with rights and responsibilities as citizens to vote1 be represented1 speak1 debate1 and participate in self-government on equal terms regardless of wealth4 ,to secure these rights and responsibilities1 our ,constitution not only protects the equal rights of all ,americans but also provides checks and balances to prevent corruption and prevent concentrated power and wealth from undermining effective self-government4 7#b7 ,the ,supreme ,court's decisions in ,citizens ,united v4 ,federal ,election ,commission1 #eeh ,u4,s4 #caj 7#bjaj7 and ,mc,cutcheon v4 ,,fec1 #egb ,u4,s4 #ahe 7#bjad71 as well as other court decisions1 erroneously invalidated even-handed rules about the spending of money in local1 ,state1 and ,federal elections4 ,these flawed decisions have empowered large corporations1 extremely wealthy individuals1 and special interests to dominate election spending1 corrupt our politics1 and degrade our democracy through tidal waves of unlimited and anonymous spending4 ,these decisions also stand in contrast to a long history of efforts by ,congress and the ,states to regulate money in politics to protect democracy1 and they illustrate a troubling deregulatory trend in campaign finance-related court decisions4 ,additionally1 an unknown amount of foreign money continues to be spent in our political system as subsidiaries of foreign-based corporations and hostile foreign actors sometimes connected to nation-,states work to influence our elections4 7#c7 ,the ,supreme ,court's misinterpretation of the ,constitution to empower monied interests at the expense of the ,american people in elections has seriously eroded over #ajj years of congressional action to promote fairness and protect elections from the toxic influence of money4 7#d7 ,in #aijg1 ,congress passed the ,tillman ,act in response to the concentration of corporate power in the post-,civil ,war ,gilded ,age4 ,the ,act prohibited corporations from making contributions in connection with ,federal elections1 aiming not merely to prevent the subversion of the integrity of the electoral process but ''' to sustain the active1 alert responsibility of the individual citizen in a democracy for the wise conduct of government4 7#e7 ,by #aiaj1 ,congress began passing disclosure requirements and campaign expenditure limits1 and dozens of ,states passed corrupt practices ,acts to prohibit corporate spending in elections4 ,states also enacted campaign spending limits1 and some ,states limited the amount that people could contribute to campaigns4 7#f7 ,in #aidg1 the ,taft-,hartley ,act prohibited corporations and unions from making campaign contributions or other expenditures to influence elections4 ,in #aifb1 a ,presidential commission on election spending recommended spending limits and incentives to increase small contributions from more people4 7#g7 ,the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7,,feca71 as amended in #aigd1 required disclosure of contributions and expenditures1 imposed contribution and expenditure limits for individuals and groups1 set spending limits for campaigns1 candidates1 and groups1 implemented a public funding system for ,presidential campaigns1 and created the ,federal ,election ,commission to oversee and enforce the new rules4 7#h7 ,in the wake of ,citizens ,united and other damaging ,federal court decisions1 ,americans have witnessed an explosion of outside spending in elections4 ,outside spending increased nearly #ijj percent between the #bjjh and #bjaf ,presidential election years4 ,indeed1 the #bjah elections once again made clear the overwhelming political power of wealthy special interests1 to the tune of over #e1jjj1jjj1jjj4 ,and as political entities adapt to a post-,citizens ,united1 post-,mc,cutcheon landscape1 these trends are getting worse1 as evidenced by the experience in the #bjah midterm congressional elections1 where outside spending more than doubled from the previous midterm cycle4 7#i7 ,the torrent of money flowing into our political system has a profound effect on the democratic process for everyday ,americans1 whose voices and policy preferences are increasingly being drowned out by those of wealthy special interests4 ,the more campaign cash from wealthy special interests can flood our elections1 the more policies that favor those interests are reflected in the national political agenda4 ,when it comes to policy preferences1 our ,nation's wealthiest tend to have fundamentally different views than do average ,americans when it comes to issues ranging from unemployment benefits to the minimum wage to health care coverage4 7#aj7 ,the ,court has tied the hands of ,congress and the ,states1 severely restricting them from setting reasonable limits on campaign spending4 ,for example1 the ,court has held that only the ,government's interest in preventing quid pro quo corruption1 like bribery1 or the appearance of such corruption1 can justify limits on campaign contributions4 ,more broadly1 the ,court has severely curtailed attempts to reduce the ability of the ,nation's wealthiest and most powerful to skew our democracy in their favor by buying outsized influence in our elections4 ,because this distortion of the ,constitution has prevented truly meaningful regulation or reform of the way we finance elections in ,america1 a constitutional amendment is needed to achieve a democracy for all the people4 7#aa7 ,since the landmark ,citizens ,united decision1 #ai ,states and nearly #hjj municipalities1 including large cities like ,new ,york1 ,los ,angeles1 ,chicago1 and ,philadelphia1 have gone on record supporting a constitutional amendment4 ,transcending political leanings and geographic location1 voters in ,states and municipalities across the country that have placed amendment questions on the ballot have routinely supported these initiatives by considerably large margins4 7#ab7 ,at the same time millions of ,americans have signed petitions1 marched1 called their ,members of ,congress1 written letters to the editor1 and otherwise demonstrated their public support for a constitutional amendment to overturn ,citizens ,united that will allow ,congress to reign in the outsized influence of unchecked money in politics4 ,dozens of organizations1 representing tens of millions of individuals1 have come together in a shared strategy of supporting such an amendment4 7#ac7 ,in order to protect the integrity of democracy and the electoral process and to ensure political equality for all1 the ,constitution should be amended so that ,congress and the ,states may regulate and set limits on the raising and spending of money to influence elections and may distinguish between natural persons and artificial entities1 like corporations1 that are created by law1 including by prohibiting such artificial entities from spending money to influence elections4 ,b ,congressional ,elections #eajj4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,government ,by the ,people ,act of #bjai4 #a ,my ,voice ,voucher ,pilot ,program #eaja4 ,establishment of pilot program 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,federal ,election ,commission 7hereafter in this part referred to as the ,commission7 shall establish a pilot program under which the ,commission shall select #c eligible ,states to operate a voucher pilot program which is described in section #eajb during the program operation period4 7b7 ,eligibility of ,states ,a ,state is eligible to be selected to operate a voucher pilot program under this part if1 not later than #ahj days after the beginning of the program application period1 the ,state submits to the ,commission an application containing-- 7#a7 information and assurances that the ,state will operate a voucher program which contains the elements described in section #eajb7;a72 7#b7 information and assurances that the ,state will establish fraud prevention mechanisms described in section #eajb7;b72 7#c7 information and assurances that the ,state will establish a commission to oversee and implement the program as described in section #eajb7;c72 7#d7 information and assurances that the ,state will carry out a public information campaign as described in section #eajb7;d72 7#e7 information and assurances that the ,state will submit reports as required under section #eajc2 and 7#f7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7c7 ,selection of participating ,states 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the beginning of the program application period1 the ,commission shall select the #c ,states which will operate voucher pilot programs under this part4 7#b7 ,criteria ,in selecting ,states for the operation of the voucher pilot programs under this part1 the ,commission shall apply such criteria and metrics as the ,commission considers appropriate to determine the ability of a ,state to operate the program successfully1 and shall attempt to select ,states in a variety of geographic regions and with a variety of political party preferences4 7#c7 ,no supermajority required for selection ,the selection of ,states by the ,commission under this subsection shall require the approval of only half of the ,members of the ,commission4 7d7 ,duties of ,states during program preparation period ,during the program preparation period1 each ,state selected to operate a voucher pilot program under this part shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that the ,state will be ready to operate the program during the program operation period1 and shall complete such actions not later than #ij days before the beginning of the program operation period4 7e7 ,termination ,each voucher pilot program under this part shall terminate as of the first day after the program operation period4 7f7 ,reimbursement of ,costs ,upon receiving the report submitted by a ,state under section #eajc7;a7 with respect to an election cycle1 the ,commission shall transmit a payment to the ,state in an amount equal to the reasonable costs incurred by the ,state in operating the voucher pilot program under this part during the cycle4 #eajb4 ,voucher program described 7a7 ,general elements of program 7#a7 ,elements described ,the elements of a voucher pilot program operated by a ,state under this part are as follows3 7,a7 ,the ,state shall provide each qualified individual upon the individual's request with a voucher worth #be to be known as a ,my ,voice ,voucher during the election cycle which will be assigned a routing number and which at the option of the individual will be provided in either paper or electronic form4 7,b7 ,using the routing number assigned to the ,my ,voice ,voucher1 the individual may submit the ,my ,voice ,voucher in either electronic or paper form to qualified candidates for election for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress and allocate such portion of the value of the ,my ,voice ,voucher in increments of #e as the individual may select to any such candidate4 7,c7 ,if the candidate transmits the ,my ,voice ,voucher to the ,commission1 the ,commission shall pay the candidate the portion of the value of the ,my ,voice ,voucher that the individual allocated to the candidate1 which shall be considered a contribution by the individual to the candidate for purposes of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 7#b7 ,designation of qualified individuals ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a77;,a71 a qualified individual with respect to a ,state means an individual-- 7,a7 who is a resident of the ,state2 7,b7 who will be of voting age as of the date of the election for the candidate to whom the individual submits a ,my ,voice ,voucher2 and 7,c7 who is not prohibited under ,federal law from making contributions to candidates for election for ,federal office4 7#c7 ,treatment as contribution to candidate ,for purposes of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga1 the submission of a ,my ,voice ,voucher to a candidate by an individual shall be treated as a contribution to the candidate by the individual in the amount of the portion of the value of the ,voucher that the individual allocated to the candidate4 7b7 ,fraud prevention mechanism ,in addition to the elements described in subsection 7a71 a ,state operating a voucher pilot program under this part shall permit an individual to revoke a ,my ,voice ,voucher not later than #b days after submitting the ,my ,voice ,voucher to a candidate4 7c7 ,oversight commission ,in addition to the elements described in subsection 7a71 a ,state operating a voucher pilot program under this part shall establish a commission or designate an existing entity to oversee and implement the program in the ,state1 except that no such commission or entity may be comprised of elected officials4 7d7 ,public information campaign ,in addition to the elements described in subsection 7a71 a ,state operating a voucher pilot program under this part shall carry out a public information campaign to disseminate awareness of the program among qualified individuals4 #eajc4 ,reports 7a7 ,preliminary report ,not later than #f months after the first election cycle of the program operation period1 a ,state which operates a voucher pilot program under this part shall submit a report to the ,commission analyzing the operation and effectiveness of the program during the cycle and including such other information as the ,commission may require4 7b7 ,final report ,not later than #f months after the end of the program operation period1 the ,state shall submit a final report to the ,commission analyzing the operation and effectiveness of the program and including such other information as the ,commission may require4 7c7 ,report by ,commission ,not later than the end of the first election cycle which begins after the program operation period1 the ,commission shall submit a report to ,congress which summarizes and analyzes the results of the voucher pilot program1 and shall include in the report such recommendations as the ,commission considers appropriate regarding the expansion of the pilot program to all ,states and territories1 along with such other recommendations and other information as the ,commission considers appropriate4 #eajd4 ,definitions 7a7 ,election cycle ,in this part1 the term election cycle means the period beginning on the day after the date of the most recent regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office and ending on the date of the next regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office4 7b7 ,definitions relating to periods ,in this part1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,program application period ,the term program application period means the first election cycle which begins after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,program preparation period ,the term program preparation period means the first election cycle which begins after the program application period4 7#c7 ,program operation period ,the term program operation period means the first #b election cycles which begin after the program preparation period4 #b ,small ,dollar ,financing of ,congressional ,election ,campaigns #eaaa4 ,benefits and eligibility requirements for candidates ,the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 ,v ,small ,dollar ,financing of ,congressional ,election ,campaigns ,a ,benefits #eja4 ,benefits for participating candidates 7a7 ,in general ,if a candidate for election to the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress is certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to an election for such office1 the candidate shall be entitled to payments as provided under this title4 7b7 ,amount of payment ,the amount of a payment made under this title shall be equal to #fjj percent of the amount of qualified small dollar contributions received by the candidate since the most recent payment made to the candidate under this title during the election cycle1 without regard to whether or not the candidate received any of the contributions before1 during1 or after the ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period applicable to the candidate under section #eaa7;c74 7c7 ,limit on aggregate amount of payments ,the aggregate amount of payments made to a participating candidate with respect to an election cycle under this title may not exceed #ej percent of the average of the #bj greatest amounts of disbursements made by the authorized committees of any winning candidate for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress during the most recent election cycle1 rounded to the nearest #ajj1jjj4 #ejb4 ,procedures for making payments 7a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall make a payment under section #eja to a candidate who is certified as a participating candidate upon receipt from the candidate of a request for a payment which includes-- 7#a7 a statement of the number and amount of qualified small dollar contributions received by the candidate since the most recent payment made to the candidate under this title during the election cycle2 7#b7 a statement of the amount of the payment the candidate anticipates receiving with respect to the request2 7#c7 a statement of the total amount of payments the candidate has received under this title as of the date of the statement2 and 7#d7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7b7 ,restrictions on submission of requests ,a candidate may not submit a request under subsection 7a7 unless each of the following applies3 7#a7 ,the amount of the qualified small dollar contributions in the statement referred to in subsection 7a77#a7 is equal to or greater than #e1jjj1 unless the request is submitted during the #cj-;day period which ends on the date of a general election4 7#b7 ,the candidate did not receive a payment under this title during the #g-;day period which ends on the date the candidate submits the request4 7c7 ,time of payment ,the ,commission shall1 in coordination with the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that the ,secretary is able to make payments under this section from the ,treasury not later than #b business days after the receipt of a request submitted under subsection 7a74 #ejc4 ,use of funds 7a7 ,use of funds for authorized campaign expenditures ,a candidate shall use payments made under this title1 including payments provided with respect to a previous election cycle which are withheld from remittance to the ,commission in accordance with section #ebd7;a77#b71 only for making direct payments for the receipt of goods and services which constitute authorized expenditures 7as determined in accordance with title ,,iii7 in connection with the election cycle involved4 7b7 ,prohibiting use of funds for legal expenses1 fines1 or penalties ,notwithstanding title ,,iii1 a candidate may not use payments made under this title for the payment of expenses incurred in connection with any action1 claim1 or other matter before the ,commission or before any court1 hearing officer1 arbitrator1 or other dispute resolution entity1 or for the payment of any fine or civil monetary penalty4 #ejd4 ,qualified small dollar contributions described 7a7 ,in general ,in this title1 the term qualified small dollar contribution means1 with respect to a candidate and the authorized committees of a candidate1 a contribution that meets the following requirements3 7#a7 ,the contribution is in an amount that is-- 7,a7 not less than #a2 and 7,b7 not more than #bjj4 7#b7 7,a7 ,the contribution is made directly by an individual to the candidate or an authorized committee of the candidate and is not-- 7i7 forwarded from the individual making the contribution to the candidate or committee by another person2 or 7ii7 received by the candidate or committee with the knowledge that the contribution was made at the request1 suggestion1 or recommendation of another person4 7,b7 ,in this paragraph-- 7i7 the term person does not include an individual 7other than an individual described in section #cjd7;i77#g7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga71 a political committee of a political party1 or any political committee which is not a separate segregated fund described in section #caf7;b7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga and which does not make independent expenditures1 does not engage in lobbying activity under the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #afja et seq471 and is not established by1 controlled by1 or affiliated with a registered lobbyist under such ,act1 an agent of a registered lobbyist under such ,act1 or an organization which retains or employs a registered lobbyist under such ,act2 and 7ii7 a contribution is not made at the request1 suggestion1 or recommendation of another person solely on the grounds that the contribution is made in response to information provided to the individual making the contribution by any person1 so long as the candidate or authorized committee does not know the identity of the person who provided the information to such individual4 7#c7 ,the individual who makes the contribution does not make contributions to the candidate or the authorized committees of the candidate with respect to the election involved in an aggregate amount that exceeds the amount described in paragraph 7#a77;,b71 or any contribution to the candidate or the authorized committees of the candidate with respect to the election involved that otherwise is not a qualified small dollar contribution4 7b7 ,treatment of my voice vouchers ,any payment received by a candidate and the authorized committees of a candidate which consists of a ,my ,voice ,voucher under the ,government ,by the ,people ,act of #bjai shall be considered a qualified small dollar contribution for purposes of this title1 so long as the individual making the payment meets the requirements of paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 of subsection 7a74 7c7 ,restriction on subsequent contributions 7#a7 ,prohibiting donor from making subsequent nonqualified contributions during election cycle 7,a7 ,in general ,an individual who makes a qualified small dollar contribution to a candidate or the authorized committees of a candidate with respect to an election may not make any subsequent contribution to such candidate or the authorized committees of such candidate with respect to the election cycle which is not a qualified small dollar contribution4 7,b7 ,exception for contributions to candidates who voluntarily withdraw from participation during qualifying period ,subparagraph 7,a7 does not apply with respect to a contribution made to a candidate who1 during the ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period described in section #eaa7;c71 submits a statement to the ,commission under section #eac7;c7 to voluntarily withdraw from participating in the program under this title4 7#b7 ,treatment of subsequent nonqualified contributions ,if1 notwithstanding the prohibition described in paragraph 7#a71 an individual who makes a qualified small dollar contribution to a candidate or the authorized committees of a candidate with respect to an election makes a subsequent contribution to such candidate or the authorized committees of such candidate with respect to the election which is prohibited under paragraph 7#a7 because it is not a qualified small dollar contribution1 the candidate may take one of the following actions3 7,a7 ,not later than #b weeks after receiving the contribution1 the candidate may return the subsequent contribution to the individual4 ,in the case of a subsequent contribution which is not a qualified small dollar contribution because the contribution fails to meet the requirements of paragraph 7#c7 of subsection 7a7 7relating to the aggregate amount of contributions made to the candidate or the authorized committees of the candidate by the individual making the contribution71 the candidate may return an amount equal to the difference between the amount of the subsequent contribution and the amount described in paragraph 7#a77;,b7 of subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,the candidate may retain the subsequent contribution1 so long as not later than #b weeks after receiving the subsequent contribution1 the candidate remits to the ,commission for deposit in the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund under section #eda an amount equal to any payments received by the candidate under this title which are attributable to the qualified small dollar contribution made by the individual involved4 7#c7 ,no effect on ability to make multiple contributions ,nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit an individual from making multiple qualified small dollar contributions to any candidate or any number of candidates1 so long as each contribution meets each of the requirements of paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c7 of subsection 7a74 7d7 ,notification requirements for candidates 7#a7 ,notification ,each authorized committee of a candidate who seeks to be a participating candidate under this title shall provide the following information in any materials for the solicitation of contributions1 including any internet site through which individuals may make contributions to the committee3 7,a7 ,a statement that if the candidate is certified as a participating candidate under this title1 the candidate will receive matching payments in an amount which is based on the total amount of qualified small dollar contributions received4 7,b7 ,a statement that a contribution which meets the requirements set forth in subsection 7a7 shall be treated as a qualified small dollar contribution under this title4 7,c7 ,a statement that if a contribution is treated as qualified small dollar contribution under this title1 the individual who makes the contribution may not make any contribution to the candidate or the authorized committees of the candidate during the election cycle which is not a qualified small dollar contribution4 7#b7 ,alternative methods of meeting requirements ,an authorized committee may meet the requirements of paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 by including the information described in paragraph 7#a7 in the receipt provided under section #eab7;b77#c7 to a person making a qualified small dollar contribution2 or 7,b7 by modifying the information it provides to persons making contributions which is otherwise required under title ,,iii 7including information it provides through the internet74 ,b ,eligibility and ,certification #eaa4 ,eligibility 7a7 ,in general ,a candidate for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress is eligible to be certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to an election if the candidate meets the following requirements3 7#a7 ,the candidate files with the ,commission a statement of intent to seek