,i #aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #hefi ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,october #i1 #bjbj,ms4 ,porter 7for herself and ,mr4 ,graves of ,louisiana7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure1 and in addition to the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce1 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 provide for a ,national ,disaster ,safety ,board4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,disaster ,learning and ,life ,saving ,act of #bjbj4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,act of violence ,the term act of violence means any terrorism-related or other willful act of human violence that causes loss of human life1 or human or economic injury1 including an explosion1 arson1 mass shooting1 or attack by a hostile force1 as determined by the ,board4 7#b7 ,board ,the term ,board means the ,national ,disaster ,safety ,board established under section #c4 7#c7 ,chairperson ,the term ,chairperson means the ,chairperson of the ,board appointed under section #c4 7#d7 ,economic injury ,the term economic injury has the meaning given the term substantial economic injury in section #g7;b7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcf7;b774 7#e7 ,incident ,the term incident means a natural hazard1 public health incident1 or other circumstance that the ,board decides to review4 7#f7 ,institution of higher education and research institution ,the term institution of higher education and research institution means-- 7,a7 an institution of higher education 7as defined in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja772 7,b7 a ,national ,laboratory 7as defined in section #b of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aehja772 7,c7 a laboratory described in section #cjh7;c77#b7 of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #ahh7;c77#b772 7,d7 the ,national ,domestic ,preparedness ,consortium established under section #abjd of the ,implementing ,recommendations of the #i_/aa ,commission ,act of #bjjg 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aajb7 and the members of such ,consortium2 and 7,e7 a research institution associated with an institution of higher education4 7#g7 ,natural hazard ,the term natural hazard means any naturally occurring hurricane1 tornado1 storm1 heat wave1 flood1 high water1 wind-driven water1 wind storm1 wildfire1 wildland urban interface fire1 urban conflagration fire1 tidal wave1 tsunami1 earthquake1 volcanic eruption1 landslide1 mudslide1 snowstorm1 dust storm1 drought1 or combination thereof1 that causes or threatens to cause loss of human life1 or human or economic injury1 as determined by the ,board4 7#h7 ,public health incident ,the term public health incident means any infectious disease outbreak or the public health and safety consequences of chemical1 radiological1 and biological events1 as determined by the ,board4 7#i7 ,state ,the term ,state has the meaning given the term in section #ajb of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eabb74 7#aj7 ,technological disaster ,the term technological disaster means an incident that-- 7,a7 is caused by human error or malfunction in technology1 including a dam or structural failure1 a fire 7other than a naturally occurring wildfire1 wildland urban interface fire1 urban conflagration fire1 or arson71 a hazardous material incident1 a nuclear accident1 and a power and telecommunications failure2 and 7,b7 causes loss of human life1 or human or economic injury1 as determined by the ,board4 7#aa7 ,terrorism ,the term terrorism has the meaning given the term in section #b of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #aja74 7#ab7 ,tribal government ,the term ,tribal government means the governing body of any ,indian or ,alaska ,native tribe1 band1 nation1 pueblo1 village1 or community that the ,secretary of the ,interior acknowledges to exist as an ,indian tribe under the ,federally ,recognized ,indian ,tribe ,list ,act of #aiid 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #eacj et seq474 #c4 ,establishment and purpose 7a7 ,organization ,there is established in the executive branch a ,national ,disaster ,safety ,board1 which shall be an independent establishment1 as defined in section #ajd of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,purpose ,the purposes of the ,board are-- 7#a7 to reduce loss of life1 injury1 and economic injury caused by future incidents by learning from natural hazards and public health incidents1 including the impacts and underlying factors of such incidents1 in a standardized way2 7#b7 to maintain a focus that is future-looking and national in scope1 by applying what the ,board learns through the trends that emerge from the incidents the ,board reviews nationally to prevent loss of life1 or human or economic injury1 not only in the affected jurisdiction1 but nationally1 as the ,board determines relevant2 7#c7 in carrying out reviews1 analyses1 and recommendations1 is not to be accusatory in nature and the ,board shall not seek to find blame in any individual or organization1 or second-guess any relevant authorities2 7#d7 to address systemic causes behind the loss of life and human or economic injury in incidents1 including by recommending the augmentation of resources available to entities responsible for managing incident consequences2 and 7#e7 while preventing economic injury as part of the mission of the ,board1 when relevant1 to prioritize efforts that focus on lifesaving and injury prevention1 especially in disproportionately impacted communities1 as its work determines them to be4 #d4 ,general authority 7a7 ,authority ,to review 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to subsection 7b71 the ,board shall review and establish the facts1 circumstances1 and cause or probable cause of the loss of life1 human injury1 and economic injury due to a natural hazard or public health incident with #aj or more fatalities or that meets the requirements described in paragraph 7#e7 or 7#f7 of subsection 7b7 that occurs after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,due to a natural hazard or public health incident defined ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a71 the term due to a natural hazard or public health incident means a fatality that1 if not for the natural hazard or public health incident1 as the case may be1 would not have occurred within the time frame of the incident1 as defined by standards developed by the ,board4 7b7 ,determination of whether incident warrants ,board review ,in carrying out subsection 7a71 the ,board-- 7#a7 may begin the review of an incident1 including by monitoring the natural hazard or public health incident and collecting facts1 before the total number of fatalities is known if the ,board determines that the natural hazard or public health incident has the potential to cause #aj or more fatalities at its onset1 in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the ,board2 7#b7 may1 by a two-thirds vote1 decide that an incident that caused #aj or more fatalities does not require a review and shall issue a public statement explaining the determination2 7#c7 may1 by a majority vote1 decide to review any natural hazard or public health incident that occurs after the date of enactment of this ,act upon request from a representative of an affected ,state1 ,tribal government1 or unit of local government1 regardless of the number of fatalities2 7#d7 may1 by a majority vote1 decide to review any natural hazard or public health incident that occurs after the date of enactment of this ,act upon recommendation by the ,office for the ,protection of ,disproportionately ,impacted ,communities of the ,board1 which the ,office may make because of the incident's impacts on populations that are socially1 medically1 or economically vulnerable1 as decided by the ,office2 and 7#e7 may1 by a majority vote1 decide to review a natural hazard or public health incident that occurs after the date of enactment of this ,act if-- 7,a7 the ,board determines that information may be