certification as a participating candidate4 7#b7 ,the candidate meets the qualifying requirements of section #eab4 7#c7 ,the candidate files with the ,commission a statement certifying that the authorized committees of the candidate meet the requirements of section #ejd7;d74 7#d7 ,not later than the last day of the ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period1 the candidate files with the ,commission an affidavit signed by the candidate and the treasurer of the candidate's principal campaign committee declaring that the candidate-- 7,a7 has complied and1 if certified1 will comply with the contribution and expenditure requirements of section #eba2 7,b7 if certified1 will run only as a participating candidate for all elections for the office that such candidate is seeking during that election cycle2 and 7,c7 has either qualified or will take steps to qualify under ,state law to be on the ballot4 7b7 ,general election ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 a candidate shall not be eligible to be certified as a participating candidate under this title for a general election or a general runoff election unless the candidate's party nominated the candidate to be placed on the ballot for the general election or the candidate is otherwise qualified to be on the ballot under ,state law4 7c7 ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period ,defined ,the term ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period means1 with respect to any candidate for an office1 the #ahj-;day period 7during the election cycle for such office7 which begins on the date on which the candidate files a statement of intent under section #eaa7;a77#a71 except that such period may not continue after the date that is #cj days before the date of the general election for the office4 #eab4 ,qualifying requirements 7a7 ,receipt of qualified small dollar contributions ,a candidate for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress meets the requirement of this section if1 during the ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period described in section #eaa7;c71 each of the following occurs3 7#a7 ,not fewer than #a1jjj individuals make a qualified small dollar contribution to the candidate4 7#b7 ,the candidate obtains a total dollar amount of qualified small dollar contributions which is equal to or greater than #ej1jjj4 7b7 ,requirements relating to receipt of qualified small dollar contribution ,each qualified small dollar contribution-- 7#a7 may be made by means of a personal check1 money order1 debit card1 credit card1 electronic payment account1 or any other method deemed appropriate by the ,commission2 7#b7 shall be accompanied by a signed statement 7or1 in the case of a contribution made online or through other electronic means1 an electronic equivalent7 containing the contributor's name and address2 and 7#c7 shall be acknowledged by a receipt that is sent to the contributor with a copy 7in paper or electronic form7 kept by the candidate for the ,commission4 7c7 ,verification of contributions ,the ,commission shall establish procedures for the auditing and verification of the contributions received and expenditures made by participating candidates under this title1 including procedures for random audits1 to ensure that such contributions and expenditures meet the requirements of this title4 #eac4 ,certification 7a7 ,deadline and ,notification 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #e business days after a candidate files an affidavit under section #eaa7;a77#d71 the ,commission shall-- 7,a7 determine whether or not the candidate meets the requirements for certification as a participating candidate2 7,b7 if the ,commission determines that the candidate meets such requirements1 certify the candidate as a participating candidate2 and 7,c7 notify the candidate of the ,commission's determination4 7#b7 ,deemed certification for all elections in election cycle ,if the ,commission certifies a candidate as a participating candidate with respect to the first election of the election cycle involved1 the ,commission shall be deemed to have certified the candidate as a participating candidate with respect to all subsequent elections of the election cycle4 7b7 ,revocation of certification 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,commission shall revoke a certification under subsection 7a7 if-- 7,a7 a candidate fails to qualify to appear on the ballot at any time after the date of certification 7other than a candidate certified as a participating candidate with respect to a primary election who fails to qualify to appear on the ballot for a subsequent election in that election cycle72 7,b7 a candidate ceases to be a candidate for the office involved1 as determined on the basis of an official announcement by an authorized committee of the candidate or on the basis of a reasonable determination by the ,commission2 or 7,c7 a candidate otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of this title1 including any regulatory requirements prescribed by the ,commission4 7#b7 ,existence of criminal sanction ,the ,commission shall revoke a certification under subsection 7a7 if a penalty is assessed against the candidate under section #cji7;d7 with respect to the election4 7#c7 ,effect of revocation ,if a candidate's certification is revoked under this subsection-- 7,a7 the candidate may not receive payments under this title during the remainder of the election cycle involved2 and 7,b7 in the case of a candidate whose certification is revoked pursuant to subparagraph 7,a7 or subparagraph 7,c7 of paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 the candidate shall repay to the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established under section #eda an amount equal to the payments received under this title with respect to the election cycle involved plus interest 7at a rate determined by the ,commission on the basis of an appropriate annual percentage rate for the month involved7 on any such amount received2 and 7ii7 the candidate may not be certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to the next election cycle4 7#d7 ,prohibiting participation in future elections for candidates with multiple revocations ,if the ,commission revokes the certification of an individual as a participating candidate under this title pursuant to subparagraph 7,a7 or subparagraph 7,c7 of paragraph 7#a7 a total of #c times1 the individual may not be certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to any subsequent election4 7c7 ,voluntary withdrawal from participating during qualifying period ,at any time during the ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period described in section #eaa7;c71 a candidate may withdraw from participation in the program under this title by submitting to the ,commission a statement of withdrawal 7without regard to whether or not the ,commission has certified the candidate as a participating candidate under this title as of the time the candidate submits such statement71 so long as the candidate has not submitted a request for payment under section #ejb4 7d7 ,participating ,candidate defined ,in this title1 a participating candidate means a candidate for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress who is certified under this section as eligible to receive benefits under this title4 ,c ,requirements for ,candidates ,certified as ,participating ,candidates #eba4 ,contribution and expenditure requirements 7a7 ,permitted sources of contributions and expenditures ,except as provided in subsection 7c71 a participating candidate with respect to an election shall1 with respect to all elections occurring during the election cycle for the office involved1 accept no contributions from any source and make no expenditures from any amounts1 other than the following3 7#a7 ,qualified small dollar contributions4 7#b7 ,payments under this title4 7#c7 ,contributions from political committees established and maintained by a national or ,state political party1 subject to the applicable limitations of section #cae4 7#d7 ,subject to subsection 7b71 personal funds of the candidate or of any immediate family member of the candidate 7other than funds received through qualified small dollar contributions74 7#e7 ,contributions from individuals who are otherwise permitted to make contributions under this ,act1 subject to the applicable limitations of section #cae1 except that the aggregate amount of contributions a participating candidate may accept from any individual with respect to any election during the election cycle may not exceed #a1jjj4 7#f7 ,contributions from multicandidate political committees1 subject to the applicable limitations of section #cae4 7b7 ,special rules for personal funds 7#a7 ,limit on amount ,a candidate who is certified as a participating candidate may use personal funds 7including personal funds of any immediate family member of the candidate7 so long as-- 7,a7 the aggregate amount used with respect to the election cycle 7including any period of the cycle occurring prior to the candidate's certification as a participating candidate7 does not exceed #ej1jjj2 and 7,b7 the funds are used only for making direct payments for the receipt of goods and services which constitute authorized expenditures in connection with the election cycle involved4 7#b7 ,immediate family member defined ,in this subsection1 the term immediate family member means1 with respect to a candidate-- 7,a7 the candidate's spouse2 7,b7 a child1 stepchild1 parent1 grandparent1 brother1 half-brother1 sister1 or half-sister of the candidate or the candidate's spouse2 and 7,c7 the spouse of any person described in subparagraph 7,b74 7c7 ,exceptions 7#a7 ,exception for contributions received prior to filing of statement of intent ,a candidate who has accepted contributions that are not described in subsection 7a7 is not in violation of subsection 7a71 but only if all such contributions are-- 7,a7 returned to the contributor2 7,b7 submitted to the ,commission for deposit in the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established under section #eda2 or 7,c7 spent in accordance with paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,exception for expenditures made prior to filing of statement of intent ,if a candidate has made expenditures prior to the date the candidate files a statement of intent under section #eaa7;a77#a7 that the candidate is prohibited from making under subsection 7a7 or subsection 7b71 the candidate is not in violation of such subsection if the aggregate amount of the prohibited expenditures is less than the amount referred to in section #eab7;a77#b7 7relating to the total dollar amount of qualified small dollar contributions which the candidate is required to obtain7 which is applicable to the candidate4 7#c7 ,exception for campaign surpluses from a previous election ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 unexpended contributions received by the candidate or an authorized committee of the candidate with respect to a previous election may be retained1 but only if the candidate places the funds in escrow and refrains from raising additional funds for or spending funds from that account during the election cycle in which a candidate is a participating candidate4 7#d7 ,exception for contributions received before the effective date of this title ,contributions received and expenditures made by the candidate or an authorized committee of the candidate prior to the effective date of this title shall not constitute a violation of subsection 7a7 or 7b74 ,unexpended contributions shall be treated the same as campaign surpluses under paragraph 7#c71 and expenditures made shall count against the limit in paragraph 7#b74 7d7 ,special ,rule for ,coordinated ,party ,expenditures ,for purposes of this section1 a payment made by a political party in coordination with a participating candidate shall not be treated as a contribution to or as an expenditure made by the participating candidate4 7e7 ,prohibition on joint fundraising committees 7#a7 ,prohibition ,an authorized committee of a candidate who is certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to an election may not establish a joint fundraising committee with a political committee other than another authorized committee of the candidate4 7#b7 ,status of existing committees for prior elections ,if a candidate established a joint fundraising committee described in paragraph 7#a7 with respect to a prior election for which the candidate was not certified as a participating candidate under this title and the candidate does not terminate the committee1 the candidate shall not be considered to be in violation of paragraph 7#a7 so long as that joint fundraising committee does not receive any contributions or make any disbursements during the election cycle for which the candidate is certified as a participating candidate under this title4 7f7 ,prohibition on ,leadership ,p,a,cs 7#a7 ,prohibition ,a candidate who is certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to an election may not associate with1 establish1 finance1 maintain1 or control a leadership ,,pac4 7#b7 ,status of existing leadership ,p,a,cs ,if a candidate established1 financed1 maintained1 or controlled a leadership ,,pac prior to being certified as a participating candidate under this title and the candidate does not terminate the leadership ,,pac1 the candidate shall not be considered to be in violation of paragraph 7#a7 so long as the leadership ,,pac does not receive any contributions or make any disbursements during the election cycle for which the candidate is certified as a participating candidate under this title4 7#c7 ,leadership ,,pac defined ,in this subsection1 the term leadership ,,pac has the meaning given such term in section #cjd7;i77#h77;,b74 #ebb4 ,administration of campaign 7a7 ,separate accounting for various permitted contributions ,each authorized committee of a candidate certified as a participating candidate under this title-- 7#a7 shall provide for separate accounting of each type of contribution described in section #eba7;a7 which is received by the committee2 and 7#b7 shall provide for separate accounting for the payments received under this title4 7b7 ,enhanced disclosure of information on donors 7#a7 ,mandatory identification of individuals making qualified small dollar contributions ,each authorized committee of a participating candidate under this title shall elect1 in accordance with section #cjd7;b77#c77;,a71 to include in the reports the committee submits under section #cjd the identification of each person who makes a qualified small dollar contribution to the committee4 7#b7 ,mandatory disclosure through ,internet ,each authorized committee of a participating candidate under this title shall ensure that all information reported to the ,commission under this ,act with respect to contributions and expenditures of the committee is available to the public on the internet 7whether through a site established for purposes of this subsection1 a hyperlink on another public site of the committee1 or a hyperlink on a report filed electronically with the ,commission7 in a searchable1 sortable1 and downloadable manner4 #ebc4 ,preventing unnecessary spending of public funds 7a7 ,mandatory spending of available private funds ,an authorized committee of a candidate certified as a participating candidate under this title may not make any expenditure of any payments received under this title in any amount unless the committee has made an expenditure in an equivalent amount of funds received by the committee which are described in paragraphs 7#a71 7#c71 7#d71 7#e71 and 7#f7 of section #eba7;a74 7b7 ,limitation ,subsection 7a7 applies to an authorized committee only to the extent that the funds referred to in such subsection are available to the committee at the time the committee makes an expenditure of a payment received under this title4 #ebd4 ,remitting unspent funds after election 7a7 ,remittance required ,not later than the date that is #ahj days after the last election for which a candidate certified as a participating candidate qualifies to be on the ballot during the election cycle involved1 such participating candidate shall remit to the ,commission for deposit in the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established under section #eda an amount equal to the balance of the payments received under this title by the authorized committees of the candidate which remain unexpended as of such date4 7b7 ,permitting candidates participating in next election cycle ,to retain portion of unspent funds ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 a participating candidate may withhold not more than #ajj1jjj from the amount required to be remitted under subsection 7a7 if the candidate files a signed affidavit with the ,commission that the candidate will seek certification as a participating candidate with respect to the next election cycle1 except that the candidate may not use any portion of the amount withheld until the candidate is certified as a participating candidate with respect to that next election cycle4 ,if the candidate fails to seek certification as a participating candidate prior to the last day of the ,small ,dollar ,democracy qualifying period for the next election cycle 7as described in section #eaa71 or if the ,commission notifies the candidate of the ,commission's determination does not meet the requirements for certification as a participating candidate with respect to such cycle1 the candidate shall immediately remit to the ,commission the amount withheld4 ,d ,enhanced ,match ,support #eca4 ,enhanced support for general election 7a7 ,availability of ,enhanced ,support ,in addition to the payments made under subtitle ,a1 the ,commission shall make an additional payment to an eligible candidate under this subtitle4 7b7 ,use of funds ,a candidate shall use the additional payment under this subtitle only for authorized expenditures in connection with the election involved4 #ecb4 ,eligibility 7a7 ,in ,general ,a candidate is eligible to receive an additional payment under this subtitle if the candidate meets each of the following requirements3 7#a7 ,the candidate is on the ballot for the general election for the office the candidate seeks4 7#b7 ,the candidate is certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to the election4 7#c7 ,during the enhanced support qualifying period1 the candidate receives qualified small dollar contributions in a total amount of not less than #ej1jjj4 7#d7 ,during the enhanced support qualifying period1 the candidate submits to the ,commission a request for the payment which includes-- 7,a7 a statement of the number and amount of qualified small dollar contributions received by the candidate during the enhanced support qualifying period2 7,b7 a statement of the amount of the payment the candidate anticipates receiving with respect to the request2 and 7,c7 such other information and assurances as the ,commission may require4 7#e7 ,after submitting a request for the additional payment under paragraph 7#d71 the candidate does not submit any other application for an additional payment under this subtitle4 7b7 ,enhanced ,support ,qualifying ,period ,described ,in this subtitle1 the term enhanced support qualifying period means1 with respect to a general election1 the period which begins #fj days before the date of the election and ends #ad days before the date of the election4 #ecc4 ,amount 7a7 ,in ,general ,subject to subsection 7b71 the amount of the additional payment made to an eligible candidate under this subtitle shall be an amount equal to #ej percent of-- 7#a7 the amount of the payment made to the candidate under section #eja7;b7 with respect to the qualified small dollar contributions which are received by the candidate during the enhanced support qualifying period 7as included in the request submitted by the candidate under section #ecb7;a77#d772 or 7#b7 in the case of a candidate who is not eligible to receive a payment under section #eja7;b7 with respect to such qualified small dollar contributions because the candidate has reached the limit on the aggregate amount of payments under subtitle ,a for the election cycle under section #eja7;c71 the amount of the payment which would have been made to the candidate under section #eja7;b7 with respect to such qualified small dollar contributions if the candidate had not reached such limit4 7b7 ,limit ,the amount of the additional payment determined under subsection 7a7 with respect to a candidate may not exceed #ejj1jjj4 7c7 ,no ,effect on ,aggregate ,limit ,the amount of the additional payment made to a candidate under this subtitle shall not be included in determining the aggregate amount of payments made to a participating candidate with respect to an election cycle under section #eja7;c74 #ecd4 ,waiver of authority to retain portion of unspent funds after election ,notwithstanding section #ebd7;a77#b71 a candidate who receives an additional payment under this subtitle with respect to an election is not permitted to withhold any portion from the amount of unspent funds the candidate is required to remit to the ,commission under section #ebd7;a77#a74 ,e ,administrative ,provisions #eda4 ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,treasury a fund to be known as the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund4 7b7 ,amounts held by ,fund ,the ,fund shall consist of the following amounts3 7#a7 ,appropriated amounts ,amounts appropriated to the ,fund1 including trust fund amounts appropriated pursuant to applicable provisions of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7#b7 ,other deposits ,amounts deposited into the ,fund under-- 7,a7 section #eba7;c77#a77;,b7 7relating to exceptions to contribution requirements72 7,b7 section #ebc 7relating to remittance of unused payments from the ,fund72 7,c7 section #edd 7relating to violations72 and 7,d7 any other section of this ,act4 7#c7 ,investment returns ,interest on1 and the proceeds from1 the sale or redemption of any obligations held by the ,fund under subsection 7c74 7c7 ,investment ,the ,commission shall invest portions of the ,fund in obligations of the ,united ,states in the same manner as provided under section #ifjb7;b7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7d7 ,use of ,fund 7#a7 ,in general ,amounts in the ,fund shall be available without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation to make payments to participating candidates as provided in this title4 7#b7 ,insufficient amounts ,under regulations established by the ,commission1 rules similar to the rules of section #ijjf7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf shall apply4 #edb4 ,reviews and reports by ,government ,accountability ,office 7a7 ,review of ,small ,dollar financing 7#a7 ,in general ,after each regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a comprehensive review of the ,small ,dollar financing program under this title1 including-- 7,a7 the maximum and minimum dollar amounts of qualified small dollar contributions under section #ejd2 7,b7 the number and value of qualified small dollar contributions a candidate is required to obtain under section #eab7;a7 to be eligible for certification as a participating candidate2 7,c7 the maximum amount of payments a candidate may receive under this title2 7,d7 the overall satisfaction of participating candidates and the ,american public with the program2 and 7,e7 such other matters relating to financing of campaigns as the ,comptroller ,general determines are appropriate4 7#b7 ,criteria for review ,in conducting the review under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,comptroller ,general shall consider the following3 7,a7 ,qualified small dollar contributions ,whether the number and dollar amounts of qualified small dollar contributions required strikes an appropriate balance regarding the importance of voter involvement1 the need to assure adequate incentives for participating1 and fiscal responsibility1 taking into consideration the number of primary and general election participating candidates1 the electoral performance of those candidates1 program cost1 and any other information the ,comptroller ,general determines is appropriate4 7,b7 ,review of payment levels ,whether the totality of the amount of funds allowed to be raised by participating candidates 7including through qualified small dollar contributions7 and payments under this title are sufficient for voters in each ,state to learn about the candidates to cast an informed vote1 taking into account the historic amount of spending by winning candidates1 media costs1 primary election dates1 and any other information the ,comptroller ,general determines is appropriate4 7#c7 ,recommendations for adjustment of amounts ,based on the review conducted under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,comptroller ,general may recommend to ,congress adjustments of the following amounts3 7,a7 ,the number and value of qualified small dollar contributions a candidate is required to obtain under section #eab7;a7 to be eligible for certification as a participating candidate4 7,b7 ,the maximum amount of payments a candidate may receive under this title4 7b7 ,reports ,not later than each ,june #a which follows a regularly scheduled general election for ,federal office for which payments were made under this title1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit to the ,committee on ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives a report-- 7#a7 containing an analysis of the review conducted under subsection 7a71 including a detailed statement of ,comptroller ,general's findings1 conclusions1 and recommendations based on such review1 including any recommendations for adjustments of amounts described in subsection 7a77#c72 and 7#b7 documenting1 evaluating1 and making recommendations relating to the administrative implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this title4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle4 #edc4 ,administration by ,commission ,the ,commission shall prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this title1 including regulations to establish procedures for-- 7#a7 verifying the amount of qualified small dollar contributions with respect to a candidate2 7#b7 effectively and efficiently monitoring and enforcing the limits on the raising of qualified small dollar contributions2 7#c7 effectively and efficiently monitoring and enforcing the limits on the use of personal funds by participating candidates2 and 7#d7 monitoring the use of allocations from the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established under section #eda