gained by the review that will be useful in reducing systemic causes behind the loss of life and human or economic injury2 and 7,b7 the incident-- 7i7 did not result in #aj or more fatalities2 and 7ii7 7,i7 could have resulted in a large number of fatalities if not for swift intervention or a shift in the course of events2 or 7,,ii7 resulted in1 as determined by the ,board-- 7aa7 a significant amount of economic or infrastructure damage2 7bb7 significant human displacement2 or 7cc7 a significant number of severe non-fatal injuries or cases of severe illness2 and 7#f7 shall1 by majority vote1 determine whether each incident for which the ,president issues a major disaster declaration under section #dja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj7 meets the criteria for review under paragraph 7#e74 7c7 ,nature of review 7#a7 ,in general ,in carrying out a review under this ,act1 the ,board shall-- 7,a7 conduct the review to determine the facts1 conditions1 and circumstances relating to the loss of life1 human injury1 and economic injury due to an incident2 7,b7 following an initial assessment of an incident by the ,board1 notify any individual or organization that the ,board anticipates will be affected by the review as to the extent of the expected review response of the ,board2 7,c7 use the results of the review under subparagraph 7,a7 to-- 7i7 determine how and why people die and are injured during an incident2 and 7ii7 issue recommendations to prevent or mitigate the loss of life1 human injury1 or economic injury due to similar incidents2 and 7,d7 report on the facts and circumstances of the incident review1 including the pre-incident resilience or vulnerabilities of the incident area or population4 7#b7 ,generalized nature of reviews ,a review of loss of life and injury conducted by the ,board shall-- 7,a7 be generalized2 7,b7 focus on trends across an incident2 and 7,c7 not aim to determine the exact individual cause of death or injury of any affected people4 7#c7 ,fact-finding proceeding ,any review of an incident by the ,board under this ,act shall be a fact-finding proceeding with no adverse parties4 7#d7 ,limitation of applicability of other ,acts 7,a7 ,administrative ,procedure ,act ,any review proceedings of the ,board under this ,act shall not be-- 7i7 subject to the ,administrative ,procedure ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 #eea et seq472 or 7ii7 conducted for the purpose of determining the rights1 liabilities1 or blame of any person1 as the review is not an adjudicatory proceeding4 7,b7 ,paperwork ,reduction ,act ,chapter #ce of title #dd1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly known as the ,paperwork ,reduction ,act71 shall not apply to the review proceedings of the ,board under this ,act4 7,c7 ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to the ,board4 7#e7 ,initiating reviews ,the ,board shall initiate a review of an incident by monitoring the situation and assessing available facts to determine the appropriate review response1 without interfering in any ongoing lifesaving and life sustaining efforts underway by other entities4 7#f7 ,alignment and coordination ,in carrying out this ,act1 the ,board shall coordinate with ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and ,tribal entities to-- 7,a7 establish or adopt standard methods of measuring the impacts of natural hazards and accessing response capacity and capabilities to maintain consistency and allow for the analysis of trends over time2 7,b7 ensure that the standard data sets and formats necessary for reviews developed under subparagraph 7,a7 are propagated among ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and tribal entities that may be involved in response operations2 7,c7 leverage1 to the extent practicable1 data collected using standard data sets and formats established under subparagraph 7,b7 by ,federal entities involved in response operations to avoid any duplication of data collection2 and 7,d7 during incident response operations1 coordinate with partners active in the operation to collect data remotely or take other actions that the ,board finds necessary to align and coordinate the requirements of the review with ongoing operations1 including through the requirements of paragraph 7#g74 7#g7 ,incident command ,the ,board shall-- 7,a7 recognize the role of incident command systems to address incidents2 7,b7 participate in the incident command system to identify and coordinate review needs related to the preservation and collection of information and evidence2 and 7,c7 shall collect information and evidence from the incident command in a timely and reasonable manner so as not to interfere with the operations of the incident command4 7#h7 ,parties to the review 7,a7 ,participants ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the ,board may invite #a or more entities to serve as a party in a review on a voluntary basis1 and any party participant shall be required to follow all directions and instructions from the ,board4 7,b7 ,eligible entity ,in designating an entity to serve as a party under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,board may designate only a ,federal1 ,state1 or local government agency or private organization whose employees1 functions1 activities1 or products were involved in the incident1 including responsible parties1 and that can provide suitable qualified technical personnel to actively assist in the review4 7,c7 ,representatives of eligible entities ,to the extent practicable1 a representative proposed by an entity designated as a party under subparagraph 7,a7 to participate in the review may not be an individual who had direct involvement in the incident under review4 7,d7 ,revocation of party status ,a designation as a party under subparagraph 7,a7 may be revoked or suspended by the ,board if the party fails to comply with assigned duties and instructions1 withholds information1 or otherwise acts in a manner prejudicial or disruptive to a review4 7,e7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to establish a right for any entity to participate in a ,board review as a party4 7,f7 ,internal review by a party ,to assure coordination of concurrent efforts1 a party to a review that conducts or authorizes an internal review of the processes and procedures of the party as a result of an incident that the ,board is reviewing shall-- 7i7 inform the ,board of the nature of the review2 and 7ii7 provide to the ,board findings from the review4 7#i7 ,review procedures ,in addition to any procedures required under this ,act1 the ,board shall determine and publish detailed review procedures as the ,board determines necessary4 7#aj7 ,products ,the ,board may use any medium that will effectively convey the findings and recommendations of the ,board to the targeted audience of such findings or recommendations4 7d7 ,review by affected authorities 7#a7 ,in general ,when the ,board has completed the findings and recommendations or other products as a result of a review under this ,act1 the ,board shall provide all affected ,states1 ,tribal ,governments1 and units of local government1 or their designees1 an opportunity to review and comment not later than #cj days before the publication of the findings or recommendations4 7#b7 ,requirement ,the ,board shall make every reasonable effort1 within its discretion1 to respond to requests for additional information and context that an affected jurisdiction may make and to edit their findings and recommendations with any useful additional information or context provided by any affected jurisdiction in its comments without affecting the integrity or independence of the review and its findings and recommendations1 as the ,board shall determine4 7e7 ,disproportionately impacted communities 7#a7 ,in general ,in carrying out a review of an incident under this section1 including in determining whether to launch a review1 the ,board shall ensure the potential development of findings that would benefit the prevention of loss of life and human or economic injury to populations that are socially1 medically1 or economically vulnerable1 as decided by the ,board4 7#b7 ,data requirement ,to forward the analysis and identification of trends of fatalities and injuries as a result of incidents1 the ,board shall publish information regarding the number of fatalities and injuries1 and the facts and circumstances surrounding them1 disaggregated by race1 color or ethnicity1 religion1 nationality1 sex1 age1 disability1 ,english proficiency1 occupation1 or economic status1 and other demographic characteristics that the ,board may determine appropriate4 7f7 ,coordination with other reviews and investigations 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to the requirements of this section1 a review of a natural hazard incident by the ,board under subsection 7a77#a7 shall have priority over any investigation by another department1 agency1 or instrumentality of the ,federal ,government or a ,state1 ,tribal1 or local government4 7#b7 ,participation by other agencies ,the ,board shall provide for appropriate participation by other departments1 agencies1 or instrumentalities in a review conducted by the ,board1 except that another department1 agency1 or instrumentality may not influence the final findings of the ,board4 7#c7 ,coordination ,the ,board shall coordinate with all other ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 or local legally mandated investigations or reviews and may share information with those entities1 according to policies and procedures that the ,board will provide1 to ensure that appropriate findings and recommendations to reduce loss of life1 injury1 and economic injury caused by future incidents are produced as efficiently as possible4 7#d7 ,memoranda of understanding ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and biennially thereafter1 the ,chairman of the ,board shall enter into memoranda of understanding with the ,director of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology1 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency1 the ,chairman of the ,chemical ,safety ,board1 and the ,chairman of the ,national ,transportation ,safety ,board1 respectively1 and may enter into additional memoranda of understanding with any other ,federal entity that requests such due to the relationship that the requirements of the ,federal entity may have with the requirements with the ,board1 in order to-- 7,a7 determine the appropriate roles and responsibilities of the ,board with respect to the other agency or board2 7,b7 avoid any duplication of effort2 and 7,c7 ensure that appropriate findings and recommendations to reduce loss of life1 injury1 and economic injury caused by future incidents are provided4 7g7 ,participation in support of another agency 7#a7 ,in general 7,a7 ,investigation of acts of violence ,the ,board may participate in an investigation of an act of violence in support of another ,federal department or agency1 or other ,federal investigative body with statutory authority to lead such an investigation1 if the head of the lead investigative agency determines that the participation of the ,board would be beneficial to reduce the likelihood of the loss of life and human or economic injury1 for future similar incidents4 7,b7 ,investigation of technological incidents 7i7 ,in general ,the ,board may participate in an investigation of a technological incident-- 7,i7 in support of another ,federal department or agency1 or other ,federal investigative body with statutory authority to lead such an investigation1 if the head of the lead investigative agency determines that the participation of the ,board would be beneficial to reduce the likelihood of the loss of life and human or economic injury1 for future similar incidents2 or 7,,ii7 in the case of no statutory authority for another ,federal department or agency1 or other ,federal investigative body1 to lead such an investigation1 as the lead investigative entity4 7ii7 ,memoranda of understanding ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and biennially thereafter1 the ,chairman of the ,board shall enter into memoranda of understanding with the heads of appropriate ,federal agencies in order to-- 7,i7 determine the appropriate roles and responsibilities of the ,board in investigating technological incidents with respect to the other agency2 7,,ii7 avoid any duplication of effort2 and 7,,iii7 ensure that appropriate findings and recommendations to reduce loss of life1 injury1 and economic injury caused by future incidents are provided4 7#b7 ,findings ,if the ,board participates in an act of violence or technological incident investigation under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,board may issue independent findings and recommendations notwithstanding the outcome of any investigation conducted by another ,federal agency or other ,federal investigative body4 7#c7 ,criminal circumstances ,if the ,attorney ,general1 in consultation with the ,chairperson1 determines and notifies the ,board that circumstances reasonably indicate that the act of violence or technological incident described in subparagraph 7,a7 may have been caused by an intentional criminal act1 the ,board shall relinquish investigative priority to the responsible ,federal law enforcement entity4 7#d7 ,rule of construction ,this section shall not be construed to affect the authority of another department1 agency1 or instrumentality of the ,federal ,government to investigate an incident under applicable law or to obtain information directly from the parties involved in1 and witnesses to1 the incident4 ,the ,board and other departments1 agencies1 and instrumentalities shall ensure that appropriate information developed about the incident is exchanged in a timely manner4 7h7 ,technical assistance ,the ,board may make the following types of technical assistance available to ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local government agencies and to private entities as designated by a ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 or local government agency3 7#a7 ,independent review ,the ,board shall disseminate best practices for the development of internal review organizations within ,state1 ,tribal1 and local governments4 7#b7 ,implementation of recommendations ,the ,board-- 7,a7 may provide technical assistance to any entity identified as responsible for implementing a recommendation under section #e7;a77#a7 to assist the entity in implementing the recommendation2 and 7,b7 to the extent possible1 shall provide the technical assistance described in subparagraph 7,a7 in coordination with technical assistance offered by another ,federal department or agency4 7#c7 ,prioritization ,in offering technical assistance under this subsection1 the ,board shall use a risk-based method of prioritization1 as the ,board determines appropriate4 7i7 ,findings 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 not later than #a year after the date on which the ,board initiates a review conducted under this section1 the ,board shall make the findings and relevant underlying data of the review available to the public4 7#b7 ,extension of deadline ,the ,chairperson of the ,board may extend the #a-year period described in paragraph 7#a7 if the ,chairperson1 before the end of such #a-year period-- 7,a7 provides an explanation for the extension2 and 7,b7 makes available to the public all available interim findings and underlying data4 #e4 ,recommendations and responses 7a7 ,in general ,if the ,board issues a recommendation about an incident1 the ,board shall-- 7#a7 explain the relationship between any recommendation and the results of a fact-finding review2 7#b7 identify each relevant entity responsible for making the change called for in the recommendation1 including ,state1 local1 or private entities1 as appropriate2 7#c7 publish any responses to the recommendation publicly2 and 7#d7 assess whether the responses adequately lower the likelihood that a future similar incident will result in loss of life1 or human or economic injury in the view of the ,board4 7b7 ,federal