and matching contributions under this title through audits of not fewer than #a_/aj 7or1 in the case of the first #c election cycles during which the program under this title is in effect1 not fewer than #a_/c7 of all participating candidates or other mechanisms4 #edd4 ,violations and penalties 7a7 ,civil penalty for violation of contribution and expenditure requirements ,if a candidate who has been certified as a participating candidate accepts a contribution or makes an expenditure that is prohibited under section #eba1 the ,commission may assess a civil penalty against the candidate in an amount that is not more than #c times the amount of the contribution or expenditure4 ,any amounts collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund established under section #eda4 7b7 ,repayment for improper use of ,freedom ,from ,influence ,fund 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,commission determines that any payment made to a participating candidate was not used as provided for in this title or that a participating candidate has violated any of the dates for remission of funds contained in this title1 the ,commission shall so notify the candidate and the candidate shall pay to the ,fund an amount equal to-- 7,a7 the amount of payments so used or not remitted1 as appropriate2 and 7,b7 interest on any such amounts 7at a rate determined by the ,commission74 7#b7 ,other action not precluded ,any action by the ,commission in accordance with this subsection shall not preclude enforcement proceedings by the ,commission in accordance with section #cji7;a71 including a referral by the ,commission to the ,attorney ,general in the case of an apparent knowing and willful violation of this title4 7c7 ,prohibiting candidates subject to criminal penalty from qualifying as participating candidates ,a candidate is not eligible to be certified as a participating candidate under this title with respect to an election if a penalty has been assessed against the candidate under section #cji7;d7 with respect to any previous election4 #ede4 ,appeals process 7a7 ,review of ,actions ,any action by the ,commission in carrying out this title shall be subject to review by the ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for the ,district of ,columbia upon petition filed in the ,court not later than #cj days after the ,commission takes the action for which the review is sought4 7b7 ,procedures ,the provisions of chapter #g of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 apply to judicial review under this section4 #edf4 ,indexing of amounts 7a7 ,indexing ,in any calendar year after #bjbd1 section #cae7;c77#a77;,b7 shall apply to each amount described in subsection 7b7 in the same manner as such section applies to the limitations established under subsections 7a77#a77;,a71 7a77#a77;,b71 7a77#c71 and 7h7 of such section1 except that for purposes of applying such section to the amounts described in subsection 7b71 the base period shall be #bjbd4 7b7 ,amounts described ,the amounts described in this subsection are as follows3 7#a7 ,the amount referred to in section #ejb7;b77#a7 7relating to the minimum amount of qualified small dollar contributions included in a request for payment74 7#b7 ,the amounts referred to in section #ejd7;a77#a7 7relating to the amount of a qualified small dollar contribution74 7#c7 ,the amount referred to in section #eab7;a77#b7 7relating to the total dollar amount of qualified small dollar contributions74 7#d7 ,the amount referred to in section #eba7;a77#e7 7relating to the aggregate amount of contributions a participating candidate may accept from any individual with respect to an election74 7#e7 ,the amount referred to in section #eba7;b77#a77;,a7 7relating to the amount of personal funds that may be used by a candidate who is certified as a participating candidate74 7#f7 ,the amounts referred to in section #ebd7;a77#b7 7relating to the amount of unspent funds a candidate may retain for use in the next election cycle74 7#g7 ,the amount referred to in section #ecb7;a77#c7 7relating to the total dollar amount of qualified small dollar contributions for a candidate seeking an additional payment under subtitle ,d74 7#h7 ,the amount referred to in section #ecc7;b7 7relating to the limit on the amount of an additional payment made to a candidate under subtitle ,d74 #edg4 ,election cycle defined ,in this title1 the term election cycle means1 with respect to an election for an office1 the period beginning on the day after the date of the most recent general election for that office 7or1 if the general election resulted in a runoff election1 the date of the runoff election7 and ending on the date of the next general election for that office 7or1 if the general election resulted in a runoff election1 the date of the runoff election74 4 #eaab4 ,contributions and expenditures by multicandidate and political party committees on behalf of participating candidates 7a7 ,authorizing ,contributions ,only ,from ,separate ,accounts ,consisting of ,qualified small dollar contributions ,section #cae7;a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#i7 ,in the case of a multicandidate political committee or any political committee of a political party1 the committee may make a contribution to a candidate who is a participating candidate under title ,v with respect to an election only if the contribution is paid from a separate1 segregated account of the committee which consists solely of contributions which meet the following requirements3 7,a7 ,each such contribution is in an amount which meets the requirements for the amount of a qualified small dollar contribution under section #ejd7;a77#a7 with respect to the election involved4 7,b7 ,each such contribution is made by an individual who is not otherwise prohibited from making a contribution under this ,act4 7,c7 ,the individual who makes the contribution does not make contributions to the committee during the year in an aggregate amount that exceeds the limit described in section #ejd7;a77#a74 4 7b7 ,permitting ,unlimited ,coordinated ,expenditures ,from ,small ,dollar ,sources by ,political ,parties ,section #cae7;d7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;d77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking ,the national committee and inserting ,except as provided in paragraph 7#e71 the national committee2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 ,the limits described in paragraph 7#c7 do not apply in the case of expenditures in connection with the general election campaign of a candidate for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress who is a participating candidate under title ,v with respect to the election1 but only if-- 7,a7 the expenditures are paid from a separate1 segregated account of the committee which is described in subsection 7a77#i72 and 7,b7 the expenditures are the sole source of funding provided by the committee to the candidate4 4 #eaac4 ,prohibiting use of contributions by participating candidates for purposes other than campaign for election ,section #cac of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaad7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7d7 ,restrictions on ,permitted ,uses of ,funds by ,candidates ,receiving ,small ,dollar ,financing ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#b71 7#c71 or 7#d7 of subsection 7a71 if a candidate for election for the office of ,representative in1 or ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to1 the ,congress is certified as a participating candidate under title ,v with respect to the election1 any contribution which the candidate is permitted to accept under such title may be used only for authorized expenditures in connection with the candidate's campaign for such office1 subject to section #ejc7;b74 4 #eaad4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in general ,this part and the amendments made by this part shall apply with respect to elections occurring during #bjbd or any succeeding year1 without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated the final regulations necessary to carry out this part and the amendments made by this part by the deadline set forth in subsection 7b74 7b7 ,deadline for regulations ,not later than ,june #cj1 #bjbb1 the ,federal ,election ,commission shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this part and the amendments made by this part4 ,c ,presidential ,elections #ebjj4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,empower ,act of #bjai4 #a ,primary ,elections #ebja4 ,increase in and modifications to matching payments 7a7 ,increase and modification 7#a7 ,in general ,the first sentence of section #ijcd7;a7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended-- 7,a7 by striking an amount equal to the amount of each contribution and inserting an amount equal to #fjj percent of the amount of each matchable contribution 7disregarding any amount of contributions from any person to the extent that the total of the amounts contributed by such person for the election exceeds #bjj72 and 7,b7 by striking authorized committees and all that follows through #bej and inserting authorized committees4 7#b7 ,matchable contributions ,section #ijcd of such ,code is amended-- 7,a7 by striking the last sentence of subsection 7a72 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,matchable contribution defined ,for purposes of this section and section #ijcc7;b7-- 7#a7 ,matchable contribution ,the term matchable contribution means1 with respect to the nomination for election to the office of ,president of the ,united ,states1 a contribution by an individual to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate with respect to which the candidate has certified in writing that-- 7,a7 the individual making such contribution has not made aggregate contributions 7including such matchable contribution7 to such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate in excess of #a1jjj for the election2 7,b7 such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate will not accept contributions from such individual 7including such matchable contribution7 aggregating more than the amount described in subparagraph 7,a72 and 7,c7 such contribution was a direct contribution4 7#b7 ,contribution ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term contribution means a gift of money made by a written instrument which identifies the individual making the contribution by full name and mailing address1 but does not include a subscription1 loan1 advance1 or deposit of money1 or anything of value or anything described in subparagraph 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,d7 of section #ijcb7d74 7#c7 ,direct contribution 7,a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term direct contribution means1 with respect to a candidate1 a contribution which is made directly by an individual to the candidate or an authorized committee of the candidate and is not-- 7i7 forwarded from the individual making the contribution to the candidate or committee by another person2 or 7ii7 received by the candidate or committee with the knowledge that the contribution was made at the request1 suggestion1 or recommendation of another person4 7,b7 ,other definitions ,in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 the term person does not include an individual 7other than an individual described in section #cjd7;i77#g7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga71 a political committee of a political party1 or any political committee which is not a separate segregated fund described in section #caf7;b7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga and which does not make independent expenditures1 does not engage in lobbying activity under the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #afja et seq471 and is not established by1 controlled by1 or affiliated with a registered lobbyist under such ,act1 an agent of a registered lobbyist under such ,act1 or an organization which retains or employs a registered lobbyist under such ,act2 and 7ii7 a contribution is not made at the request1 suggestion1 or recommendation of another person solely on the grounds that the contribution is made in response to information provided to the individual making the contribution by any person1 so long as the candidate or authorized committee does not know the identity of the person who provided the information to such individual4 4 7#c7 ,conforming amendments 7,a7 ,section #ijcb7d7 of such ,code is amended by striking section #ijcd7;a7 and inserting section #ijcd4 7,b7 ,section #ijcc7;b77#c7 of such ,code is amended by striking matching contributions and inserting matchable contributions4 7b7 ,modification of payment limitation 7#a7 ,in general ,section #ijcd7;b7 of such ,code is amended-- 7,a7 by striking ,every and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,every 1 7#b7 by striking shall not exceed and all that follows and inserting shall not exceed #bej1jjj1jjj41 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,inflation adjustment 7,a7 ,in general ,in the case of any applicable period beginning after #bjbe1 the dollar amount in paragraph 7#a7 shall be increased by an amount equal to-- 7i7 such dollar amount1 multiplied by 7ii7 the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section #a7;f77#c7 for the calendar year following the year which such applicable period begins1 determined by substituting calendar year #bjbd for calendar year #aiib in subparagraph 7,b7 thereof4 7,b7 ,applicable period ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the term applicable period means the #d-year period beginning with the first day following the date of the general election for the office of ,president and ending on the date of the next such general election4 7,c7 ,rounding ,if any amount as adjusted under subparagraph 7#a7 is not a multiple of #aj1jjj1 such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of #aj1jjj4 4 #ebjb4 ,eligibility requirements for matching payments 7a7 ,amount of aggregate contributions per ,state2 disregarding of amounts contributed in excess of #bjj ,section #ijcc7;b77#c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended-- 7#a7 by striking #e1jjj and inserting #be1jjj2 and 7#b7 by striking #bj ,states and inserting the following3 #bj ,states 7disregarding any amount of contributions from any such resident to the extent that the total of the amounts contributed by such resident for the election exceeds #bjj74 7b7 ,contribution limit 7#a7 ,in general ,paragraph 7#d7 of section #ijcc7;b7 of such ,code is amended to read as follows3 7#d7 the candidate and the authorized committees of the candidate will not accept aggregate contributions from any person with respect to the nomination for election to the office of ,president of the ,united ,states in excess of #a1jjj for the election4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments 7,a7 ,section #ijcc7;b7 of such ,code is amended by adding at the end the following new flush sentence3 ,for purposes of paragraph 7#d71 the term contribution has the meaning given such term in section #cja7h7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 4 7,b7 ,section #ijcb7d7 of such ,code1 as amended by section #ajja7;a77#c77;,a7 is amended by inserting or #ijcc7;b7 after #ijcd4 7c7 ,ban on acceptance of bundled contributions ,section #ijcc7;b7 of such ,code1 as amended by subsection 7b71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#c72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#d7 and inserting 1 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#e7 the candidate and the authorized committee of the candidate will not accept any contribution which is not a direct contribution 7as defined in section #ijcd7;c77#c774 4 7d7 ,participation in system for payments for general election ,section #ijcc7;b7 of such ,code1 as amended by subsection 7c71 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#d72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#e7 and inserting 1 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#f7 if the candidate is nominated by a political party for election to the office of ,president1 the candidate will apply for and accept payments with respect to the general election for such office in accordance with chapter #ie4 4 #ebjc4 ,repeal of expenditure limitations 7a7 ,in general ,subsection 7a7 of section #ijce of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,personal expenditure limitation ,no candidate shall knowingly make expenditures from his personal funds1 or the personal funds of his immediate family1 in connection with his campaign for nomination for election to the office of ,president in excess of1 in the aggregate1 #ej1jjj4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,paragraph 7#a7 of section #ijcc7;b7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 7#a7 the candidate will comply with the personal expenditure limitation under section #ijce1 4 #ebjd4 ,period of availability of matching payments ,section #ijcb7f7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by striking the beginning of the calendar year in which a general election for the office of ,president of the ,united ,states will be held and inserting the date that is #f months prior to the date of the earliest ,state primary election4 #ebje4 ,examination and audits of matchable contributions ,section #ijch7;a7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by inserting and matchable contributions accepted by after qualified campaign expenses of4 #ebjf4 ,modification to limitation on contributions for ,presidential primary candidates ,section #cae7;a77#f7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;a77#f77 is amended by striking calendar year and inserting four-year election cycle4 #b ,general ,elections #ebaa4 ,modification of eligibility requirements for public financing ,subsection 7a7 of section #ijjc of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,in general ,in order to be eligible to receive any payments under section #ijjf1 the candidates of a political party in a ,presidential election shall meet the following requirements3 7#a7 ,participation in primary payment system ,the candidate for ,president received payments under chapter #if for the campaign for nomination for election to be ,president4 7#b7 ,agreements with ,commission ,the candidates1 in writing-- 7,a7 agree to obtain and furnish to the ,commission such evidence as it may request of the qualified campaign expenses of such candidates1 7,b7 agree to keep and furnish to the ,commission such records1 books1 and other information as it may request1 and 7,c7 agree to an audit and examination by the ,commission under section #ijjg and to pay any amounts required to be paid under such section4 7#c7 ,ban on bundled contributions ,the candidates certify to the ,commission1 under penalty of perjury and within such time prior to the day of the ,presidential election as the ,commission shall prescribe by rules or regulations1 that the candidates and the authorized committees of such candidates will not accept any contribution which is not a direct contribution 7as defined in section #ijcd7;c77#c774 4 #ebab4 ,repeal of expenditure limitations and use of qualified campaign contributions 7a7 ,use of qualified campaign contributions without expenditure limits2 application of same requirements for major1 minor1 and new parties ,section #ijjc of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by striking subsections 7b7 and 7c7 and inserting the following3 7b7 ,use of ,qualified ,campaign ,contributions ,to ,defray ,expenses 7#a7 ,in general ,in order to be eligible to receive any payments under section #ijjf1 the candidates of a party in a ,presidential election shall certify to the ,commission1 under penalty of perjury1 that-- 7,a7 such candidates and their authorized committees have not and will not accept any contributions to defray qualified campaign expenses other than-- 7i7 qualified campaign contributions1 and 7ii7 contributions to the extent necessary to make up any deficiency payments received out of the fund on account of the application of section #ijjf7;c71 and 7,b7 such candidates and their authorized committees have not and will not accept any contribution to defray expenses which would be qualified campaign expenses but for subparagraph 7,c7 of section #ijjb7aa74 7#b7 ,timing of certification ,the candidate shall make the certification required under this subsection at the same time the candidate makes the certification required under subsection 7a77#c74 4 7b7 ,definition of qualified campaign contribution ,section #ijjb of such ,code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ac7 ,qualified campaign contribution ,the term qualified campaign contribution means1 with respect to any election for the office of ,president of the ,united ,states1 a contribution from an individual to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate which-- 7,a7 does not exceed #a1jjj for the election2 and 7,b7 with respect to which the candidate has certified in writing that-- 7i7 the individual making such contribution has not made aggregate contributions 7including such qualified contribution7 to such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate in excess of the amount described in subparagraph 7,a71 and 7ii7 such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate will not accept contributions from such individual 7including such qualified contribution7 aggregating more than the amount described in subparagraph 7,a7 with respect to such election4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,repeal of expenditure limits 7,a7 ,in general ,section #cae of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7 is amended by striking subsection 7b74 7,b7 ,conforming amendments ,section #cae7;c7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;c77 is amended-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a77;,b77i71 by striking 1 7b72 and 7ii7 in paragraph 7#b77;,b77i71 by striking subsections 7b7 and 7d7 and inserting subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,repeal of repayment requirement 7,a7 ,in general ,section #ijjg7;b7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by striking paragraph 7#b7 and redesignating paragraphs 7#c71 7#d71 and 7#e7 as paragraphs 7#b71 7#c71 and 7#d71 respectively4 7,b7 ,conforming amendment ,paragraph 7#b7 of section #ijjg7;b7 of such ,code1 as redesignated by subparagraph 7,a71 is amended-- 7i7 by striking a major party and inserting a party2 7ii7 by inserting qualified contributions and after contributions 7other than2 and 7iii7 by striking 7other than qualified campaign expenses with respect to which payment is required under paragraph 7#b774 7#c7 ,criminal penalties 7,a7 ,repeal of penalty for excess expenses ,section #ijab of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by striking subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,penalty for acceptance of disallowed contributions2 application of same penalty for candidates of major1 minor1 and new parties ,subsection 7b7 of section #ijab of such ,code is amended to read as follows3 7b7 ,contributions 7#a7 ,acceptance of disallowed contributions ,it shall be unlawful for an eligible candidate of a party in a ,presidential election or any of his authorized committees knowingly and willfully to accept-- 7,a7 any contribution other than a qualified campaign contribution to defray qualified campaign expenses1 except to the extent necessary to make up any deficiency in payments received out of the fund on account of the application of section #ijjf7;c72 or 7,b7 any contribution to defray expenses which would be qualified campaign expenses but for subparagraph 7,c7 of section #ijjb7aa74 7#b7 ,penalty ,any person who violates paragraph 7#a7 shall be fined not more than #e1jjj1 or imprisoned not more than one year1 or both4 ,in the case of a violation by an authorized committee1 any officer or member of such committee who knowingly and willfully consents to such violation shall be fined not more than #e1jjj1 or imprisoned not more than one year1 or both4 4 #ebac4 ,matching payments and other modifications to payment amounts 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,amount of payments2 application of same amount for candidates of major1 minor1 and new parties ,subsection 7a7 of section #ijjd of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,in general ,subject to the provisions of this chapter1 the eligible candidates of a party in a ,presidential election shall be entitled to equal payment under section #ijjf in an amount equal to #fjj percent of the amount of each matchable contribution received by such candidate or by the candidate's authorized committees 7disregarding any amount of contributions from any person to the extent that the total of the amounts contributed by such person for the election exceeds #bjj71 except that total amount to which a candidate is entitled under this paragraph shall not exceed #bej1jjj1jjj4 4 7#b7 ,repeal of separate limitations for candidates of minor and new parties2 inflation adjustment ,subsection 7b7 of section #ijjd of such ,code is amended to read as follows3 7b7 ,inflation adjustment 7#a7 ,in general ,in the case of any applicable period beginning after #bjbe1 the #bej1jjj1jjj dollar amount in subsection 7a7 shall be increased by an amount equal to-- 7,a7 such dollar amount2 multiplied by 7,b7 the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section #a7;f77#c7 for the calendar year following the year which such applicable period begins1 determined by substituting calendar year #bjbd for calendar year #aiib in subparagraph 7,b7 thereof4 7#b7 ,applicable period ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term applicable period means the #d-year period beginning with the first day following the date of the general election for the office of ,president and ending on the date of the next such general election4 7#c7 ,rounding ,if any amount as adjusted under paragraph 7#a7 is not a multiple of #aj1jjj1 such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of #aj1jjj4 4 7#c7 ,conforming amendment ,section #ijje7;a7 of such ,code is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence3 ,the ,commission shall make such additional certifications as may be necessary to receive payments under section #ijjd44 7b7 ,matchable contribution ,section #ijjb of such ,code1 as amended by section #ebab7;b71 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ad7 ,matchable contribution ,the term matchable contribution means1 with respect to the election to the office of ,president of the ,united ,states1 a contribution by an individual