responses to recommendations 7#a7 ,in general ,all ,federal departments and agencies identified in a recommendation made by the ,board shall reply to the recommendations not later than #ij days after the date on which the recommendation is published by the ,board4 7#b7 ,response described ,a response under paragraph 7#a7 made by a ,federal department or agency shall include-- 7,a7 whether the department or agency intends to adopt the recommendation in whole1 in part1 or not at all2 7,b7 an explanation of the reasons for only adopting the recommendation in part or not at all2 and 7,c7 a proposed timetable for completing the action the ,federal department or agency has agreed to4 7#c7 ,progress updates ,a ,federal department or agency that agrees to adopt a recommendation of the ,board shall-- 7,a7 track the progress of the department or agency toward completion2 and 7,b7 provide an update to the ,board1 to be published publicly1 periodically1 and not less frequently than annually4 7c7 ,public availability 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date on which a final determination is made on a recommendation under this section1 the ,board shall make a copy of the recommendation and response to the recommendation available to the public4 7#b7 ,extension of deadline ,the ,chairperson of the ,board may extend the #a-year period described in paragraph 7#a7 if the ,chairperson1 before the end of such #a-year period-- 7,a7 provides an explanation for the extension2 and 7,b7 makes available to the public any available interim response to the recommendation and underlying data4 7d7 ,dissemination ,the ,board shall propagate each recommendation issued under this section1 including by-- 7#a7 incorporating the recommendation1 and any related findings1 into training material used by ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and private training facilities specializing in building resilience to and responding to and recovering from natural hazards and public health incidents1 as the ,board deems appropriate2 7#b7 coordinating with professional associations related to building resilience to and responding to and recovering from natural hazards and public health incidents2 7#c7 collaborating with relevant ,federal1 ,state1 and ,tribal authorities and private organizations2 and 7#d7 coordinating with private and public institutions of higher education and research institutions4 #f4 ,reports and studies 7a7 ,studies and other reports 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,board shall periodically submit a report containing the information described in paragraph 7#b7 to-- 7,a7 ,congress2 7,b7 any department1 agency1 or instrumentality of the ,federal ,government concerned with natural hazards and public health safety2 7,c7 all ,state and ,tribal governments2 and 7,d7 the general public4 7#b7 ,information described ,the information described in this paragraph is-- 7,a7 the results of special studies on how to reduce morbidity and mortality from incidents2 7,b7 an examination of techniques and methods of evaluating measures to protect the public from incidents and periodically publish recommended procedures for reviews2 7,c7 evaluation and examination of the effectiveness of the findings of the ,board about the natural hazard and public health resilience of other departments1 agencies1 and instrumentalities of the ,federal ,government and their effectiveness in preventing loss of life1 or human or economic injury2 and 7,d7 recommend meaningful responses to reduce the likelihood of loss of life1 or human or economic injury1 according to the findings of the above-mentioned research1 including national and regional policies and programs4 7b7 ,biennial report ,not later than ,june #a1 #bjbb1 and once every #b years thereafter1 the ,board shall submit a report to ,congress1 which shall include-- 7#a7 a statistical and analytical summary of the reviews conducted and reviewed by the ,board during the prior #b calendar years2 7#b7 a survey and summary of the recommendations made by the ,board and the observed response to each recommendation1 including the classification1 containing a written justification and explanation of each recommendation as-- 7,a7 open1 if1 in the determination of the ,board1 sufficient action to fulfill the intent of the recommendation has not been taken and still should be2 7,b7 closed1 if1 in the determination of the ,board1 sufficient action to fulfill the intent of the recommendation has been taken and no further action is necessary2 and 7,c7 outdated1 if1 in the determination of the ,board1 the recommendation is no longer relevant because of any change in circumstances or actions by parties other than the intended recipient of the recommendation2 7#c7 an assessment of efforts of ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local governments to respond to recommendations made by the ,board1 if such entities have voluntarily provided information to the ,board on the progress of the entity2 7#d7 a description of the training undertaken by the ,board and its staff and persons sponsored by the ,board2 7#e7 a list of natural hazards and public health incidents that caused #aj or more fatalities that the ,board did not review and a recommendation with justification by the ,board of whether similar incidents should be reviewed in the future2 7#f7 a recommendation on how1 if at all1 the thresholds and triggers for a review by the ,board should change2 7#g7 an assessment of the sufficiency of ,federal resources provided to ,state1 ,tribal1 and local governments in aggregate relative to any vulnerabilities that the ,board determines the governments have2 7#h7 a list of all requests for review from ,governors of ,states and territories and chief executives of ,tribal governments or recommended by the office established under section #g7;f77#b7 that the ,board rejected1 including comments and recommendations from the ,board regarding whether similar incidents should be reviewed in the future2 and 7#i7 a list of ongoing reviews that have exceeded the expected time allotted for completion by ,board order and an explanation for the additional time required to complete each such review4 7c7 ,dissemination ,the ,board shall propagate the information described in subsection 7a77#b71 including by-- 7#a7 incorporating the information into training material used by ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and private training facilities specializing in building resilience to and responding to and recovering from natural hazards and public health incidents1 as the ,board deems appropriate2 7#b7 coordinating with professional associations related to building resilience to and responding to and recovering from natural hazards and public health incidents2 7#c7 collaborating with relevant ,federal1 ,state1 and ,tribal authorities and private organizations2 and 7#d7 coordinating with private and public institutions of higher education and research institutions4 #g4 ,appointment and organization 7a7 ,appointment of members 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,board shall be composed of #g members1 who shall1 in accordance with paragraph 7#b7 and subject to paragraph 7#c71 be appointed by the ,president1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate4 7#b7 ,procedure 7,a7 ,initial appointments ,the ,president shall1 in consultation with the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine and relevant professional associations and leaders in the private sector1 appoint the #g members of the ,board from among a list of #ad individuals provided by both houses of ,congress1 of which-- 7i7 the majority leader of the ,senate shall provide the names of #d individuals2 7ii7 the minority leader of the ,senate shall provide the names of #c individuals2 7iii7 the ,speaker of the ,house of ,representatives shall provide the names of #d individuals2 and 7iv7 the minority leader of the ,house of ,representatives shall provide the names of #c individuals4 7,b7 ,subsequent appointments ,any vacancy of the ,board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment4 7#c7 ,requirements ,of the #g members appointed under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 not more than #d members may be appointed from the same political party2 7,b7 all members shall be appointed on the basis of technical qualification1 professional standing1 and demonstrated knowledge in emergency management1 fire management1 emergency medical services1 public-health1 engineering1 social science1 or behavioral science2 7,c7 a minimum of #b members shall have experience working at the ,state or municipal level in #a of the fields described in subparagraph 7,b72 and 7,d7 a minimum of #b members shall have demonstrated professional experience working with populations that have historically been more vulnerable to incidents because of their race1 color1 nationality1 sex1 age1 disability1 ,english proficiency1 or economic status4 7b7 ,terms of office and removal 7#a7 ,term of office ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the term of office of each member shall be #e years4 7#b7 ,filling of vacancy ,an individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the predecessor of that individual was appointed is appointed for the remainder of that term4 7#c7 ,continuation until successor is appointed ,when the term of office of a member ends1 the member may continue to serve until a successor is appointed and confirmed4 7#d7 ,removal ,the ,president may remove a member only for inefficiency1 neglect of duty1 or malfeasance in office4 ,immediately upon removing a member of the ,board1 the ,president shall issue a public statement that details how the actions of the removed member met the criteria of this paragraph4 7c7 ,chairperson and vice chairperson 7#a7 ,chairperson ,the ,president shall designate1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,senate1 a member appointed under subsection 7b7 to serve as the ,chairperson of the ,board4 7#b7 ,vice chairperson ,the ,president shall designate a member appointed under subsection 7b7 to serve as the ,vice ,chairperson of the ,board and if the ,chairperson is absent or unable to serve1 or if the position of ,chairperson is vacant1 the ,vice ,chairperson shall act as the ,chairperson4 7#c7 ,term of office ,the ,chairperson and ,vice ,chairperson shall each serve in such position for a term of #c years4 7d7 ,duties and powers of chairperson 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,chairperson shall be the chief executive and administrative officer of the ,board4 7#b7 ,powers ,subject to the general policies and decisions of the ,board1 the ,chairperson shall-- 7,a7 appoint and supervise officers and employees1 other than regular and full-time employees in the immediate offices of another member1 necessary to carry out this ,act2 7,b7 fix the pay of officers and employees necessary to carry out this ,act2 7,c7 distribute business among the officers1 employees1 and administrative units of the ,board2 and 7,d7 supervise the expenditures of the ,board4 7e7 ,quorum 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c71 #d members of the ,board shall constitute a quorum for purposes of carrying out the duties and powers of the ,board1 subject to the limitations in the remainder of this subsection4 7#b7 ,party limitation ,not less than #a representative from each party shall be present for a quorum to be established4 7#c7 ,chairperson ,either the ,chairperson or ,vice ,chairperson shall be present for a quorum to be established4 7f7 ,offices 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,board shall establish such offices as are necessary to carry out this ,act1 which may include offices responsible for-- 7,a7 operations2 7,b7 science and methodology2 7,c7 review and evaluation2 7,d7 communications2 7,e7 external coordination2 or 7,f7 technical assistance4 7#b7 ,office for the protection of disproportionately impacted communities 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,board shall establish an office to review and make recommendations to mitigate and prevent the loss of life1 or human or economic injury for vulnerable populations1 including populations that may be more vulnerable because of their race1 color1 religion1 nationality1 sex1 age1 disability1 ,english proficiency1 or economic status1 or other demographic characteristics that the ,board may determine appropriate4 7,b7 ,responsibilities ,the office established under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7i7 provide recommendations to the ,board for incidents to review in accordance with section #d7;b77#d7 that do not otherwise meet the requirements of section #d7;b72 7ii7 determine and maintain a list specific demographic1 economic1 social1 and health characteristics of populations that historically have shown to be disproportionately impacted by incidents2 7iii7 during a review conducted by the ,board1 provide research and analysis on how the incident impacts populations that the ,office determines to be disproportionately impacted2 7iv7 provide recommendations for each review conducted by the ,board and for each report developed under section #f on actions that can be taken to reduce the impact to populations that are found to be disproportionately impacted under clause 7ii72 and 7v7 provide training1 and establish training requirements1 for ,board members and staff in the fields of diversity1 inclusion1 and equity in consultation with organizations specializing in those fields4 7#c7 ,regional offices ,in establishing offices under this subsection1 the ,board may establish regional offices across the ,united ,states to facilitate collaboration1 coordination1 and the dissemination of findings1 recommendations1 and best practices to ,state1 ,tribal1 and local governments and the private sector in such regions as the ,board determines appropriate4 7#d7 ,purpose ,each office established under this subsection shall enable the ,board to review1 report on1 and issue recommendations to prevent the loss of life1 human injury1 and economic injury and deliver technical assistance to disseminate best practices in accordance with this ,act4 7g7 ,chief ,financial ,officer ,the ,chairperson shall designate an officer or employee of the ,board to serve as the ,chief ,financial ,officer1 who shall-- 7#a7 report directly to the ,chairperson on financial management and budget execution2 7#b7 direct1 manage1 and provide policy guidance and oversight on financial management and property and inventory control2 and 7#c7 review the fees1 rents1 and other charges imposed by the ,board for services and things of value it provides and suggest appropriate revisions to those charges to reflect costs incurred by the ,board in providing those services and things of value4 7h7 ,board member staff 7#a7 ,in general ,each member of the ,board shall appoint and supervise regular and full-time employees in his or her immediate office as long as any such employee has been approved for employment by the designated agency ethics official under the same guidelines that apply to all employees of the ,board4 7#b7 ,designation ,with respect to an individual appointed under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 the member of the ,board making the appointment shall determine which grade of the ,general ,schedule most closely corresponds with respect to the duties and functions of the position to which the individual is appointed2 and 7,b7 during the period of the appointment-- 7i7 the individual shall be compensated at the appropriate rate of pay for the grade of the ,general ,schedule with respect to which the determination is made under subparagraph 7,a72 and 7ii7 for the purposes of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 and the rules issued under that title1 the individual shall be considered to be an employee1 as that term is defined in section #ecca7;a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#c7 ,limitation ,except for the ,chairperson1 the appointment authority in paragraph 7#a7 shall be limited to the number of full-time equivalent positions1 in addition to #a senior professional staff position at a level not to exceed the ,,gs-#ae level of the ,general ,schedule and #a administrative staff position1 allocated to each member of the ,board through the annual budget and allocation process of the ,board4 7i7 ,detailed staff 7#a7 ,federal employees 7,a7 ,in general ,upon request of the ,board1 the head of an agency described in subparagraph 7,b71 or any other ,federal department or agency that the ,board may request1 may detail1 on a reimbursable basis1 any of the personnel of that department or agency to the ,board to assist the ,board in carrying out the duties of the ,board under this ,act4 7,b7 ,relevant agencies ,for purposes of subparagraph 7,a71 the following are agencies described in this subparagraph3 7i7 ,the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7ii7 ,the ,cybersecurity and ,infrastructure ,security ,agency of the ,department of ,homeland ,security4 7iii7 ,the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 including the ,national ,weather ,service4 7iv7 ,the ,department of ,defense1 including the ,army ,corps of ,engineers4 7v7 ,the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services4 7vi7 ,the ,national ,institutes of ,health4 7vii7 ,the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention4 7viii7 ,the ,coast ,guard4 7ix7 ,the ,national ,transportation ,safety ,board4 7x7 ,the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology4 7xi7 ,the ,government ,accountability ,office4 7xii7 ,the ,department of the ,interior1 including the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey4 7xiii7 ,any ,office of the ,inspector ,general4 7xiv7 ,the ,small ,business ,administration4 7xv7 ,the ,chemical ,safety and ,hazard ,investigation ,board4 7xvi7 ,the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development4 7xvii7 ,the ,department of ,agriculture4 7#b7 ,state1 local1 ,tribal1 and research staff 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,board may enter into agreements with ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments and relevant nonprofit institutions of higher education and research institutions to request staff1 with specialized experience that the ,board determines relevant1 to be detailed to the ,board1 on a reimbursable basis1 and shall consult with relevant associations and organizations of those entities in developing an efficient process for requesting and receiving detailed staff4 7,b7 ,compensation ,the ,board shall ensure that any staff members detailed to the ,board under this paragraph are compensated equitably and shall pay differences in salaries based on the experience of said staff and in consultation with the ,office of ,personnel ,management4 7#c7 ,term of detail ,any staff member detailed to the ,board under this section shall be detailed for a term of #a year and such detail may be extended for not more than #b #a-year terms4 7#d7 ,limitations ,under this subsection-- 7,a7 not more than #be percent of the total number of staff members working for the ,board at any time may be detailees or otherwise nonpermanent staff2 7,b7 a detailee shall serve as an adviser or supplemental professional staff in any office established by the ,board under subsection 7g72 and 7,c7 a detailee may not-- 7i7 determine any final findings or recommendations2 and 7ii7 be the sole decisionmaker in review or evaluation methodologies4 7j7 ,seal ,the ,board shall have a seal that shall be judicially recognized4 7k7 ,open meetings 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,board shall be considered an agency for purposes of section #eeb;b of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#b7 ,nonpublic collaborative discussions 7,a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding section #eeb;b of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 a majority of the members may hold a meeting that is not open to public observation to discuss official agency business1 if-- 7i7 no formal or informal vote or other official agency action is taken at the meeting2 7ii7 each individual present at the meeting is a member or an employee of the ,board2 7iii7 at least #a member of the ,board from each political party is present at the meeting1 if applicable2 7iv7 the ,general ,counsel of the ,board is present at the meeting2 and 7v7 the records of the meeting1 including the names of the individuals in attendance1 time1 place1 and summary to be as thorough as the ,board determines to be prudent1 are posted publicly and online4 7,b7 ,disclosure of nonpublic collaborative discussions ,except as provided under subparagraphs 7,c7 and 7,d71 not later than #b business days after the conclusion of a meeting under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,board shall make available to the public1 in a place easily accessible to the public-- 7i7 a list of the individuals present at the meeting2 and 7ii7 a summary of the matters1 including key issues1 discussed at the meeting1 except for any matter the ,board properly determines may be withheld from the public under section #eeb;b7c7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7,c7 ,summary ,if the ,board properly determines a matter may be withheld from the public under section #eeb;b7c7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,board shall provide a summary with as much general information as possible on each matter withheld from the public4 7,d7 ,active reviews ,if a discussion under subparagraph 7,a7 directly relates to an active review1 the ,board shall make the disclosure under subparagraph 7,b7 on the date the ,board adopts the final report4 7,e7 ,preservation of open meetings requirements for agency action ,nothing in this paragraph may be construed to limit the applicability of section #eeb;b of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 with respect to a meeting of the members other than that described in this paragraph4 7,f7 ,statutory construction ,nothing in this paragraph may be construed-- 7i7 to limit the applicability of section #eeb;b of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 with respect to any information which is proposed to be withheld from the public under subparagraph 7,b77ii72 or 7ii7 to authorize the ,board to withhold from any individual any record that is accessible to that individual under section #eeb;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 #h4 ,methodology 7a7 ,in general ,the ,board shall conduct each review1 issue each recommendation1 develop each report1 and deliver all technical assistance authorized under this ,act using the methods that are in accordance with relevant professional best practices1 including those by analogous review organizations1 academia1 and government and private organizations4 7b7 ,required review ,the ,board shall-- 7#a7 review1 on a regular basis1 the methodologies of the ,board2 and 7#b7 update the methodologies of the ,board in accordance with the findings of each review conducted under paragraph 7#a74 7c7 ,requirement ,in establishing the methodologies of the ,board under this section1 the ,board shall incorporate all relevant information from relevant ,federal1 ,state1 and local entities1 including past experience with similar incidents1 exercises1 risk assessments1 and all other past research and analysis4 7d7 ,transparency ,the ,chairperson shall include with each review report in which a recommendation is issued by the ,board a methodology section detailing the process and information underlying the selection of each recommendation4 7e7 ,elements ,except as provided in subsection 7f71 the methodology section under subsection 7a7 shall include1 for each recommendation-- 7#a7 a brief summary of the ,board's collection and analysis of the specific information most relevant to the recommendation2 7#b7 a description of the ,board's use of external information1 including studies1 reports1 and experts1 other than the findings of a specific review1 if any were used to inform or support the recommendation1 including a brief summary of the specific resilience benefits and other effects