to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate with respect to which the candidate has certified in writing that-- 7,a7 the individual making such contribution has not made aggregate contributions 7including such matchable contribution7 to such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate in excess of #a1jjj for the election2 7,b7 such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate will not accept contributions from such individual 7including such matchable contribution7 aggregating more than the amount described in subparagraph 7,a7 with respect to such election2 and 7,c7 such contribution was a direct contribution 7as defined in section #ijcd7;c77#c774 4 #ebad4 ,increase in limit on coordinated party expenditures 7a7 ,in general ,section #cae7;d77#b7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;d77#b77 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 7,a7 ,the national committee of a political party may not make any expenditure in connection with the general election campaign of any candidate for ,president of the ,united ,states who is affiliated with such party which exceeds #ajj1jjj1jjj4 7,b7 ,for purposes of this paragraph-- 7i7 any expenditure made by or on behalf of a national committee of a political party and in connection with a ,presidential election shall be considered to be made in connection with the general election campaign of a candidate for ,president of the ,united ,states who is affiliated with such party2 and 7ii7 any communication made by or on behalf of such party shall be considered to be made in connection with the general election campaign of a candidate for ,president of the ,united ,states who is affiliated with such party if any portion of the communication is in connection with such election4 7,c7 ,any expenditure under this paragraph shall be in addition to any expenditure by a national committee of a political party serving as the principal campaign committee of a candidate for the office of ,president of the ,united ,states4 4 7b7 ,conforming ,amendments ,relating to ,timing of ,cost-of-,living ,adjustment 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cae7;c77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;c77#a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking 7d7 and inserting 7d77#b72 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 ,in any calendar year after #bjbd-- 7i7 the dollar amount in subsection 7d77#b7 shall be increased by the percent difference determined under subparagraph 7,a72 7ii7 the amount so increased shall remain in effect for the calendar year2 and 7iii7 if the amount after adjustment under clause 7i7 is not a multiple of #ajj1 such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of #ajj4 4 7#b7 ,base year ,section #cae7;c77#b77;,b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;c77#b77;,b77 is amended-- 7,a7 in clause 7i7-- 7i7 by striking 7d7 and inserting 7d77#c72 and 7ii7 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in clause 7ii71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following new clause3 7iii7 for purposes of subsection 7d77#b71 calendar year #bjbc4 4 #ebae4 ,establishment of uniform date for release of payments 7a7 ,date for payments 7#a7 ,in general ,section #ijjf7;b7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended to read as follows3 7b7 ,payments from the ,fund ,if the ,secretary of the ,treasury receives a certification from the ,commission under section #ijje for payment to the eligible candidates of a political party1 the ,secretary shall pay to such candidates out of the fund the amount certified by the ,commission on the later of-- 7#a7 the last ,friday occurring before the first ,monday in ,september2 or 7#b7 #bd hours after receiving the certifications for the eligible candidates of all major political parties4 ,amounts paid to any such candidates shall be under the control of such candidates4 4 7#b7 ,conforming ,amendment ,the first sentence of section #ijjf7;c7 of such ,code is amended by striking the time of a certification by the ,commission under section #ijje for payment and inserting the time of making a payment under subsection 7b74 7b7 ,time for certification ,section #ijje7;a7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by striking #aj days and inserting #bd hours4 #ebaf4 ,amounts in ,presidential ,election ,campaign ,fund 7a7 ,determination of amounts in fund ,section #ijjf7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence3 ,in making a determination of whether there are insufficient moneys in the fund for purposes of the previous sentence1 the ,secretary shall take into account in determining the balance of the fund for a ,presidential election year the ,secretary's best estimate of the amount of moneys which will be deposited into the fund during the year1 except that the amount of the estimate may not exceed the average of the annual amounts deposited in the fund during the previous #c years44 7b7 ,special rule for first campaign cycle under this ,act 7#a7 ,in general ,section #ijjf of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7d7 ,special authority ,to borrow 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding subsection 7c71 there are authorized to be appropriated to the fund1 as repayable advances1 such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of the fund during the period ending on the first ,presidential election occurring after the effective date of this subsection4 7#b7 ,repayment of advances 7,a7 ,in general ,advances made to the fund shall be repaid1 and interest on such advances shall be paid1 to the general fund of the ,treasury when the ,secretary determines that moneys are available for such purposes in the fund4 7,b7 ,rate of interest ,interest on advances made to the fund shall be at a rate determined by the ,secretary of the ,treasury 7as of the close of the calendar month preceding the month in which the advance is made7 to be equal to the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the ,united ,states with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the anticipated period during which the advance will be outstanding and shall be compounded annually4 4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by this subsection shall take effect ,january #a1 #bjbb4 #ebag4 ,use of general election payments for general election legal and accounting compliance ,section #ijjb7aa7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence3 ,for purposes of subparagraph 7,a71 an expense incurred by a candidate or authorized committee for general election legal and accounting compliance purposes shall be considered to be an expense to further the election of such candidate44 #c ,effective ,date #ebba4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in general ,except as otherwise provided1 this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to the ,presidential election held in #bjbd and each succeeding ,presidential election1 without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated the final regulations necessary to carry out this part and the amendments made by this part by the deadline set forth in subsection 7b74 7b7 ,deadline for regulations ,not later than ,june #cj1 #bjbb1 the ,federal ,election ,commission shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this part and the amendments made by this part4 ,d ,personal ,use ,services as ,authorized ,campaign ,expenditures #ecja4 ,short title 7a7 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,help ,america ,run ,act4 #ecjb4 ,treatment of payments for child care and other personal use services as authorized campaign expenditure 7a7 ,personal use services as authorized campaign expenditures ,section #cac of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaad71 as amended by section #eaac1 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 ,treatment of payments for child care and other personal use services as authorized campaign expenditure 7#a7 ,authorized expenditures ,for purposes of subsection 7a71 the payment by an authorized committee of a candidate for any of the personal use services described in paragraph 7#b7 shall be treated as an authorized expenditure if the services are necessary to enable the participation of the candidate or staff of the committee 7including unpaid staff7 in campaign-connected activities4 7#b7 ,personal use services described ,the personal use services described in this paragraph are as follows3 7,a7 ,child care services4 7,b7 ,elder care services4 7,c7 ,professional development services4 7,d7 ,payments of premiums1 copayments1 deductibles and other costs associated with health insurance coverage4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,e ,severability #edja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,,vi ,campaign ,finance ,oversight ,subtitle ,a--,restoring ,integrity to ,america's ,elections ,sec4 #fjja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #fjjb4 ,membership of ,federal ,election ,commission4 ,sec4 #fjjc4 ,assignment of powers to ,chair of ,federal ,election ,commission4 ,sec4 #fjjd4 ,revision to enforcement process4 ,sec4 #fjje4 ,permitting appearance at hearings on requests for advisory opinions by persons opposing the requests4 ,sec4 #fjjf4 ,permanent extension of administrative penalty authority4 ,sec4 #fjjg4 ,effective date2 transition4 ,subtitle ,b--,stopping ,super ,,pac-,candidate ,coordination ,sec4 #faja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #fajb4 ,clarification of treatment of coordinated expenditures as contributions to candidates4 ,sec4 #fajc4 ,clarification of ban on fundraising for super ,p,a,cs by ,federal candidates and officeholders4 ,subtitle ,c--,severability ,sec4 #fbja4 ,severability4 ,a ,restoring ,integrity to ,america's ,elections #fjja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,restoring ,integrity to ,america's ,elections ,act4 #fjjb4 ,membership of ,federal ,election ,commission 7a7 ,reduction in ,number of ,members2 ,removal of ,secretary of ,senate and ,clerk of ,house as ,ex ,officio ,members 7#a7 ,in general2 quorum ,section #cjf7;a77#a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;a77#a77 is amended by striking the second and third sentences and inserting the following3 ,the ,commission is composed of #e members appointed by the ,president by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate1 of whom no more than #b may be affiliated with the same political party4 ,a majority of the number of members of the ,commission who are serving at the time shall constitute a quorum1 except that #c members shall constitute a quorum if there are #d members serving at the time44 7#b7 ,conforming amendments relating to reduction in number of members 7,a7 ,the second sentence of section #cjf7;c7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;c77 is amended by striking affirmative vote of #d members of the ,commission and inserting affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the ,commission who are serving at the time4 7,b7 ,such ,act is further amended by striking affirmative vote of #d of its members and inserting affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the ,commission who are serving at the time each place it appears in the following sections3 7i7 ,section #cji7;a77#b7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#b774 7ii7 ,section #cji7;a77#d77;,a77i7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#d77;,a77i774 7iii7 ,section #cji7;a77#e77;,c7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#e77;,c774 7iv7 ,section #cji7;a77#f77;,a7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#f77;,a774 7v7 ,section #caa7;b7 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaa7;b774 7#c7 ,conforming amendment relating to removal of ex officio members ,section #cjf7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;a77 is amended by striking 7other than the ,secretary of the ,senate and the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives7 each place it appears in paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#e74 7b7 ,terms of ,service ,section #cjf7;a77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;a77#b77 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 ,terms of service 7,a7 ,in general ,each member of the ,commission shall serve for a single term of #f years4 7,b7 ,special rule for initial appointments ,of the members first appointed to serve terms that begin in ,january #bjbb1 the ,president shall designate #b to serve for a #c-year term4 7,c7 ,no reappointment permitted ,an individual who served a term as a member of the ,commission may not serve for an additional term1 except that-- 7i7 an individual who served a #c-year term under subparagraph 7,b7 may also be appointed to serve a #f-year term under subparagraph 7,a72 and 7ii7 for purposes of this subparagraph1 an individual who is appointed to fill a vacancy under subparagraph 7,d7 shall not be considered to have served a term if the portion of the unexpired term the individual fills is less than #ej percent of the period of the term4 7,d7 ,vacancies ,any vacancy occurring in the membership of the ,commission shall be filled in the same manner as in the case of the original appointment4 ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,c71 an individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring other than by the expiration of a term of office shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of the member he or she succeeds4 7,e7 ,limitation on service after expiration of term ,a member of the ,commission may continue to serve on the ,commission after the expiration of the member's term for an additional period1 but only until the earlier of-- 7i7 the date on which the member's successor has taken office as a member of the ,commission2 or 7ii7 the expiration of the #a-year period that begins on the last day of the member's term4 4 7c7 ,qualifications ,section #cjf7;a77#c7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;a77#c77 is amended to read as follows3 7#c7 ,qualifications 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,president may select an individual for service as a member of the ,commission if the individual has experience in election law and has a demonstrated record of integrity1 impartiality1 and good judgment4 7,b7 ,assistance of ,blue ,ribbon ,advisory ,panel 7i7 ,in general ,prior to the regularly scheduled expiration of the term of a member of the ,commission and upon the occurrence of a vacancy in the membership of the ,commission prior to the expiration of a term1 the ,president shall convene a ,blue ,ribbon ,advisory ,panel1 consisting of an odd number of individuals selected by the ,president from retired ,federal judges1 former law enforcement officials1 or individuals with experience in election law1 except that the ,president may not select any individual to serve on the panel who holds any public office at the time of selection4 7ii7 ,recommendations ,with respect to each member of the ,commission whose term is expiring or each vacancy in the membership of the ,commission 7as the case may be71 the ,blue ,ribbon ,advisory ,panel shall recommend to the ,president at least one but not more than #c individuals for nomination for appointment as a member of the ,commission4 7iii7 ,publication ,at the time the ,president submits to the ,senate the nominations for individuals to be appointed as members of the ,commission1 the ,president shall publish the ,blue ,ribbon ,advisory ,panel's recommendations for such nominations4 7iv7 ,exemption from ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 does not apply to a ,blue ,ribbon ,advisory ,panel convened under this subparagraph4 7,c7 ,prohibiting engagement with other business or employment during service ,a member of the ,commission shall not engage in any other business1 vocation1 or employment4 ,any individual who is engaging in any other business1 vocation1 or employment at the time of his or her appointment to the ,commission shall terminate or liquidate such activity no later than #ij days after such appointment4 4 #fjjc4 ,assignment of powers to ,chair of ,federal ,election ,commission 7a7 ,appointment of ,chair by ,president 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cjf7;a77#e7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;a77#e77 is amended to read as follows3 7#e7 ,chair 7,a7 ,initial appointment ,of the members first appointed to serve terms that begin in ,january #bjbb1 one such member 7as designated by the ,president at the time the ,president submits nominations to the ,senate7 shall serve as ,chair of the ,commission4 7,b7 ,subsequent appointments ,any individual who is appointed to succeed the member who serves as ,chair of the ,commission for the term beginning in ,january #bjbb 7as well as any individual who is appointed to fill a vacancy if such member does not serve a full term as ,chair7 shall serve as ,chair of the ,commission4 7,c7 ,vice ,chair ,the ,commission shall select1 by majority vote of its members1 one of its members to serve as ,vice ,chair1 who shall act as ,chair in the absence or disability of the ,chair or in the event of a vacancy in the position of ,chair4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #cji7;a77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#b77 is amended by striking through its chairman or vice chairman and inserting through the ,chair4 7b7 ,powers 7#a7 ,assignment of certain powers to ,chair ,section #cjg7;a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajg7;a77 is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,distribution of ,powers ,between ,chair and ,commission 7#a7 ,powers assigned to ,chair 7,a7 ,administrative powers ,the ,chair of the ,commission shall be the chief administrative officer of the ,commission and shall have the authority to administer the ,commission and its staff1 and 7in consultation with the other members of the ,commission7 shall have the power-- 7i7 to appoint and remove the staff director of the ,commission2 7ii7 to request the assistance 7including personnel and facilities7 of other agencies and departments of the ,united ,states1 whose heads may make such assistance available to the ,commission with or without reimbursement2 and 7iii7 to prepare and establish the budget of the ,commission and to make budget requests to the ,president1 the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 and ,congress4 7,b7 ,other powers ,the ,chair of the ,commission shall have the power-- 7i7 to appoint and remove the general counsel of the ,commission with the concurrence of at least #b other members of the ,commission2 7ii7 to require by special or general orders1 any person to submit1 under oath1 such written reports and answers to questions as the ,chair may prescribe2 7iii7 to administer oaths or affirmations2 7iv7 to require by subpoena1 signed by the ,chair1 the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of all documentary evidence relating to the execution of its duties2 7v7 in any proceeding or investigation1 to order testimony to be taken by deposition before any person who is designated by the ,chair1 and shall have the power to administer oaths and1 in such instances1 to compel testimony and the production of evidence in the same manner as authorized under clause 7iv72 and 7vi7 to pay witnesses the same fees and mileage as are paid in like circumstances in the courts of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,powers assigned to ,commission ,the ,commission shall have the power-- 7,a7 to initiate 7through civil actions for injunctive1 declaratory1 or other appropriate relief71 defend 7in the case of any civil action brought under section #cji7;a77#h7 of this ,act7 or appeal any civil action in the name of the ,commission to enforce the provisions of this ,act and chapter #ie and chapter #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 through its general counsel2 7,b7 to render advisory opinions under section #cjh of this ,act2 7,c7 to develop such prescribed forms and to make1 amend1 and repeal such rules1 pursuant to the provisions of chapter #e of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this ,act and chapter #ie and chapter #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf2 7,d7 to conduct investigations and hearings expeditiously1 to encourage voluntary compliance1 and to report apparent violations to the appropriate law enforcement authorities2 and 7,e7 to transmit to the ,president and ,congress not later than ,june #a of each year a report which states in detail the activities of the ,commission in carrying out its duties under this ,act1 and which includes any recommendations for any legislative or other action the ,commission considers appropriate4 7#c7 ,permitting ,commission to exercise other powers of ,chair ,with respect to any investigation1 action1 or proceeding1 the ,commission1 by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members who are serving at the time1 may exercise any of the powers of the ,chair described in paragraph 7#a77;,b74 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments relating to personnel authority ,section #cjf7;f7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;f77 is amended-- 7,a7 by amending the first sentence of paragraph 7#a7 to read as follows3 ,the ,commission shall have a staff director who shall be appointed by the ,chair of the ,commission in consultation with the other members and a general counsel who shall be appointed by the ,chair with the concurrence of at least two other members42 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking ,with the approval of the ,commission and inserting ,with the approval of the ,chair of the ,commission2 and 7,c7 by striking paragraph 7#c74 7#c7 ,conforming amendment relating to budget submission ,section #cjg7;d77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajg7;d77#a77 is amended by striking the ,commission submits any budget and inserting the ,chair 7or1 pursuant to subsection 7a77#c71 the ,commission7 submits any budget4 7#d7 ,other conforming amendments ,section #cjf7;c7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajf7;c77 is amended by striking ,all decisions and inserting ,subject to section #cjg7;a71 all decisions4 7#e7 ,technical amendment ,the heading of section #cjg of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajg7 is amended by striking the commission and inserting the chair and the commission4 #fjjd4 ,revision to enforcement process 7a7 ,standard for initiating investigations and determining whether violations have occurred 7#a7 ,revision of standards ,section #cji7;a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 7,a7 ,the general counsel1 upon receiving a complaint filed with the ,commission under paragraph 7#a7 or upon the basis of information ascertained by the ,commission in the normal course of carrying out its supervisory responsibilities1 shall make a determination as to whether or not there is reason to believe that a person has committed1 or is about to commit1 a violation of this ,act or chapter #ie or chapter #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 and as to whether or not the ,commission should either initiate an investigation of the matter or that the complaint should be dismissed4 ,the general counsel shall promptly provide notification to the ,commission of such determination and the reasons therefore1 together with any written response submitted under paragraph 7#a7 by the person alleged to have committed the violation4 ,upon the expiration of the #cj-;day period which begins on the date the general counsel provides such notification1 the general counsel's determination shall take effect1 unless during such #cj-;day period the ,commission1 by vote of a majority of the members of the ,commission who are serving at the time1 overrules the general counsel's determination4 ,if the determination by the general counsel that the ,commission should investigate the matter takes effect1 or if the determination by the general counsel that the complaint should be dismissed is overruled as provided under the previous sentence1 the general counsel shall initiate an investigation of the matter on behalf of the ,commission4 7,b7 ,if the ,commission initiates an investigation pursuant to subparagraph 7,a71 the ,commission1 through the ,chair1 shall notify the subject of the investigation of the alleged violation4 ,such notification shall set forth the factual basis for such alleged violation4 ,the ,commission shall make an investigation of such alleged violation1 which may include a field investigation or audit1 in accordance with the provisions of this section4 ,the general counsel shall provide notification to the ,commission of any intent to issue a subpoena or conduct any other form of discovery pursuant to the investigation4 ,upon the expiration of the #ae-;day period which begins on the date the general counsel provides such notification1 the general counsel may issue the subpoena or conduct the discovery1 unless during such #ae-;day period the ,commission1 by vote of a majority of the members of the ,commission who are serving at the time1 prohibits the general counsel from issuing the subpoena or conducting the discovery4 7#c7 7,a7 ,upon completion of an investigation under paragraph 7#b71 the general counsel shall promptly submit to the ,commission the general counsel's recommendation that the ,commission find either that there is probable cause or that there is not probable cause to believe that a person has committed1 or is about to commit1 a violation of this ,act or chapter #ie or chapter #if of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf1 and shall include with the recommendation a brief stating the position of the general counsel on the legal and factual issues of the case4 7,b7 ,at the time the general counsel submits to the ,commission the recommendation under subparagraph 7,a71 the general counsel shall simultaneously notify the respondent of such recommendation and the reasons therefore1 shall provide the respondent with an opportunity to submit a brief within #cj days stating the position of the respondent on the legal and factual issues of the case and replying to the brief of the general counsel4 ,the general counsel and shall promptly submit such brief to the ,commission upon receipt4 7,c7 ,not later than #cj days after the general counsel submits the recommendation to the ,commission under subparagraph 7,a7 7or1 if the respondent submits a brief under subparagraph 7,b71 not later than #cj days after the general counsel submits the respondent's brief to the ,commission under such subparagraph71 the ,commission shall approve or disapprove the recommendation by vote of a majority of the members of the ,commission who are serving at the time4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendment relating to ,initial response to filing of complaint ,section #cji7;a77#a7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in the third sentence1 by striking the ,commission and inserting the general counsel2 and 7,b7 by amending the fourth sentence to read as follows3 ,not later than #ae days after receiving notice from the general counsel under the previous sentence1 the person may provide the general counsel with a written response that no action should be taken against such person on the basis of the complaint44 7b7 ,revision of standard for review of dismissal of complaints 7#a7 ,in general ,section #cji7;a77#h7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#h77 is amended to read as follows3 7#h7 7,a7 7i7 ,any party aggrieved by an order of the ,commission dismissing a complaint filed by such party after finding either no reason to believe a violation has occurred or no probable cause a violation has occurred may file a petition with the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia4 ,any petition under this subparagraph shall be filed within #fj days after the date on which the party received notice of the dismissal of the complaint4 7ii7 ,in any proceeding under this subparagraph1 the court shall determine by de novo review whether the agency's dismissal of the complaint is contrary to law4 ,in any matter in which the penalty for the alleged violation is greater than #ej1jjj1 the court should disregard any claim or defense by the ,commission of prosecutorial discretion as a basis for dismissing the complaint4 7,b7 7i7 ,any party who has filed a complaint with the ,commission and who is aggrieved by a failure of the ,commission1 within one year after the filing of the complaint1 to either dismiss the complaint or to find reason to believe a violation has occurred or is about to occur1 may file a petition with the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia4 7ii7 ,in any proceeding under this subparagraph1 the court shall treat the failure to act on the complaint as a dismissal of the complaint1 and shall determine by de novo review whether the agency's failure to act on the complaint is contrary to law4 7,c7 ,in any proceeding under this paragraph the court may declare that the dismissal of the complaint or the failure to act is contrary to law1 and may direct the ,commission to conform with such declaration within #cj days1 failing which the complainant may bring1 in the name of such complainant1 a civil action to remedy the violation involved in the original complaint4 4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by paragraph 7#a7 shall apply-- 7,a7 in the case of complaints which are dismissed by the ,federal ,election ,commission1 with respect to complaints which are dismissed on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act2 and 7,b7 in the case of complaints upon which the ,federal ,election ,commission failed to act1 with respect to complaints which were filed on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #fjje4 ,permitting appearance at hearings on requests for advisory opinions by persons opposing the requests 7a7 ,in general ,section #cjh of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajh7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 ,to the extent that the ,commission provides an opportunity for a person requesting an advisory opinion under this section 7or counsel for such person7 to appear before the ,commission to present testimony in support of the request1 and the person 7or counsel7 accepts such opportunity1 the ,commission shall provide a reasonable opportunity for an interested party who submitted written comments under subsection 7d7 in response to the request 7or counsel for such interested party7 to appear before the ,commission to present testimony in response to the request4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to requests for advisory opinions under section #cjh of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga which are made on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #fjjf4 ,permanent extension of administrative penalty authority 7a7 ,extension of authority ,section #cji7;a77#d77;,c77v7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaji7;a77#d77;,c77v77 is amended by striking 1 and that end on or before ,december #ca1 #bjah4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on ,december #ca1 #bjah4 #fjjg4 ,effective date2 transition 7a7 ,in ,general ,except as otherwise provided1 the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply beginning ,january #a1 #bjbb4 7b7 ,transition 7#a7 ,termination of service of current members ,notwithstanding any provision of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga1 the term of any individual serving as a member of the ,federal ,election ,commission as of ,december #ca1 #bjba1 shall expire on that date4 7#b7 ,no effect on existing cases or proceedings ,nothing in this subtitle or in any amendment made by this subtitle shall affect any of the powers exercised by the ,federal ,election ,commission prior to ,december #ca1 #bjba1 including any investigation initiated by the ,commission prior to such date or any proceeding 7including any enforcement action7 pending as of such date4 ,b ,stopping ,super ,,pac-,candidate ,coordination #faja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,stop ,super ,,pac-,candidate ,coordination ,act4 #fajb4 ,clarification of treatment of coordinated expenditures as contributions to candidates 7a7 ,treatment as contribution to candidate ,section #cja7h77;,a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja7h77;,a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking or at the end of clause 7i72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of clause 7ii7 and inserting 2 or2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new clause3 7iii7 any payment made by any person 7other than a candidate1 an authorized committee of a candidate1 or a political committee of a political party7 for a coordinated expenditure 7as such term is defined in section #cbf7 which is not otherwise treated as a contribution under clause 7i7 or clause 7ii74 4 7b7 ,definitions ,title ,,iii of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaja et seq471 as amended by section #dgjb7;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #cbf4 ,payments for coordinated expenditures 7a7 ,coordinated expenditures 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of section #cja7h77;,a77iii71 the term coordinated expenditure means-- 7,a7 any expenditure1 or any payment for a covered communication described in subsection 7d71 which is made in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with1 or at the request or suggestion of1 a candidate1 an authorized committee of a candidate1 a political committee of a political party1 or agents of the candidate or committee1 as defined in subsection 7b72 or 7,b7 any payment for any communication which republishes1 disseminates1 or distributes1 in whole or in part1 any video or broadcast or any written1 graphic1 or other form of campaign material prepared by the candidate or committee or by agents of the candidate or committee 7including any excerpt or use of any video from any such broadcast or written1 graphic1 or other form of campaign material74 7#b7 ,exception for payments for certain communications ,a payment for a communication 7including a covered communication described in subsection 7d77 shall not be treated as a coordinated expenditure under this subsection if-- 7,a7 the communication appears in a news story1 commentary1 or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station1 newspaper1 magazine1 or other periodical publication1 unless such facilities are owned or controlled by any political party1 political committee1 or candidate2 or 7,b7 the communication constitutes a candidate debate or forum conducted pursuant to regulations adopted by the ,commission pursuant to section #cjd7;f77#c77;,b77iii71 or which solely promotes such a debate or forum and is made by or on behalf of the person sponsoring the debate or forum4 7b7 ,coordination described 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this section1 a payment is made in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with1 or at the request or suggestion of1 a candidate1 an authorized committee of a candidate1 a political committee of a political party1 or agents of the candidate or committee1 if the payment1 or any communication for which the payment is made1 is not made entirely independently of the candidate1 committee1 or agents4 ,for purposes of the previous sentence1 a payment or communication not made entirely independently of the candidate or committee includes any payment or communication made pursuant to any general or particular understanding with1 or pursuant to any communication with1 the candidate1 committee1 or agents about the payment or communication4 7#b7 ,no finding of coordination based solely on sharing of information regarding legislative or policy position ,for purposes of this section1 a payment shall not be considered to be made by a person in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with1 or at the request or suggestion of1 a candidate or committee1 solely on the grounds that the person or the person's agent engaged in discussions with the candidate or committee1 or with any agent of the candidate or committee1 regarding that person's position on a legislative or policy matter 7including urging the candidate or committee to adopt that person's position71 so long as there is no communication between the person and the candidate or committee1 or any agent of the candidate or committee1 regarding the candidate's or committee's campaign advertising1 message1 strategy1 policy1 polling1 allocation of resources1 fundraising1 or other campaign activities4 7#c7 ,no effect on party coordination standard ,nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the determination of coordination between a candidate and a political committee of a political party for purposes of section #cae7;d74 7#d7 ,no safe harbor for use of firewall ,a person shall be determined to have made a payment in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with1 or at the request or suggestion of1 a candidate or committee1 in accordance with this section without regard to whether or not the person established and used a firewall or similar procedures to restrict the sharing of information between individuals who are employed by or who are serving as agents for the person making the payment4 7c7 ,payments by coordinated spenders for covered communications 7#a7 ,payments made in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with candidates ,for purposes of subsection 7a77#a77;,a71 if the person who makes a payment for a covered communication1 as defined in subsection 7d71 is a coordinated spender under paragraph 7#b7 with respect to the candidate as described in subsection 7d77#a71 the payment for the covered communication is made in cooperation1 consultation1 or concert with the candidate4 7#b7 ,coordinated spender defined ,for purposes of this subsection1 the term coordinated spender means1 with respect to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate1 a person 7other than a political committee of a political party7 for which any of the following applies3 7,a7 ,during the #d-year period ending on the date on which the person makes the payment1 the person was directly or indirectly formed or established by or at the request or suggestion of1 or with the encouragement of1 the candidate 7including an individual who later becomes a candidate7 or committee or agents of the candidate or committee1 including with the approval of the candidate or committee or agents of the candidate or committee4 7,b7 ,the candidate or committee or any agent of the candidate or committee solicits funds1 appears at a fundraising event1 or engages in other fundraising activity on the person's behalf during the election cycle involved1 including by providing the person with names of potential donors or other lists to be used by the person in engaging in fundraising activity1 regardless of whether the person pays fair market value for the names or lists provided4 ,for purposes of this subparagraph1 the term election cycle means1 with respect to an election for ,federal office1 the period beginning on the day after the date of the most recent general election for that office 7or1 if the general election resulted in a runoff election1 the date of the runoff election7 and ending on the date of the next general election for that office 7or1 if the general election resulted in a runoff election1 the date of the runoff election74 7,c7 ,the person is established1 directed1 or managed by the candidate or committee or by any person who1 during the #d-year period ending on the date on which the person makes the payment1 has been employed or retained as a political1 campaign media1 or fundraising adviser or consultant for the candidate or committee or for any other entity directly or indirectly controlled by the candidate or committee1 or has held a formal position with the candidate or committee 7including a position as an employee of the office of the candidate at any time the candidate held any ,federal1 ,state1 or local public office during the #d-year period74 7,d7 ,the person has retained the professional services of any person who1 during the #b-year period ending on the date on which the person makes the payment1 has provided or is providing professional services relating to the campaign to the candidate or committee1 without regard to whether the person providing the professional services used a firewall4 ,for purposes of this subparagraph1 the term professional services includes any services in support of the candidate's or committee's campaign activities1 including advertising1 message1 strategy1 policy1 polling1 allocation of resources1 fundraising1 and campaign operations1 but does not include accounting or legal services4 7,e7 ,the person is established1 directed1 or managed by a member of the immediate family of the candidate1 or the person or any officer or agent of the person has had more than incidental discussions about the candidate's campaign with a member of the immediate family of the candidate4 ,for purposes of this subparagraph1 the term immediate family has the meaning given such term in section #ijjd7;e7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7d7 ,covered communication defined 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this section1 the term covered communication means1 with respect to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate1 a public communication 7as defined in section #cja7bb77 which-- 7,a7 expressly advocates the election of the candidate or the defeat of an opponent of the candidate 7or contains the functional equivalent of express advocacy72 7,b7 promotes or supports the candidate1 or attacks or opposes an opponent of the candidate 7regardless of whether the communication expressly advocates the election or defeat of a candidate or contains the functional equivalent of express advocacy72 or 7,c7 refers to the candidate or an opponent of the candidate but is not described in subparagraph 7,a7 or subparagraph 7,b71 but only if the communication is disseminated during the applicable election period4 7#b7 ,applicable election period ,in paragraph 7#a77;,c71 the applicable election period with respect to a communication means-- 7,a7 in the case of a communication which refers to a candidate in a general1 special1 or runoff election1 the #abj-;day period which ends on the date of the election2 or 7,b7 in the case of a communication which refers to a candidate in a primary or preference election1 or convention or caucus of a political party that has authority to nominate a candidate1 the #fj-;day period which ends on the date of the election or convention or caucus4 7#c7 ,special rules for communications involving congressional candidates ,for purposes of this subsection1 a public communication shall not be considered to be a covered communication with respect to a candidate for election for an office other than the office of ,president or ,vice ,president unless it is publicly disseminated or distributed in the jurisdiction of the office the candidate is seeking4 7e7 ,penalty 7#a7 ,determination of amount ,any person who knowingly and willfully commits a violation of this ,act by making a contribution which consists of a payment for a coordinated expenditure shall be fined an amount equal to the greater of-- 7,a7 in the case of a person who makes a contribution which consists of a payment for a coordinated expenditure in an amount exceeding the applicable contribution limit under this ,act1 #cjj percent of the amount by which the amount of the payment made by the person exceeds such applicable contribution limit2 or 7,b7 in the case of a person who is prohibited under this ,act from making a contribution in any amount1 #cjj percent of the amount of the payment made by the person for the coordinated expenditure4 7#b7 ,joint and several liability ,any director1 manager1 or officer of a person who is subject to a penalty under paragraph 7#a7 shall be jointly and severally liable for any amount of such penalty that is not paid by the person prior to the expiration of the #a-year period which begins on the date the ,commission imposes the penalty or the #a-year period which begins on the date of the final judgment following any judicial review of the ,commission's action1 whichever is later4 4 7c7 ,effective date 7#a7 ,repeal of existing regulations on coordination ,effective upon the expiration of the #ij-;day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act-- 7,a7 the regulations on coordinated communications adopted by the ,federal ,election ,commission which are in effect on the date of the enactment of this ,act 7as set forth in #aa ,,cfr ,part #aji1 ,subpart ,c1 under the heading ,coordination7 are repealed2 and 7,b7 the ,federal ,election ,commission shall promulgate new regulations on coordinated communications which reflect the amendments made by this ,act4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to payments made on or after the expiration of the #abj-;day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 without regard to whether or not the ,federal ,election ,commission has promulgated regulations in accordance with paragraph 7#a77;,b7 as of the expiration of such period4 #fajc4 ,clarification of ban on fundraising for super ,p,a,cs by ,federal candidates and officeholders 7a7 ,in ,general ,section #cbc7;e77#a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjabe7;e77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking or at the end of subparagraph 7,a72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting 2 or2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,c7 solicit1 receive1 direct1 or transfer funds to or on behalf of any political committee which accepts donations or contributions that do not comply with the limitations1 prohibitions1 and reporting requirements of this ,act 7or to or on behalf of any account of a political committee which is established for the purpose of accepting such donations or contributions71 or to or on behalf of any political organization under section #ebg of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf which accepts such donations or contributions 7other than a committee of a ,state or local political party or a candidate for election for ,state or local office74 4 7b7 ,effective ,date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to elections occurring after ,january #a1 #bjbj4 ,c ,severability #fbja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,c ,ethics ,,vii ,ethical ,standards ,subtitle ,a--,supreme ,court ,ethics ,sec4 #gjja4 ,code of conduct for ,federal judges4 ,subtitle ,b--,foreign ,agents ,registration ,sec4 #gaja4 ,establishment of ,,fara investigation and enforcement unit within ,department of ,justice4 ,sec4 #gajb4 ,authority to impose civil money penalties4 ,sec4 #gajc4 ,disclosure of transactions involving things of financial value conferred on officeholders4 ,subtitle ,c--,lobbying ,disclosure ,reform ,sec4 #gbja4 ,expanding scope of individuals and activities subject to requirements of ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie4 ,subtitle ,d--,recusal of ,presidential ,appointees ,sec4 #gcja4 ,recusal of appointees4 ,subtitle ,e--,severability ,sec4 #gdja4 ,severability4 ,a ,supreme ,court ,ethics #gjja4 ,code of conduct for ,federal judges 7a7 ,in general ,chapter #eg of title #bh1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #ifd4 ,code of conduct ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,judicial ,conference shall issue a code of conduct1 which applies to each justice and judge of the ,united ,states1 except that the code of conduct may include provisions that are applicable only to certain categories of judges or justices4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #eg of title #bh1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding after the item related to section #ifc the following3 #ifd4 ,code of conduct4 4 ,b ,foreign ,agents ,registration #gaja4 ,establishment of ,,fara investigation and enforcement unit within ,department of ,justice ,section #h of the ,foreign ,agents ,registration ,act of #aich1 as amended 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #fah7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7i7 ,dedicated enforcement unit 7#a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this subsection1 the ,attorney ,general shall establish a unit within the counterespionage section of the ,national ,security ,division of the ,department of ,justice with responsibility for the enforcement of this ,act4 7#b7 ,powers ,the unit established under this subsection is authorized to-- 7,a7 take appropriate legal action against individuals suspected of violating this ,act2 and 7,b7 coordinate any such legal action with the ,united ,states ,attorney for the relevant jurisdiction4 7#c7 ,consultation ,in operating the unit established under this subsection1 the ,attorney ,general shall1 as appropriate1 consult with the ,director of ,national ,intelligence1 the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 and the ,secretary of ,state4 7#d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the activities of the unit established under this subsection #aj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai and each succeeding fiscal year4 4 #gajb4 ,authority to impose civil money penalties 7a7 ,establishing authority ,section #h of the ,foreign ,agents ,registration ,act of #aich1 as amended 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #fah7 is amended by inserting after subsection 7c7 the following new subsection3 7d7 ,civil money penalties 7#a7 ,registration statements ,whoever fails to file timely or complete a registration statement as provided under section #b7;a7 shall be subject to a civil money penalty of not more than #aj1jjj per violation4 7#b7 ,supplements ,whoever fails to file timely or complete supplements as provided under section #b7;b7 shall be subject to a civil money penalty of not more than #a1jjj per violation4 7#c7 ,other violations ,whoever knowingly fails to-- 7,a7 remedy a defective filing within #fj days after notice of such defect by the ,attorney ,general2 or 7,b7 comply with any other provision of this ,act1 shall upon proof of such knowing violation by a preponderance of the evidence1 be subject to a civil money penalty of not more than #bjj1jjj1 depending on the extent and gravity of the violation4 7#d7 ,no fines paid by foreign principals ,a civil money penalty paid under paragraph 7#a7 may not be paid1 directly or indirectly1 by a foreign principal4 7#e7 ,use of fines ,all civil money penalties collected under this subsection shall be used to defray the cost of the enforcement unit established under subsection 7i74 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #gajc4 ,disclosure of transactions involving things of financial value conferred on officeholders 7a7 ,requiring agents ,to disclose known transactions 7#a7 ,in general ,section #b7;a7 of the ,foreign ,agents ,registration ,act of #aich1 as amended 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #fab7;a77 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#aj7 and 7#aa7 as paragraphs 7#aa7 and 7#ab72 and 7,b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#i7 the following new paragraph3 7#aj7 ,to the extent that the registrant has knowledge of any transaction which occurred in the preceding #fj days and in which the foreign principal for whom the registrant is acting as an agent conferred on a ,federal or ,state officeholder any thing of financial value1 including a gift1 profit1 salary1 favorable regulatory treatment1 or any other direct or indirect economic or financial benefit1 a detailed statement describing each such transaction4 4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by paragraph 7#a7 shall apply with respect to statements filed on or after the expiration of the #ij-;day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7b7 ,supplemental disclosure for current registrants ,not later than the expiration of the #ij-;day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 each registrant who 7prior to the expiration of such period7 filed a registration statement with the ,attorney ,general under section #b7;a7 of the ,foreign ,agents ,registration ,act of #aich1 as amended 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #fab7;a77 and who has knowledge of any transaction described in paragraph 7#aj7 of section #b7;a7 of such ,act 7as added by subsection 7a77#a77 which occurred at any time during which the registrant was an agent of the foreign principal involved1 shall file with the ,attorney ,general a supplement to such statement under oath1 on a form prescribed by the ,attorney ,general1 containing a detailed statement describing each such transaction4 ,c ,lobbying ,disclosure ,reform #gbja4 ,expanding scope of individuals and activities subject to requirements of ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie 7a7 ,coverage of individuals providing legislative1 political1 and strategic counseling services 7#a7 ,treatment of legislative1 political1 and strategic counseling services in support of lobbying contacts as lobbying activity ,section #c7g7 of such ,act 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #afjb7g77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking efforts and inserting any efforts2 and 7,b7 by striking