identified by each study1 report1 or expert2 and 7#c7 a brief summary of actions1 including important examples1 taken by regulated entities before the publication of the recommendation1 to the extent such actions are known to the ,board1 that were consistent with the recommendation4 7f7 ,savings clause 7#a7 ,in general ,nothing in this section may be construed-- 7,a7 to delay publication of the findings1 cause1 or probable cause of a ,board review2 7,b7 to delay the issuance of an urgent recommendation that the ,board has determined must be issued to avoid immediate death1 or human or economic injury2 or 7,c7 to limit the number of examples the ,board may consider before issuing a recommendation4 7#b7 ,limitation ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 the ,board shall publish the methodology required under this section not later than #cj days after the date on which the review is initially published4 #i4 ,administrative 7a7 ,authority 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,board1 and when authorized by the ,board1 a member of the ,board1 an administrative law judge employed by or assigned to the ,board1 or an officer or employee designated by the ,chairperson1 may conduct hearings to carry out this ,act1 administer oaths1 and require1 by subpoena or otherwise1 necessary witnesses and evidence4 7#b7 ,subpoena authority ,a witness or evidence in a hearing under paragraph 7#a7 of this subsection may be summoned or required to be produced from any place in the ,united ,states to the designated place of the hearing4 ,a witness summoned under this subsection is entitled to the same fee and mileage the witness would have been paid in a court of the ,united ,states4 7#c7 ,requirement ,a subpoena shall be issued under the signature of the ,chairperson or the ,chairperson's designee1 but may be served by any person designated by the ,chairperson4 7#d7 ,enforcement ,if a person disobeys a subpoena1 order1 or inspection notice of the ,board1 the ,board may bring a civil action in a district court of the ,united ,states to enforce the subpoena1 order1 or notice4 ,an action under this paragraph may be brought in the judicial district in which the person against whom the action is brought resides1 is found1 or does business4 ,the court may punish a failure to obey an order of the court to comply with the subpoena1 order1 or notice as a contempt of court4 7b7 ,additional powers ,the ,board may-- 7#a7 procure the temporary or intermittent services of experts or consultants under section #caji of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 7#b7 make agreements and other transactions necessary to carry out this ,act without regard to subsections 7b71 7c71 and 7d7 of section #faja of title #da1 ,united ,states ,code2 7#c7 use1 when appropriate1 available services1 equipment1 personnel1 and facilities of a department1 agency1 or instrumentality of the ,united ,states ,government on a reimbursable or other basis2 7#d7 confer with employees and use services1 records1 and facilities of ,state and local governmental authorities2 7#e7 appoint advisory committees composed of qualified private citizens and officials of the ,government and ,state and local governments as appropriate2 7#f7 accept voluntary and uncompensated services notwithstanding another law2 7#g7 make contracts with private entities to carry out studies related to duties and powers of the ,board2 and 7#h7 negotiate and enter into agreements with individuals and private entities and departments1 agencies1 and instrumentalities of the ,federal ,government1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local governments1 and governments of foreign countries for the provision of facilities1 technical services1 or training in research theory and techniques1 and require that such entities provide appropriate consideration for the reasonable costs of any facilities1 goods1 services1 or training provided by the ,board4 7c7 ,collection of funds ,the ,board shall deposit in the ,treasury of the ,united ,states amounts received under subsection 7b77#h7 of this subsection to be credited as offsetting collections to the appropriation of the ,board4 ,the ,board shall maintain an annual record of collections received under subsection 7b77#h74 7d7 ,submission of certain copies to ,congress 7#a7 ,in general ,when the ,board submits to the ,president or the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget a budget estimate1 budget request1 supplemental budget estimate1 other budget information1 a legislative recommendation1 prepared testimony for congressional hearings1 or comments on legislation1 the ,board must submit a copy to ,congress at the same time4 7#b7 ,limitation ,an officer1 department1 agency1 or instrumentality of the ,government may not require the ,board to submit the estimate1 request1 information1 recommendation1 testimony1 or comments to another officer1 department1 agency1 or instrumentality of the ,government for approval1 comment1 or review before being submitted to ,congress4 7#c7 ,budget process ,the ,board shall develop and approve a process for the ,board's review and comment or approval of documents submitted to the ,president1 ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget1 or ,congress under this subsection4 7e7 ,liaison committees ,the ,chairperson may determine the number of committees that are appropriate to maintain effective liaison with other departments1 agencies1 and instrumentalities of the ,federal ,government1 ,state and local governmental authorities1 and independent standard-setting authorities that carry out programs and activities related to its work4 ,the ,board may designate representatives to serve on or assist those committees4 7f7 ,inquiries ,the ,board1 or an officer or employee of the ,board designated by the ,chairperson1 may conduct an inquiry to obtain information related to natural hazard and public health safety after publishing notice of the inquiry in the ,federal ,register4 ,the ,board or designated officer or employee may require by order a department1 agency1 or instrumentality of the ,federal ,government1 a ,state1 ,tribal1 or local governmental authority1 or a person transporting individuals or property in commerce to submit to the ,board a written report and answers to requests and questions related to a duty or power of the ,board4 ,the ,board may prescribe the time within which the report and answers must be given to the ,board or to the designated officer or employee4 ,copies of the report and answers shall be made available for public inspection4 7g7 ,regulations ,the ,board may prescribe regulations to carry out this ,act4 7h7 ,overtime pay 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to the requirements of this section and notwithstanding paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of section #eedb7;a7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 for an employee of the ,board whose basic pay is at a rate which equals or exceeds the minimum rate of basic pay for ,,gs-#aj of the ,general ,schedule1 the ,board may establish an overtime hourly rate of pay for the employee with respect to work performed in the field 7including travel to or from7 and other work that is critical to a review in an amount equal to one and one-half times the hourly rate of basic pay of the employee4 ,all of such amount shall be considered to be premium pay4 7#b7 ,limitation on overtime pay to an employee ,an employee of the ,board may not receive overtime pay under paragraph 7#a71 for work performed in a calendar year1 in an amount that exceeds #be percent of the annual rate of basic pay of the employee for such calendar year4 7#c7 ,basic pay defined ,in this subsection1 the term basic pay includes any applicable locality-based comparability payment under section #ecjd of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code 7or similar provision of law7 and any special rate of pay under section #ecje of such title #e 7or similar provision of law74 7#d7 ,annual report ,not later than ,january #ca1 #bjbb1 and annually