research and other background work and inserting the following3 legislative1 political1 and strategic counseling services1 research1 and other background work4 7#b7 ,treatment of lobbying contact made with support of legislative1 political1 and strategic counseling services as lobbying contact made by individual providing services ,section #c7h7 of such ,act 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #afjb7h77 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,c7 ,treatment of providers of legislative1 political1 and strategic counseling services ,any individual who for financial or other compensation provides legislative1 political1 and strategic counseling services which are treated as lobbying activity under paragraph 7#g71 and which are used in support of a lobbying contact under this paragraph which is made by another individual1 shall be considered to have made the same lobbying contact at the same time and in the same manner to the covered executive branch official or covered legislative branch official involved4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to lobbying contacts made on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,d ,recusal of ,presidential ,appointees #gcja4 ,recusal of appointees ,section #bjh of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 7#a7 ,any officer or employee appointed by the ,president shall recuse himself or herself from any particular matter involving specific parties in which a party to that matter is-- 7,a7 the ,president who appointed the officer or employee1 which shall include any entity in which the ,president has a substantial interest2 or 7,b7 the spouse of the ,president who appointed the officer or employee1 which shall include any entity in which the spouse of the ,president has a substantial interest4 7#b7 7,a7 ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 if an officer or employee is recused under paragraph 7#a71 a career appointee in the agency of the officer or employee shall perform the functions and duties of the officer or employee with respect to the matter4 7,b7 7i7 ,in this subparagraph1 the term ,commission means a board1 commission1 or other agency for which the authority of the agency is vested in more than #a member4 7ii7 ,if the recusal of a member of a ,commission from a matter under paragraph 7#a7 would result in there not being a statutorily required quorum of members of the ,commission available to participate in the matter1 notwithstanding such statute or any other provision of law1 the members of the ,commission not recused under paragraph 7#a7 may-- 7,i7 consider the matter without regard to the quorum requirement under such statute2 7,,ii7 delegate the authorities and responsibilities of the ,commission with respect to the matter to a subcommittee of the ,commission2 or 7,,iii7 designate an officer or employee of the ,commission who was not appointed by the ,president who appointed the member of the ,commission recused from the matter to exercise the authorities and duties of the recused member with respect to the matter4 7#c7 ,any officer or employee who violates paragraph 7#a7 shall be subject to the penalties set forth in section #baf4 7#d7 ,for purposes of this section1 the term particular matter shall have the meaning given the term in section #bjg7;i74 4 ,e ,severability #gdja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,,viii ,ethics ,reforms for the ,president1 ,vice ,president1 and ,federal ,officers and ,employees ,subtitle ,a--,executive ,branch ,conflict of ,interest ,sec4 #hjja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjjb4 ,restrictions on private sector payment for government service4 ,sec4 #hjjc4 ,requirements relating to slowing the revolving door4 ,sec4 #hjjd4 ,prohibition of procurement officers accepting employment from government contractors4 ,sec4 #hjje4 ,revolving door restrictions on employees moving into the private sector4 ,subtitle ,b--,presidential ,conflicts of ,interest ,sec4 #hjaa4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjab4 ,divestiture of personal financial interests of the ,president and ,vice ,president that pose a potential conflict of interest4 ,sec4 #hjac4 ,initial financial disclosure4 ,sec4 #hjad4 ,contracts by the ,president or ,vice ,president4 ,subtitle ,c--,white ,house ,ethics ,transparency ,sec4 #hjba4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjbb4 ,procedure for waivers and authorizations relating to ethics requirements4 ,subtitle ,d--,executive ,branch ,ethics ,enforcement ,sec4 #hjca4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjcb4 ,reauthorization of the ,office of ,government ,ethics4 ,sec4 #hjcc4 ,tenure of the ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics4 ,sec4 #hjcd4 ,duties of ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics4 ,sec4 #hjce4 ,agency ,ethics ,officials ,training and ,duties4 ,subtitle ,e--,conflicts from ,political ,fundraising ,sec4 #hjda4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjdb4 ,disclosure of certain types of contributions4 ,subtitle ,f--,transition ,team ,ethics ,sec4 #hjea4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjeb4 ,presidential transition ethics programs4 ,subtitle ,g--,ethics ,pledge for ,senior ,executive ,branch ,employees ,sec4 #hjfa4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #hjfb4 ,ethics pledge requirement for senior executive branch employees4 ,subtitle ,h--,severability ,sec4 #hjga4 ,severability4 ,a ,executive ,branch ,conflict of ,interest #hjja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,executive ,branch ,conflict of ,interest ,act4 #hjjb4 ,restrictions on private sector payment for government service ,section #bji of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking any salary and inserting any salary 7including a bonus72 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by inserting 7#a7 after 7b72 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a71 a pension1 retirement1 group life1 health or accident insurance1 profit-sharing1 stock bonus1 or other employee welfare or benefit plan that makes payment of any portion of compensation contingent on accepting a position in the ,united ,states ,government shall not be considered bona fide4 4 #hjjc4 ,requirements relating to slowing the revolving door 7a7 ,in general ,the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 ,,vi ,enhanced ,requirements for ,certain ,employees #fja4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,covered agency ,the term covered agency-- 7,a7 means an ,executive agency1 as defined in section #aje of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,postal ,service and the ,postal ,rate ,commission1 but does not include the ,government ,accountability ,office or the ,government of the ,district of ,columbia2 and 7,b7 shall include the ,executive ,office of the ,president4 7#b7 ,covered employee ,the term covered employee means an officer or employee referred to in paragraph 7#b7 of section #bjg7;c7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#c7 ,director ,the term ,director means the ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics4 7#d7 ,executive branch ,the term executive branch has the meaning given that term in section #aji4 7#e7 ,former client ,the term former client-- 7,a7 means a person for whom a covered employee served personally as an agent1 attorney1 or consultant during the #b-year period ending on the date before the date on which the covered employee begins service in the ,federal ,government2 and 7,b7 does not include-- 7i7 instances in which the service provided was limited to a speech or similar appearance by the covered employee2 or 7ii7 a client of the former employer of the covered employee to whom the covered employee did not personally provide such services4 7#f7 ,former employer ,the term former employer-- 7,a7 means a person for whom a covered employee served as an employee1 officer1 director1 trustee1 or general partner during the #b year period ending on the date before the date on which the covered employee begins service in the ,federal ,government2 and 7,b7 does not include-- 7i7 an entity in the ,federal ,government1 including an executive branch agency2 7ii7 a ,state or local government2 7iii7 the ,district of ,columbia2 7iv7 an ,indian tribe1 as defined in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd72 or 7v7 the government of a territory or possession of the ,united ,states4 7#g7 ,particular matter ,the term particular matter has the meaning given that term in section #bjg7;i7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code4 #fjb4 ,conflict of interest and eligibility standards 7a7 ,in general ,a covered employee may not use1 or attempt to use1 the official position of the covered employee to participate in a particular matter in which the covered employee knows a former employer or former client of the covered employee has a financial interest4 7b7 ,waiver 7#a7 ,in general ,the head of the covered agency employing a covered employee1 in consultation with the ,director1 may grant a written waiver of the restrictions under subsection 7a7 prior to engaging in the action otherwise prohibited by subsection 7a7 if1 and to the extent that1 the head of the covered agency certifies in writing that-- 7,a7 the application of the restriction to the particular matter is inconsistent with the purposes of the restriction2 or 7,b7 it is in the public interest to grant the waiver4 7#b7 ,publication ,the head of the covered agency shall provide a waiver under paragraph 7#a7 to the ,director and post the waiver on the website of the agency within #cj calendar days after granting such waiver4 #fjc4 ,penalties and injunctions 7a7 ,criminal penalties 7#a7 ,in general ,any person who violates section #fjb shall be fined under title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 imprisoned for not more than #a year1 or both4 7#b7 ,willful violations ,any person who willfully violates section #fjb shall be fined under title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 imprisoned for not more than #e years1 or both4 7b7 ,civil enforcement 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,attorney ,general may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the ,united ,states against any person who violates1 or whom the ,attorney ,general has reason to believe is engaging in conduct that violates1 section #fjb4 7#b7 ,civil penalty 7,a7 ,in general ,if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that a person violated section #fjb1 the court shall impose a civil penalty of not more than the greater of-- 7i7 #ajj1jjj for each violation2 or 7ii7 the amount of compensation the person received or was offered for the conduct constituting the violation4 7,b7 ,rule of construction ,a civil penalty under this subsection may be in addition to any other criminal or civil statutory1 common law1 or administrative remedy available to the ,united ,states or any other person4 7#c7 ,injunctive relief 7,a7 ,in general ,in a civil action brought under paragraph 7#a7 against a person1 the ,attorney ,general may petition the court for an order prohibiting the person from engaging in conduct that violates section #fjb4 7,b7 ,standard ,the court may issue an order under subparagraph 7,a7 if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the conduct of the person violates section #fjb4 7,c7 ,rule of construction ,the filing of a petition seeking injunctive relief under this paragraph shall not preclude any other remedy that is available by law to the ,united ,states or any other person4 4 #hjjd4 ,prohibition of procurement officers accepting employment from government contractors 7a7 ,expansion of prohibition on acceptance by former officials of compensation from contractors ,section #bajd of title #da1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by striking or consultant and inserting attorney1 consultant1 subcontractor1 or lobbyist2 and 7ii7 by striking one year and inserting #b years2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking personally made for the ,federal agency and inserting participated personally and substantially in2 and 7#b7 by striking subsection 7b7 and inserting the following3 7b7 ,prohibition on compensation from affiliates and subcontractors ,a former official responsible for a ,government contract referred to in paragraph 7#a71 7#b71 or 7#c7 of subsection 7a7 may not accept compensation for #b years after awarding the contract from any division1 affiliate1 or subcontractor of the contractor4 4 7b7 ,requirement for procurement officers ,to disclose job offers made on behalf of relatives ,section #bajc7;a7 of title #da1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a7 by inserting after that official the following3 1 or for a relative 7as defined in section #caaj of title #e7 of that official14 7c7 ,requirement on award of government contracts to former employers 7#a7 ,in general ,chapter #ba of division ,b of subtitle ,i of title #da1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #bajh4 ,prohibition on involvement by certain former contractor employees in procurements ,an employee of the ,federal ,government may not be personally and substantially involved with any award of a contract to1 or the administration of a contract awarded to1 a contractor that is a former employer of the employee during the #b-year period beginning on the date on which the employee leaves the employment of the contractor4 4 7#b7 ,technical and conforming amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #ba of title #da1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by adding at the end the following new item3 #bajh4 ,prohibition on involvement by certain former contractor employees in procurements4 4 7d7 ,regulations ,the ,administrator for ,federal ,procurement ,policy and the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget shall-- 7#a7 in consultation with the ,director of the ,office of ,personnel ,management and the ,counsel to the ,president1 promulgate regulations to carry out and ensure the enforcement of chapter #ba of title #da1 ,united ,states ,code1 as amended by this section2 and 7#b7 in consultation with designated agency ethics officials 7as that term is defined in section #aji7c7 of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app4771 monitor compliance with that chapter by individuals and agencies4 #hjje4 ,revolving door restrictions on employees moving into the private sector 7a7 ,in general ,subsection 7c7 of section #bjg of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the subsection heading1 by striking ,one-,year and inserting ,two-,year2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking #a year in each instance and inserting #b years2 and 7#c7 in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 by striking #a-year and inserting #b-year4 7b7 ,application ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall apply to any individual covered by subsection 7c7 of section #bjg of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 separating from the civil service on or after the date of enactment of this ,act4 ,b ,presidential ,conflicts of ,interest #hjaa4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,presidential ,conflicts of ,interest ,act of #bjai4 #hjab4 ,divestiture of personal financial interests of the ,president and ,vice ,president that pose a potential conflict of interest ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,president and the ,vice ,president should conduct themselves as if they were bound by section #bjh of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 by divesting conflicting assets in accordance with that section and implementing regulations issued by the ,office of ,government ,ethics1 or by establishing a qualified blind trust 7as that term is defined in section #ajb7;f77#c7 of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app4771 or both4 #hjac4 ,initial financial disclosure ,subsection 7a7 of section #aja of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended by striking position and adding at the end the following3 position1 with the exception of the ,president and ,vice ,president1 who must file a new report44 #hjad4 ,contracts by the ,president or ,vice ,president 7a7 ,amendment ,section #dca of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended-- 7#a7 in the section heading1 by inserting the ,president1 ,vice ,president1 or a after ,contracts by2 and 7#b7 in the first undesignated paragraph1 by inserting the ,president or ,vice ,president1 after ,whoever1 being4 7b7 ,table of sections amendment ,the table of sections for chapter #bc of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 is amended by striking the item relating to section #dca and inserting the following3 #dca4 ,contracts by the ,president1 ,vice ,president1 or a ,member of ,congress4 4 ,c ,white ,house ,ethics ,transparency #hjba4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,white ,house ,ethics ,transparency ,act of #bjai4 #hjbb4 ,procedure for waivers and authorizations relating to ethics requirements 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 not later than #cj days after an officer or employee issues or approves a waiver or authorization pursuant to section #c of ,executive ,order #acggj 7#hb ,fed4 ,reg4 #iccc71 or any subsequent similar order1 such officer or employee shall-- 7#a7 transmit a written copy of such waiver or authorization to the ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics2 and 7#b7 make a written copy of such waiver or authorization available to the public on the website of the employing agency of the covered employee4 7b7 ,retroactive application ,in the case of a waiver or authorization described in subsection 7a7 issued during the period beginning on ,january #bj1 #bjag1 and ending on the date of enactment of this ,act1 the issuing officer or employee of such waiver or authorization shall comply with the requirements of paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of such subsection not later than #cj days after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7c7 ,office of ,government ,ethics public availability ,not later than #ad days after receiving a written copy of a waiver or authorization under subsection 7a77#a71 the ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics shall make such waiver or authorization available to the public on the website of the ,office of ,government ,ethics4 7d7 ,definition of covered employee ,in this section1 the term covered employee-- 7#a7 means a full-time1 noncareer ,presidential or ,vice ,presidential appointee1 noncareer appointee in the ,senior ,executive ,service 7or other ,,ses-type system71 or an appointee to a position that has been excepted from the competitive service by reason of being of a confidential or policymaking character 7,schedule ,c and other positions excepted under comparable criteria7 in an executive agency2 and 7#b7 does not include any individual appointed as a member of the ,senior ,foreign ,service or solely as a uniformed service commissioned officer4 ,d ,executive ,branch ,ethics ,enforcement #hjca4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,executive ,branch ,comprehensive ,ethics ,enforcement ,act of #bjai4 #hjcb4 ,reauthorization of the ,office of ,government ,ethics ,section #dje of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended by striking fiscal year #bjjg and inserting fiscal years #bjai through #bjbc44 #hjcc4 ,tenure of the ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics ,section #dja7;b7 of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting 1 subject to removal only for inefficiency1 neglect of duty1 or malfeasance in office4 ,the ,director may continue to serve beyond the expiration of the term until a successor is appointed and has qualified1 except that the ,director may not continue to serve for more than one year after the date on which the term would otherwise expire under this subsection44 #hjcd4 ,duties of ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics 7a7 ,in general ,section #djb7;b7 of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 by striking developing1 in consultation and inserting consulting2 7,b7 by striking ,management1 rules1 and regulations to be promulgated by the ,president or the ,director1 and inserting ,management for input on the promulgation of rules and regulations to be promulgated by the ,director2 and 7,c7 by striking title ,,ii and inserting title ,i2 7#b7 by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 providing mandatory education and training programs for designated agency ethics officials1 which may be delegated to each agency or the ,white ,house ,counsel as deemed appropriate by the ,director2 2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking title ,,ii and inserting title ,i2 7#d7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking problems and inserting issues2 7#e7 in paragraph 7#f71 by striking problems and inserting issues2 7#f7 in paragraph 7#g7-- 7,a7 by striking 1 when requested12 and 7,b7 by striking conflict of interest problems and inserting conflicts of interest1 as well as other ethics issues2 7#g7 in paragraph 7#i7-- 7,a7 by striking ordering and inserting receiving allegations of violations of this ,act and1 when necessary1 investigating an allegation to determine whether a violation occurred1 and ordering2 and 7,b7 by inserting before the semi-colon the following3 1 and recommending appropriate disciplinary action2 7#h7 in paragraph 7#ab7-- 7,a7 by striking evaluating1 with the assistance of and inserting promulgating1 with input from2 7,b7 by striking the need for2 7,c7 by striking conflict of interest and ethical problems and inserting conflict of interest and ethics issues2 7#i7 in paragraph 7#ac7-- 7,a7 by striking with the ,attorney ,general and inserting with the ,inspectors ,general and the ,attorney ,general2 7,b7 by striking violations of the conflict of interest laws and inserting conflict of interest issues and allegations of violations of ethics laws and regulations and this ,act2 and 7,c7 by striking 1 as required by section #ece of title #bh1 ,united ,states ,code2 7#aj7 in paragraph 7#ad71 by striking and at the end2 7#aa7 in paragraph 7#ae7-- 7,a7 by striking title ,,ii and inserting title ,i2 and 7,b7 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7#ab7 by adding at the end the following3 7#af7 directing and providing final approval1 when determined appropriate by the ,director1 for designated agency ethics officials regarding the resolution of conflicts of interest as well as any other ethics issues under the purview of this ,act in individual cases2 and 7#ag7 reviewing and approving1 when determined appropriate by the ,director1 any recusals1 exemptions1 or waivers from the conflicts of interest and ethics laws1 rules1 and regulations and making approved recusals1 exemptions1 and waivers made publicly available by the relevant agency available in a central location on the official website of the ,office of ,government ,ethics4 4 7b7 ,written procedures ,section #djb7;d7 of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 by striking 1 by the exercise of any authority otherwise available to the ,director under this title12 and 7,b7 by striking the agency is4 7c7 ,corrective actions ,section #djb7;f7 of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 in clause 7i7 of subparagraph 7,a71 by striking of such agency2 and 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by inserting at the end and determine that a violation of this ,act has occurred and issue appropriate administrative or legal remedies as prescribed in paragraph 7#b72 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 in clause 7ii7-- 7,i7 in subclause 7,i7-- 7aa7 by inserting to the ,president or the ,president's designee if the matter involves employees of the ,executive ,office of the ,president or after may recommend2 7bb7 by striking and at the end2 and 7,,ii7 in subclause 7,,ii7-- 7aa7 by inserting ,president or after determines that the2 and 7bb7 by adding and at the end2 7ii7 in subclause 7,,ii7 of clause 7iii7-- 7,i7 by striking notify in writing1 and inserting advise the ,president in writing or order2 7,,ii7 by inserting take appropriate disciplinary action including reprimand1 suspension1 demotion1 or dismissal against the officer or employee after employee's agency2 and 7,,iii7 by striking of the officer's or employee's noncompliance1 except that1 if the officer or employee involved is the agency head1 the notification shall instead be submitted to the ,president and ,congress and2 and 7iii7 by striking clause 7iv72 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b77i7-- 7i7 by striking subparagraph 7,a77iii7 or 7iv7 and inserting subparagraph 7,a72 7ii7 by inserting 7,i7 before ,in order to2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,,ii7 7aa7 ,the ,director may secure directly from any agency information necessary to enable the ,director to carry out this ,act4 ,upon request of the ,director1 the head of such agency shall furnish that information to the ,director4 7bb7 ,the ,director may require by subpoena the production of all information1 documents1 reports1 answers1 records1 accounts1 papers1 and other data in any medium and documentary evidence necessary in the performance of the functions assigned by this ,act1 which subpoena1 in the case of refusal to obey1 shall be enforceable by order of any appropriate ,united ,states district court4 2 7,c7 in subparagraph 7,b77ii77,i7-- 7i7 by striking ,subject to clause 7iv7 of this subparagraph1 before and inserting ,before2 and 7ii7 by striking subparagraphs 7,a7 7iii7 or 7iv7 and inserting subparagraph 7,a77iii72 7,d7 in subparagraph 7,b77iii71 by striking ,subject to clause 7iv7 of this subparagraph1 before and inserting ,before2 and 7,e7 in subparagraph 7,b77iv7-- 7i7 by striking title #b and inserting title ,i2 and 7ii7 by striking section #bjf and inserting section #ajd2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking 7iv712 and 7#d7 by striking paragraph 7#e7 and inserting the following3 7#e7 7,a7 ,the ,office of ,government ,ethics shall provide1 on the official website of the ,office1 public access to records made available by agencies of all conflicts of interest and ethics laws1 rules and regulations1 recusals1 waivers and exemptions1 ethics advisory opinions1 ethics agreements of senior executive branch personnel and employee certificates of divestiture1 financial disclosure reports1 compliance reviews1 enforcement actions1 and any other public records concerning conflicts of interest and ethics records for the executive branch required by law4 7,b7 ,all financial disclosure reports and records related to conflict of interest waivers and other records of ethics determinations deemed public information by the ,director or by law shall be made available to the public either by internet link to such information if publicly available1 or at no charge on the website of the ,office of ,government ,ethics in a searchable1 sortable1 and downloadable format1 and at reasonable fees for reproduction of paper documents at the ,office of ,government ,ethics4 4 7d7 ,definitions ,section #djb of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,for purposes of this title-- 7#a7 the term agency shall include the ,executive ,office of the ,president2 and 7#b7 the term officer or employee shall include any individual occupying a position1 providing any official services1 or acting in an advisory capacity1 in the ,white ,house or the ,executive ,office of the ,president4 7h7 ,in this title1 a reference to the head of an agency shall include the ,president or the ,president's designee4 7i7 ,the ,director shall not be required to obtain the prior approval1 comment1 or review of any officer or agency of the ,united ,states1 including the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 before submitting to ,congress1 or any committee or subcommittee thereof1 any information1 reports1 recommendations1 testimony1 or comments1 if such submissions include a statement indicating that the views expressed therein are those of the ,director and do not necessarily represent the views of the ,president4 4 #hjce4 ,agency ethics officials training and duties ,section #djc of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7c7 7#a7 ,all designated agency ethics officials and alternate designated agency ethics officials shall register with1 and report to1 the ,director as well as with the appointing authority of the official4 7#b7 ,the ,director shall provide ethics education and training to all designated and alternate designated agency ethics officials in a time and manner deemed appropriate by the ,director4 7d7 7#a7 ,the head of each agency shall ensure that all records and information provided to the ,director under this ,act shall be provided1 to the greatest extent practicable1 in a searchable1 sortable1 and downloadable format4 7#b7 ,the head of each agency shall post on the official website of the agency each recusal1 waiver1 exemption1 ethics advisory opinion1 ethics agreement1 and certificate of divestiture issued by the agency under this ,act and its implanting regulations4 4 ,e ,conflicts from ,political ,fundraising #hjda4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,conflicts from ,political ,fundraising ,act of #bjai4 #hjdb4 ,disclosure of certain types of contributions 7a7 ,definitions ,section #aji of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#ai7 as paragraphs 7#e7 through 7#bb71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#a7 the following3 7#b7 covered contribution means a payment1 advance1 forbearance1 rendering1 or deposit of money1 or any thing of value-- 7,a7 7i7 that-- 7,i7 is-- 7aa7 made by or on behalf of a covered individual2 or 7bb7 solicited in writing by or at the request of a covered individual2 and 7,,ii7 is made-- 7aa7 to a political organization1 as defined in section #ebg of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf2 or 7bb7 to an organization-- 7,,aa7 that is described in paragraph 7#d7 or 7#f7 of section #eja7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from tax under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code2 and 7,,bb7 that promotes or opposes changes in ,federal laws or regulations that are 7or would be7 administered by the agency in which the covered individual has been nominated for appointment to a covered position or is serving in a covered position2 or 7ii7 that is-- 7,i7 solicited in writing by or on behalf of a covered individual2 and 7,,ii7 made-- 7aa7 by an individual or entity the activities of which are subject to ,federal laws or regulations that are 7or would be7 administered by the agency in which the covered individual has been nominated for appointment to a covered position or is serving in a covered position2 and 7bb7 to-- 7,,aa7 a political organization1 as defined in section #ebg of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf2 or 7,,bb7 an organization that is described in paragraph 7#d7 or 7#f7 of section #eja7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from tax under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code2 and 7,b7 that is made to an organization described in item 7aa7 or 7bb7 of clause 7i77,,ii7 or clause 7ii77,,ii77bb7 of subparagraph 7,a7 for which the total amount of such payments1 advances1 forbearances1 renderings1 or deposits of money1 or any thing of value1 during the calendar year in which it is made is not less than the contribution limitation in effect under section #cae7;a77#a77;,a7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaaf7;a77#a77;,a77 for elections occurring during such calendar year2 7#c7 covered individual means an individual who has been nominated or appointed to a covered position2 and 7#d7 covered position-- 7,a7 means-- 7i7 a position described under sections #ecab through #ecaf of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 7ii7 a position placed in level ,,iv or ,v of the ,executive ,schedule under section #ecag of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 7iii7 a position as a limited term appointee1 limited emergency appointee1 or noncareer appointee in the ,senior ,executive ,service1 as defined under paragraphs 7#e71 7#f71 and 7#g71 respectively1 of section #cacb7;a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7iv7 a position in the executive branch of the ,government of a confidential or policy-determining character under schedule ,c of subpart ,c of part #bac of title #e of the ,code of ,federal ,regulations2 and 7,b7 does not include a position if the individual serving in the position has been excluded from the application of section #aja7;f77#e72 4 7b7 ,disclosure requirements ,the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #aja-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7i7 by inserting 7#a7 before ,within2 7ii7 by striking unless and inserting and1 if the individual is assuming a covered position1 the information described in section #ajb7;j71 except that1 subject to paragraph 7#b71 the individual shall not be required to file a report if2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,if an individual has left a position described in subsection 7f7 that is not a covered position and1 within #cj days1 assumes a position that is a covered position1 the individual shall1 within #cj days of assuming the covered position1 file a report containing the information described in section #ajb7;j77#b77;,a74 2 7,b7 in subsection 7b77#a71 in the first sentence1 by inserting and the information required by section #ajb7;j7 after described in section #ajb7;b72 7,c7 in subsection 7d71 by inserting and1 if the individual is serving in a covered position1 the information required by section #ajb7;j77#b77;,a7 after described in section #ajb7;a72 and 7,d7 in subsection 7e71 by inserting and1 if the individual was serving in a covered position1 the information required by section #ajb7;j77#b77;,a7 after described in section #ajb7;a72 and 7#b7 in section #ajb-- 7,a7 in subsection 7g71 by striking ,political campaign funds and inserting ,except as provided in subsection 7j71 political campaign funds2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7j7 7#a7 ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term applicable period means-- 7i7 with respect to a report filed pursuant to subsection 7a7 or 7b7 of section #aja1 the year of filing and the #d calendar years preceding the year of the filing2 and 7ii7 with respect to a report filed pursuant to subsection 7d7 or 7e7 of section #aja1 the preceding calendar year2 and 7,b7 the term covered gift means a gift that-- 7i7 is made to a covered individual1 the spouse of a covered individual1 or the dependent child of a covered individual2 7ii7 is made by an entity described in item 7aa7 or 7bb7 of section #aji7b77;,a77i77,,ii72 and 7iii7 would have been required to be reported under subsection 7a77#b7 if the covered individual had been required to file a report under section #aja7;d7 with respect to the calendar year during which the gift was made4 7#b7 7,a7 ,a report filed pursuant to subsection 7a71 7b71 7d71 or 7e7 of section #aja by a covered individual shall include1 for each covered contribution during the applicable period-- 7i7 the date on which the covered contribution was made2 7ii7 if applicable1 the date or dates on which the covered contribution was solicited2 7iii7 the value of the covered contribution2 7iv7 the name of the person making the covered contribution2 and 7v7 the name of the person receiving the covered contribution4 7,b7 7i7 ,subject to clause 7ii71 a covered contribution made by or on behalf of1 or that was solicited in writing by or on behalf of1 a covered individual shall constitute a conflict of interest1 or an appearance thereof1 with respect to the official duties of the covered individual4 7ii7 ,the ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics may exempt a covered contribution from the application of clause 7i7 if the ,director determines the circumstances of the solicitation and making of the covered contribution do not present a risk of a conflict of interest and the exemption of the covered contribution would not affect adversely the integrity of the ,government or the public's confidence in the integrity of the ,government4 7#c7 ,a report filed pursuant to subsection 7a7 or 7b7 of section #aja by a covered individual shall include the information described in subsection 7a77#b7 with respect to each covered gift received during the applicable period4 4 7c7 ,provision of reports and ethics agreements to ,congress ,section #aje of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,not later than #cj days after receiving a written request from the ,chairman or ,ranking ,member of a committee or subcommittee of either ,house of ,congress1 the ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics shall provide to the ,chairman and ,ranking ,member each report filed under this title by the covered individual and any ethics agreement entered into between the agency and the covered individual4 4 7d7 ,rules on ethics agreements ,the ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics shall promptly issue rules regarding how an agency in the executive branch shall address information required to be disclosed under the amendments made by this subtitle in drafting ethics agreements between the agency and individuals appointed to positions in the agency4 7e7 ,technical and conforming amendments 7#a7 ,the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 is amended-- 7,a7 in section #aja7;f7-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#i71 by striking section #aji7ab7 and inserting section #aji7ae72 7ii7 in paragraph 7#aj71 by striking section #aji7ac7 and inserting section #aji7af72 7iii7 in paragraph 7#aa71 by striking section #aji7aj7 and inserting section #aji7ac72 and 7iv7 in paragraph 7#ab71 by striking section #aji7h7 and inserting section #aji7aa72 7,b7 in section #ajc7l7-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#i71 by striking section #aji7ab7 and inserting section #aji7ae72 and 7ii7 in paragraph 7#aj71 by striking section #aji7ac7 and inserting section #aji7af72 and 7,c7 in section #aje7;b77#c77;,a71 by striking section #aji7h7 or #aji7aj7 and inserting section #aji7aa7 or #aji7ac74 7#b7 ,section #c7d77;,d7 of the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #afjb7d77;,d77 is amended by striking section #aji7ac7 and inserting section #aji7af74 7#c7 ,section #ba;,a of the ,securities ,exchange ,act of #aicd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #ghu-#a7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7g77#b77;,b77ii71 by striking section #aji7aa7 of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app4 #aji7aa777 and inserting section #aji of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app4772 and 7,b7 in subsection 7h77#b7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking section #aji7h7 of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app4 #aji7h77 and inserting section #aji of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app472 and 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking section #aji7aj7 of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app4 #aji7aj77 and inserting section #aji of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7#d7 ,section #dii7;j77#b7 of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bij;b7j77#b77 is amended by striking section #aji7af7 of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh and inserting section #aji of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 ,f ,transition ,team ,ethics #hjea4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,transition ,team ,ethics ,improvement ,act4 #hjeb4 ,presidential transition ethics programs ,the ,presidential ,transition ,act of #aifc 7#c ,u4,s4,c4 #ajb note7 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #c7;f71 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#c7 ,the ,president-elect shall submit to the ,committee on ,oversight and ,reform of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs of the ,senate a report with a list of-- 7,a7 any individual for whom an application for a security clearance was submitted1 not later than #aj days after the date on which the application was submitted2 and 7,b7 any individual provided a security clearance1 not later than #aj days after the date on which the security clearance was provided4 2 7#b7 in section #d-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking and at the end2 7ii7 by redesignating paragraph 7#d7 as paragraph 7#e72 and 7iii7 by inserting after paragraph 7#c7 the following3 7#d7 the term nonpublic information-- 7,a7 means information from the ,federal ,government that a transition team member obtains as part of the employment of such member that the member knows or reasonably should know has not been made available to the general public2 and 7,b7 includes information that has not been released to the public that a transition team member knows or reasonably should know-- 7i7 is exempt from disclosure under section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 or otherwise protected from disclosure by law2 and 7ii7 is not authorized by the appropriate agency or official to be released to the public2 and 2 and 7,b7 in subsection 7g7-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking ,november and inserting ,october2 and 7ii7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,ethics plan 7,a7 ,in general ,each memorandum of understanding under paragraph 7#a7 shall include an agreement that the eligible candidate will implement and enforce an ethics plan to guide the conduct of the transition beginning on the date on which the eligible candidate becomes the ,president-elect4 7,b7 ,contents ,the ethics plan shall include1 at a minimum-- 7i7 a description of the ethics requirements that will apply to all transition team members1 including specific requirements for transition team members who will have access to nonpublic or classified information2 7ii7 a description of how the transition team will-- 7,i7 address the role on the transition team of-- 7aa7 registered lobbyists under the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #afja et seq47 and individuals who were formerly registered lobbyists under that ,act2 7bb7 persons registered under the ,foreign ,agents ,registration ,act1 as amended 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #faa et seq471 foreign nationals1 and other foreign agents2 and 7cc7 transition team members with sources of income or clients that are not disclosed to the public2 7,,ii7 prohibit a transition team member with personal financial conflicts of interest as described in section #bjh of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 from working on particular matters involving specific parties that affect the interests of such member2 and 7,,iii7 address how the covered eligible candidate will address their own personal financial conflicts of interest during a ,presidential term if the covered eligible candidate becomes the ,president-elect2 7iii7 a ,code of ,ethical ,conduct1 to which each transition team member will sign and be subject to1 that reflects the content of the ethics plans under this paragraph and at a minimum requires each transition team member to-- 7,i7 seek authorization from transition team leaders or their designees before seeking1 on behalf of the transition1 access to any nonpublic information2 7,,ii7 keep confidential any nonpublic information provided in the course of the duties of the member with the transition and exclusively use such information for the purposes of the transition2 and 7,,iii7 not use any nonpublic information provided in the course of transition duties1 in any manner1 for personal or private gain for the member or any other party at any time during or after the transition2 and 7iv7 a description of how the transition team will enforce the ,code of ,ethical ,conduct1 including the names of the transition team members responsible for enforcement1 oversight1 and compliance4 7,c7 ,publicly available ,the transition team shall make the ethics plan described in this paragraph publicly available on the internet website of the ,general ,services ,administration the earlier of-- 7i7 the day on which the memorandum of understanding is completed2 or 7ii7 ,october #a4 2 and 7#c7 in section #f7;b7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking and at the end2 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 a list of all positions each transition team member has held outside the ,federal ,government for the previous #ab-month period1 including paid and unpaid positions2 7,d7 sources of compensation for each transition team member exceeding #e1jjj a year for the previous #ab-month period2 7,e7 a description of the role of each transition team member1 including a list of any policy issues that the member expects to work on1 and a list of agencies the member expects to interact with1 while serving on the transition team2 7,f7 a list of any issues from which each transition team member will be recused while serving as a member of the transition team pursuant to the transition team ethics plan outlined in section #d7;g77#c72 and 7,g7 an affirmation that no transition team member has a financial conflict of interest that precludes the member from working on the matters described in subparagraph 7,e74 2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by inserting not later than #b business days after public2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,the head of a ,federal department or agency1 or their designee1 shall not permit access to the ,federal department or agency1 or employees of such department or agency1 that would not be provided to a member of the public for any transition team member who does not make the disclosures listed under paragraph 7#a74 4 ,g ,ethics ,pledge for ,senior ,executive ,branch ,employees #hjfa4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,ethics in ,public ,service ,act4 #hjfb4 ,ethics pledge requirement for senior executive branch employees ,the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app4 #aja et seq47 is amended by inserting after title ,i the following new title3 ,,ii ,ethics ,pledge #bja4 ,definitions ,for the purposes of this title1 the following definitions apply3 7#a7 ,the term executive agency has the meaning given that term in section #aje of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 and includes the ,executive ,office of the ,president1 the ,united ,states ,postal ,service1 and ,postal ,regulatory ,commission1 but does not include the ,government ,accountability ,office4 7#b7 ,the term appointee means any full-time1 noncareer ,presidential or ,vice ,presidential appointee1 noncareer appointee in the ,senior ,executive ,service 7or other ,,ses-type system71 or appointee to a position that has been excepted from the competitive service by reason of being of a confidential or policymaking character 7,schedule ,c and other positions excepted under comparable criteria7 in an executive agency1 but does not include any individual appointed as a member of the ,senior ,foreign ,service or solely as a uniformed service commissioned officer4 7#c7 ,the term gift means anything having monetary value4 7#d7 ,the term covered executive branch official and lobbyist have the meanings given those terms in section #c of the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #afjb74 7#e7 ,the term registered lobbyist or lobbying organization means a lobbyist or an organization filing a registration pursuant to section #d7;a7 of the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #afjc7;a771 and in the case of an organization filing such a registration1 registered lobbyist includes each of the lobbyists identified therein4 7#f7 ,the term lobby and lobbied mean to act or have acted as a registered lobbyist4 7#g7 ,the term former employer is any person for whom the appointee has within the #b years prior to the date of his or her appointment served as an employee1 officer1 director1 trustee1 or general partner1 except that former employer does not include any executive agency or other entity of the ,federal ,government1 ,state or local government1 the ,district of ,columbia1 ,native ,american tribe1 or any ,united ,states territory or possession4 7#h7 ,the term former client is any person for whom the appointee served personally as agent1 attorney1 or consultant within the #b years prior to the date of his or her appointment1 but excluding instances where the service provided was limited to a speech or similar appearance4 ,it does not include clients of the appointee's former employer to whom the appointee did not personally provide services4 7#i7 ,the term directly and substantially related to my former employer or former clients means matters in which the appointee's former employer or a former client is a party or represents a party4 7#aj7 ,the term participate means to participate personally and substantially4 7#aa7 ,the term post-employment restrictions includes the provisions and exceptions in section #bjg7;c7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 and the implementing regulations4 7#ab7 ,the term ,government official means any employee of the executive branch4 7#ac7 ,the term ,administration means all terms of office of the incumbent ,president serving at the time of the appointment of an appointee covered by this title4 7#ad7 ,the term pledge means the ethics pledge set forth in section #bjb of this title4 7#ae7 ,all references to provisions of law and regulations shall refer to such provisions as in effect on the date of enactment of this title4 #bjb4 ,ethics pledge ,each appointee in every executive agency appointed on or after the date of enactment of this section shall be required to sign an ethics pledge upon appointment4 ,the pledge shall be signed and dated within #cj days of taking office and shall include1 at a minimum1 the following elements3 ,as a condition1 and in consideration1 of my employment in the ,united ,states ,government in a position invested with the public trust1 ,i commit myself to the following obligations1 which ,i understand are binding on me and are enforceable under law3 7#a7 ,lobbyist ,gift ,ban4--,i will not accept gifts from registered lobbyists or lobbying organizations for the duration of my service as an appointee4 7#b7 ,revolving ,door ,ban2 ,entering ,government4-- 7,a7 ,all ,appointees ,entering ,government4--,i will not1 for a period of #b years from the date of my appointment1 participate in any particular matter involving specific party or parties that is directly and substantially related to my former employer or former clients1 including regulations and contracts4 7,b7 ,lobbyists ,entering ,government4--,if ,i was a registered lobbyist within the #b years before the date of my appointment1 in addition to abiding by the limitations of subparagraph 7,a71 ,i will not for a period of #b years after the date of my appointment3 7i7 participate in any particular matter on which ,i lobbied within the #b years before the date of my appointment2 7ii7 participate in the specific issue area in which that particular matter falls2 or 7iii7 seek or accept employment with any executive agency that ,i lobbied within the #b years before the date of my appointment4 7#c7 ,revolving ,door ,ban2 ,appointees ,leaving ,government4-- 7,a7 ,all ,appointees ,leaving ,government4--,if1 upon my departure from the ,government1 ,i am covered by the post-employment restrictions on communicating with employees of my former executive agency set forth in section #bjg7;c7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 ,i agree that ,i will abide by those restrictions for a period of #b years following the end of my appointment4 7,b7 ,appointees ,leaving ,government ,to ,lobby4--,in addition to abiding by the limitations of subparagraph 7,a71 ,i also agree1 upon leaving ,government service1 not to lobby any covered executive branch official or noncareer ,senior ,executive ,service appointee for the remainder of the ,administration4 7#d7 ,employment ,qualification ,commitment4--,i agree that any hiring or other employment decisions ,i make will be based on the candidate's qualifications1 competence1 and experience4 7#e7 ,assent to ,enforcement4--,i acknowledge that title ,,ii of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh1 which ,i have read before signing this document1 defines certain of the terms applicable to the foregoing obligations and sets forth the methods for enforcing them4 ,i expressly accept the provisions of that title as a part of this agreement and as binding on me4 ,i understand that the terms of this pledge are in addition to any statutory or other legal restrictions applicable to me by virtue of ,federal ,government service4 04 #bjc4 ,waiver 7a7 ,the ,president or the ,president's designee may grant to any current or former appointee a written waiver of any restrictions contained in the pledge signed by such appointee if1 and to the extent that1 the ,president or the ,president's designee certifies 7in writing7 that-- 7#a7 the literal application of the restriction is inconsistent with the purposes of the restriction2 or 7#b7 it is in the public interest to grant the waiver4 7b7 ,any waiver under this section shall take effect when the certification is signed by the ,president or the ,president's designee4 7c7 ,for purposes of subsection 7a77#b71 the public interest shall include exigent circumstances relating to national security or to the economy4 ,de minimis contact with an executive agency shall be cause for a waiver of the restrictions contained in paragraph 7#b77;,b7 of the pledge4 #bjd4 ,administration 7a7 ,the head of each executive agency shall1 in consultation with the ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics1 establish such rules or procedures 7conforming as nearly as practicable to the agency's general ethics rules and procedures1 including those relating to designated agency ethics officers7 as are necessary or appropriate to ensure-- 7#a7 that every appointee in the agency signs the pledge upon assuming the appointed office or otherwise becoming an appointee2 7#b7 that compliance with paragraph 7#b77;,b7 of the pledge is addressed in a written ethics agreement with each appointee to whom it applies2 7#c7 that spousal employment issues and other conflicts not expressly addressed by the pledge are addressed in ethics agreements with appointees or1 where no such agreements are required1 through ethics counseling2 and 7#d7 compliance with this title within the agency4 7b7 ,with respect to the ,executive ,office of the ,president1 the duties set forth in subsection 7a7 shall be the responsibility of the ,counsel to the ,president4 7c7 ,the ,director of the ,office of ,government ,ethics shall-- 7#a7 ensure that the pledge and a copy of this title are made available for use by agencies in fulfilling their duties under subsection 7a72 7#b7 in consultation with the ,attorney ,general or the ,counsel to the ,president1 when appropriate1 assist designated agency ethics officers in providing advice to current or former appointees regarding the application of the pledge2 7#c7 adopt such rules or procedures as are necessary or appropriate-- 7,a7 to carry out the responsibilities assigned by this subsection2 7,b7 to apply the lobbyist gift ban set forth in paragraph #a of the pledge to all executive branch employees2 7,c7 to authorize limited exceptions to the lobbyist gift ban for circumstances that do not implicate the purposes of the ban2 7,d7 to make clear that no person shall have violated the lobbyist gift ban if the person properly disposes of a gift2 7,e7 to ensure that existing rules and procedures for ,government employees engaged in negotiations for future employment with private businesses that are affected by their official actions do not affect the integrity of the ,government's programs and operations2 and 7,f7 to ensure1 in consultation with the ,director of the ,office of ,personnel ,management1 that the requirement set forth in paragraph 7#d7 of the pledge is honored by every employee of the executive branch2 7#d7 in consultation with the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 report to the ,president on whether full compliance is being achieved with existing laws and regulations governing executive branch procurement lobbying disclosure and on steps the executive branch can take to expand to the fullest extent practicable disclosure of such executive branch procurement lobbying and of lobbying for ,presidential pardons1 and to include in the report both immediate action the executive branch can take and1 if necessary1 recommendations for legislation2 and 7#e7 provide an annual public report on the administration of the pledge and this title4 7d7 ,all pledges signed by appointees1 and all waiver certifications with respect thereto1 shall be filed with the head of the appointee's agency for permanent retention in the appointee's official personnel folder or equivalent folder4 4 ,h ,severability #hjga4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or any amendment made by this title1 or any application of such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of the provisions of this title and the amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provision or amendment to any other person or circumstance1 shall not be affected4 ,,ix ,congressional ,ethics ,reform ,subtitle ,a--,requiring ,members of ,congress ,to reimburse ,treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,sec4 #ijja4 ,requiring ,members of ,congress to reimburse ,treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie in all cases of employment discrimination acts by ,members4 ,subtitle ,b--,conflicts of ,interests ,sec4 #iaja4 ,prohibiting ,members of ,house of ,representatives from serving on boards of for-profit entities4 ,sec4 #iajb4 ,conflict of interest rules for ,members of ,congress and congressional staff4 ,sec4 #iajc4 ,exercise of rulemaking powers4 ,subtitle ,c--,campaign ,finance and ,lobbying ,disclosure ,sec4 #ibja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #ibjb4 ,requiring disclosure in certain reports filed with ,federal ,election ,commission of persons who are registered lobbyists4 ,sec4 #ibjc4 ,effective date4 ,subtitle ,d--,access to ,congressionally ,mandated ,reports ,sec4 #icja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #icjb4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #icjc4 ,establishment of online portal for congressionally mandated reports4 ,sec4 #icjd4 ,federal agency responsibilities4 ,sec4 #icje4 ,removing and altering reports4 ,sec4 #icjf4 ,relationship to the ,freedom of ,information ,act4 ,sec4 #icjg4 ,implementation4 ,subtitle ,e--,severability ,sec4 #idja4 ,severability4 ,a ,requiring ,members of ,congress ,to reimburse ,treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie #ijja4 ,requiring ,members of ,congress to reimburse ,treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie in all cases of employment discrimination acts by ,members 7a7 ,requiring reimbursement ,clause 7i7 of section #dae7;d77#a77;,c7 of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adae7;d77#a77;,c771 as amended by section #aaa7;a7 of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,reform ,act1 is amended to read as follows3 7i7 a violation of section #bja7;a7 or section #bjf7;a72 or 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to notification of possibility of reimbursement ,clause 7i7 of section #djb7;b77#b77;,b7 of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adjb7;b77#b77;,b771 as amended by section #ajb7;a7 of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,reform ,act1 is amended to read as follows3 7i7 a violation of section #bja7;a7 or section #bjf7;a72 or 4 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,reform ,act4 ,b ,conflicts of ,interests #iaja4 ,prohibiting ,members of ,house of ,representatives from serving on boards of for-profit entities ,rule ,,xxiii of the ,rules of the ,house of ,representatives is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating clause #ai as clause #bj2 and 7#b7 by inserting after clause #ah the following new clause3 #ai4 ,a ,member1 ,delegate1 or ,resident ,commissioner may not serve on the board of directors of any for-profit entity4 4 #iajb4 ,conflict of interest rules for ,members of ,congress and congressional staff ,no ,member1 officer1 or employee of a committee or ,member of either ,house of ,congress may knowingly use his or her official position to introduce or aid the progress or passage of legislation1 a principal purpose of which is to further only his or her pecuniary interest1 only the pecuniary interest of his or her immediate family1 or only the pecuniary interest of a limited class of persons or enterprises1 when he or she1 or his or her immediate family1 or enterprises controlled by them1 are members of the affected class4 #iajc4 ,exercise of rulemaking powers ,the provisions of this subtitle are enacted by the ,congress-- 7#a7 as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,senate1 respectively1 and as such they shall be considered as part of the rules of each ,house1 respectively1 or of that ,house to which they specifically apply1 and such rules shall supersede other rules only to the extent that they are inconsistent therewith2 and 7#b7 with full recognition of the constitutional right of either ,house to change such rules 7so far as relating to such ,house7 at any time1 in the same manner1 and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of such ,house4 ,c ,campaign ,finance and ,lobbying ,disclosure #ibja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,connecting ,lobbyists and ,electeds for ,accountability and ,reform ,act or the ,,clear ,act4 #ibjb4 ,requiring disclosure in certain reports filed with ,federal ,election ,commission of persons who are registered lobbyists 7a7 ,reports filed by political committees ,section #cjd7;b7 of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#g72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#h7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#i7 if any person identified in subparagraph 7,a71 7,e71 7,f71 or 7,g7 of paragraph 7#c7 is a registered lobbyist under the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie1 a separate statement that such person is a registered lobbyist under such ,act4 4 7b7 ,reports filed by persons making independent expenditures ,section #cjd7;c77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;c77#b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,b72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,c7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,d7 if the person filing the statement1 or a person whose identification is required to be disclosed under subparagraph 7,c71 is a registered lobbyist under the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie1 a separate statement that such person is a registered lobbyist under such ,act4 4 7c7 ,reports filed by persons making disbursements for electioneering communications ,section #cjd7;f77#b7 of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd7;f77#b77 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,g7 ,if the person making the disbursement1 or a contributor described in subparagraph 7,e7 or 7,f71 is a registered lobbyist under the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie1 a separate statement that such person or contributor is a registered lobbyist under such ,act4 4 7d7 ,requiring ,commission ,to establish link to websites of ,clerk of ,house and ,secretary of ,senate ,section #cjd of such ,act 7#eb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjajd71 as amended by section #dcjh7;a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7k7 ,requiring information on registered lobbyists ,to be linked to websites of ,clerk of ,house and ,secretary of ,senate 7#a7 ,links to websites ,the ,commission shall ensure that the ,commission's public database containing information described in paragraph 7#b7 is linked electronically to the websites maintained by the ,secretary of the ,senate and the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives containing information filed pursuant to the ,lobbying ,disclosure ,act of #aiie4 7#b7 ,information described ,the information described in this paragraph is each of the following3 7,a7 ,information disclosed under paragraph 7#i7 of subsection 7b74 7,b7 ,information disclosed under subparagraph 7,d7 of subsection 7c77#b74 7,c7 ,information disclosed under subparagraph 7,g7 of subsection 7f77#b74 4 #ibjc4 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to reports required to be filed under the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga on or after the expiration of the #ij-;day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,d ,access to ,congressionally ,mandated ,reports #icja4 ,short title ,this subtitle may be cited as the ,access to ,congressionally ,mandated ,reports ,act4 #icjb4 ,definitions ,in this subtitle3 7#a7 ,congressionally mandated report ,the term congressionally mandated report-- 7,a7 means a report that is required to be submitted to either ,house of ,congress or any committee of ,congress1 or subcommittee thereof1 by a statute1 resolution1 or conference report that accompanies legislation enacted into law2 and 7,b7 does not include a report required under part ,b of subtitle ,,ii of title #cf1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,director ,the term ,director means the ,director of the ,government ,publishing ,office4 7#c7 ,federal agency ,the term ,federal agency has the meaning given that term under section #ajb of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code1 but does not include the ,government ,accountability ,office4 7#d7 ,open format ,the term open format means a file format for storing digital data based on an underlying open standard that-- 7,a7 is not encumbered by any restrictions that would impede reuse2 and 7,b7 is based on an underlying open data standard that is maintained by a standards organization4 7#e7 ,reports online portal ,the term reports online portal means the online portal established under section 7#c77;a74 #icjc4 ,establishment of online portal for congressionally mandated reports 7a7 ,requirement ,to establish online portal 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,director shall establish and maintain an online portal accessible by the public that allows the public to obtain electronic copies of all congressionally mandated reports in one place4 ,the ,director may publish other reports on the online portal4 7#b7 ,existing functionality ,to the extent possible1 the ,director shall meet the requirements under paragraph 7#a7 by using existing online portals and functionality under the authority of the ,director4 7#c7 ,consultation ,in carrying out this subtitle1 the ,director shall consult with the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,secretary of the ,senate1 and the ,librarian of ,congress regarding the requirements for and maintenance of congressionally mandated reports on the reports online portal4 7b7 ,content and function ,the ,director shall ensure that the reports online portal includes the following3 7#a7 ,subject to subsection 7c71 with respect to each congressionally mandated report1 each of the following3 7,a7 ,a citation to the statute1 conference report1 or resolution requiring the report4 7,b7 ,an electronic copy of the report1 including any transmittal letter associated with the report1 in an open format that is platform independent and that is available to the public without restrictions1 including restrictions that would impede the re-use of the information in the report4 7,c7 ,the ability to retrieve a report1 to the extent practicable1 through searches based on each1 and any combination1 of the following3 7i7 ,the title of the report4 7ii7 ,the reporting ,federal agency4 7iii7 ,the date of publication4 7iv7 ,each congressional committee receiving the report1 if applicable4 7v7 ,the statute1 resolution1 or conference report requiring the report4 7vi7 ,subject tags4 7vii7 ,a unique alphanumeric identifier for the report that is consistent across report editions4 7viii7 ,the serial number1 ,superintendent of ,documents number1 or other identification number for the report1 if applicable4 7ix7 ,key words4 7x7 ,full text search4 7xi7 ,any other relevant information specified by the ,director4 7,d7 ,the date on which the report was required to be submitted1 and on which the report was submitted1 to the reports online portal4 7,e7 ,access to the report not later than #cj calendar days after its submission to ,congress4 7,f7 ,to the extent practicable1 a permanent means of accessing the report electronically4 7#b7 ,a means for bulk download of all congressionally mandated reports4 7#c7 ,a means for downloading individual reports as the result of a search4 7#d7 ,an electronic means for the head of each ,federal agency to submit to the reports online portal each congressionally mandated report of the agency1 as required by section #d4 7#e7 ,in tabular form1 a list of all congressionally mandated reports that can be searched1 sorted1 and downloaded by-- 7,a7 reports submitted within the required time2 7,b7 reports submitted after the date on which such reports were required to be submitted2 and 7,c7 reports not submitted4 7c7 ,noncompliance by ,federal agencies 7#a7 ,reports not submitted ,if a ,federal agency does not submit a congressionally mandated report to the ,director1 the ,director shall to the extent practicable-- 7,a7 include on the reports online portal-- 7i7 the information required under clauses 7i71 7ii71 7iv71 and 7v7 of subsection 7b77#a77;,c72 and 7ii7 the date on which the report was required to be submitted2 and 7,b7 include the congressionally mandated report on the list described in subsection 7b77#e77;,c74 7#b7 ,reports not in open format ,if a ,federal agency submits a congressionally mandated report that is not in an open format1 the ,director shall include the congressionally mandated report in another format on the reports online portal4 7d7 ,free access ,the ,director may not charge a fee1 require registration1 or impose any other limitation in exchange for access to the reports online portal4 7e7 ,upgrade capability ,the reports online portal shall be enhanced and updated as necessary to carry out the purposes of this subtitle4 #icjd4 ,federal agency responsibilities 7a7 ,submission of electronic copies of reports ,concurrently with the submission to ,congress of each congressionally mandated report1 the head of the ,federal agency submitting the congressionally mandated report shall submit to the ,director the information required under subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 of section #c7;b77#a7 with respect to the congressionally mandated report4 ,nothing in this subtitle shall relieve a ,federal agency of any other requirement to publish the congressionally mandated report on the online portal of the ,federal agency or otherwise submit the congressionally mandated report to ,congress or specific committees of ,congress1 or subcommittees thereof4 7b7 ,guidance ,not later than #bdj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 in consultation with the ,director1 shall issue guidance to agencies on the implementation of this ,act4 7c7 ,structure of submitted report data ,the head of each ,federal agency shall ensure that each congressionally mandated report submitted to the ,director complies with the open format criteria established by the ,director in the guidance issued under subsection 7b74 7d7 ,point of contact ,the head of each ,federal agency shall designate a point of contact for congressionally mandated report4 7e7 ,list of reports ,as soon as practicable each calendar year 7but not later than ,april #a71 and on a rolling basis during the year if feasible1 the ,librarian of ,congress shall submit to the ,director a list of congressionally mandated reports from the previous calendar year1 in consultation with the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives1 which shall-- 7#a7 be provided in an open format2 7#b7 include the information required under clauses 7i71 7ii71 7iv71 7v7 of section #c7;b77#a77;,c7 for each report2 7#c7 include the frequency of the report2 7#d7 include a unique alphanumeric identifier for the report that is consistent across report editions2 7#e7 include the date on which each report is required to be submitted2 and 7#f7 be updated and provided to the ,director1 as necessary4 #icje4 ,removing and altering reports ,a report submitted to be published to the reports online portal may only be changed or removed1 with the exception of technical changes1 by the head of the ,federal agency concerned if-- 7#a7 the head of the ,federal agency consults with each congressional committee to which the report is submitted2 and 7#b7 ,congress enacts a joint resolution authorizing the changing or removal of the report4 #icjf4 ,relationship to the ,freedom of ,information ,act 7a7 ,in general ,nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to-- 7#a7 require the disclosure of information or records that are exempt from public disclosure under section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 or 7#b7 to impose any affirmative duty on the ,director to review congressionally mandated reports submitted for publication to the reports online portal for the purpose of identifying and redacting such information or records4 7b7 ,redaction of information ,the head of a ,federal agency may redact information required to be disclosed under this ,act if the information would be properly withheld from disclosure under section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 and shall-- 7#a7 redact information required to be disclosed under this subtitle if disclosure of such information is prohibited by law2 7#b7 redact information being withheld under this subsection prior to submitting the information to the ,director2 7#c7 redact only such information properly withheld under this subsection from the submission of information or from any congressionally mandated report submitted under this subtitle2 7#d7 identify where any such redaction is made in the submission or report2 and 7#e7 identify the exemption under which each such redaction is made4 #icjg4 ,implementation ,except as provided in section #icjd7;b71 this subtitle shall be implemented not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act and shall apply with respect to congressionally mandated reports submitted to ,congress on or after the date that is #a year after such date of enactment4 ,e ,severability #idja4 ,severability ,if any provision of this title or amendment made by this title1 or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance1 is held to be unconstitutional1 the remainder of this title and amendments made by this title1 and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance1 shall not be affected by the holding4 ,x ,presidential and ,vice ,presidential ,tax ,transparency ,sec4 #ajjja4 ,presidential and ,vice ,presidential tax transparency4 #ajjja4 ,presidential and ,vice ,presidential tax transparency 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 ,the term covered candidate means a candidate of a major party in a general election for the office of ,president or ,vice ,president4 7#b7 ,the term major party has the meaning given the term in section #ijjb of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf4 7#c7 ,the term income tax return means1 with respect to an individual1 any return 7as such term is defined in section #fajc7;b77#a7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf7 of such individual other than-- 7,a7 information returns issued to persons other than such individual1 and 7,b7 declarations of estimated tax4 7#d7 ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,treasury or the delegate of the ,secretary4 7b7 ,disclosure 7#a7 ,in general 7,a7 ,candidates for ,president and ,vice ,president ,not later than the date that is #ae days after the date on which an individual becomes a covered candidate1 the individual shall submit to the ,federal ,election ,commission a copy of the individual's income tax returns for the #aj most recent taxable years for which a return has been filed with the ,internal ,revenue ,service4 7,b7 ,president and ,vice ,president ,with respect to each taxable year for an individual who is the ,president or ,vice ,president1 not later than the due date for the return of tax for the taxable year1 such individual shall submit to the ,federal ,election ,commission a copy of the individual's income tax returns for the taxable year and for the #i preceding taxable years4 7,c7 ,transition rule for sitting ,presidents and ,vice ,presidents ,not later than the date that is #cj days after the date of enactment of this section1 an individual who is the ,president or ,vice ,president on such date of enactment shall submit to the ,federal ,election ,commission a copy of the income tax returns for the #aj most recent taxable years for which a return has been filed with the ,internal ,revenue ,service4 7#b7 ,failure to disclose ,if any requirement under paragraph 7#a7 to submit an income tax return is not met1 the chairman of the ,federal ,election ,commission shall submit to the ,secretary a written request that the ,secretary provide the ,federal ,election ,commission with the income tax return4 7#c7 ,publicly available ,the chairman of the ,federal ,election ,commission shall make publicly available each income tax return submitted under paragraph 7#a7 in the same manner as a return provided under section #fajc7l77#bc7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf 7as added by this section74 7#d7 ,treatment as a report under the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga ,for purposes of the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga1 any income tax return submitted under paragraph 7#a7 or provided under section #fajc7l77#bc7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf 7as added by this section7 shall1 after redaction under paragraph 7#c7 or subparagraph 7,b77ii7 of such section1 be treated as a report filed under the ,federal ,election ,campaign ,act of #aiga4 7c7 ,disclosure of returns of ,presidents and ,vice ,presidents and certain candidates for ,president and ,vice ,president 7#a7 ,in general ,section #fajc7l7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#bc7 ,disclosure of return information of ,presidents and ,vice ,presidents and certain candidates for ,president and ,vice ,president 7,a7 ,in general ,upon written request by the chairman of the ,federal ,election ,commission under section #ajjja7;b77#b7 of the ,for the ,people ,act of #bjai1 the ,secretary shall provide copies of any return which is so requested to officers and employees of the ,federal ,election ,commission whose official duties require access to such return under this paragraph4 7,b7 ,disclosure to the public 7i7 ,in general ,the chairman of the ,federal ,election ,commission shall make publicly available any return which is provided under subparagraph 7,a74 7ii7 ,redaction of certain information ,before making publicly available under clause 7i7 any return1 the chairman of the ,federal ,election ,commission shall redact such information as the ,federal ,election ,commission and the ,secretary jointly determine is necessary for protecting against identity theft1 such as social security numbers4 4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments ,section #fajc7p77#d7 of such ,code is amended-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a7 by striking or 7#bb7 and inserting 7#bb71 or 7#bc71 and 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,f77ii7 by striking or 7#bb7 and inserting 7#bb71 or 7#bc74 7#c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subsection shall apply to disclosures made on or after the date of enactment of this ,act4