thereafter1 the ,board shall transmit to ,congress a report identifying the total amount of overtime payments made under this subsection in the preceding fiscal year1 and the number of employees whose overtime pay under this subsection was limited in that fiscal year as a result of the #be percent limit established by paragraph 7#b74 7i7 ,entry and inspection 7#a7 ,in general ,an officer or employee of the ,board-- 7,a7 on display of appropriate credentials and written notice of authority1 may-- 7i7 enter an area where an incident has occurred2 7ii7 take such actions as are necessary to conduct a review under this section1 so long as the actions do not interfere with ongoing lifesaving and life-sustaining operations2 and 7iii7 during reasonable hours1 inspect any record1 including an electronic record1 process1 control1 or facility related to an incident under this ,act4 7#b7 ,requirement ,the ,board shall use utmost discretion to prevent interference with ongoing response efforts1 including by developing review procedures with input from relevant authorities nationwide4 #aj4 ,disclosure1 availability1 and use of information 7a7 ,disclosure of information 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsections 7b71 7c71 7d71 and 7f7 of this section1 a copy of a record1 information1 or review submitted or received by the ,national ,disaster ,safety ,board1 or a member or employee of the ,board1 shall be posted publicly4 7#b7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the release of information described in section #eeb7;b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 or protected from disclosure by another law of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,trade secrets 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,board may disclose information related to a trade secret referred to in section #aije of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 only-- 7,a7 to another department1 agency1 or instrumentality of the ,united ,states ,government when requested for official use2 7,b7 to a committee of ,congress having jurisdiction over the subject matter to which the information is related1 when requested by that committee2 7,c7 in a judicial proceeding under a court order that preserves the confidentiality of the information without impairing the proceeding2 and 7,d7 to the public to protect health and safety after giving notice to any interested person to whom the information is related and an opportunity for that person to comment in writing1 or orally in closed session1 on the proposed disclosure1 if the delay resulting from notice and opportunity for comment would not be detrimental to health and safety4 7#b7 ,requirement ,information disclosed under paragraph 7#a7 of this subsection may be disclosed only in a way designed to preserve its confidentiality4 7#c7 ,protection of voluntary submission of information ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 neither the ,board1 nor any agency receiving information from the ,board1 shall disclose voluntarily provided safety-related information if that information is not related to the exercise of the ,board's review authority under this ,act and if the ,board finds that the disclosure of the information would inhibit the voluntary provision of that type of information4 7c7 ,recordings and transcripts 7#a7 ,confidentiality of recordings ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,board may not disclose publicly any part of an original recording or transcript of oral communications or original and contemporary written communications between ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 or local officials responding to an incident under review by the ,board4 7#b7 ,exception ,subject to subsections 7b7 and 7g71 the ,board shall make public any part of a transcript1 any written depiction of visual information obtained from an audio or video recording1 or any still image obtained from a recording the ,board decides is relevant to the incident-- 7,a7 if the ,board holds a public hearing on the incident at the time of the hearing2 or 7,b7 if the ,board does not hold a public hearing1 at the time a majority of the other factual reports on the incident are placed in the public docket4 7#c7 ,references to information in making safety recommendations ,this subsection does not prevent the ,board from referring at any time to recorded or written information in making safety recommendations4 7d7 ,foreign reviews 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 neither the ,board1 nor any agency receiving information from the ,board1 shall disclose records or information relating to its participation in foreign incident review1 except that-- 7,a7 the ,board shall release records pertaining to such a review when the country conducting the review issues its final report or #b years following the date of the incident1 whichever occurs first2 and 7,b7 the ,board may disclose records and information when authorized to do so by the country conducting the review4 7#b7 ,safety recommendations ,nothing in this subsection shall restrict the ,board at any time from referring to foreign review information in making safety recommendations4 7e7 ,privacy protections ,before making public any still image obtained from a video recorder under subsection 7c77#b7 or subsection 7d77#b71 the ,board shall take such action as appropriate to protect from public disclosure any information that readily identifies an individual1 including a decedent4 #aa4 ,training 7a7 ,use of training facilities ,the ,board may use1 on a reimbursable basis1 the services of any training facility in the ,federal ,government1 including those operated by the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 ,department of ,health and ,human ,services1 and ,department of ,commerce4 ,the responsible department or agency shall make such training facility and any relevant training course available to-- 7#a7 the ,board for safety training of employees of the ,board in carrying out their duties and powers2 and 7#b7 other relevant personnel of the ,united ,states ,government1 ,state and local governments1 governments of foreign countries1 interstate authorities1 and private organizations the ,board designates in consultation with the relevant departments and agencies4 7b7 ,fees ,training shall be provided at a reasonable fee established periodically by the ,board in consultation with the relevant departments and agencies4 ,the fee shall be paid directly to the relevant departments and agencies1 and shall be deposited in the ,treasury4 7c7 ,training of board employees and others ,the ,board may conduct training of its employees in those subjects necessary for proper performance4 ,the ,board may also authorize attendance at courses given under this subsection by other government personnel1 personnel of foreign governments1 and personnel from industry or otherwise who have a requirement for training4 ,the ,board may require non-,board personnel to reimburse some or all of the training costs1 and amounts so reimbursed shall be credited to the appropriation of the ,board as offsetting collections4 #ab4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated1 to remain available until expended1 for the purposes of this ,act-- 7#a7 #be1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#b7 #dj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7#c7 #ej1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc2 and 7#d7 #fj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd4 7b7 ,emergency fund 7#a7 ,in general ,there shall be established in the ,treasury of the ,united ,states an ,emergency ,fund for the ,board1 which shall be available to the ,board for necessary expenses of the ,board1 not otherwise provided for1 for reviews4 7#b7 ,appropriations ,there shall be appropriated1 out of amounts in the ,treasury not otherwise appropriated1 to the ,emergency ,fund-- 7,a7 #b1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7,b7 such sums as are necessary to maintain the ,emergency ,fund at a level not to exceed #d1jjj1jjj for each fiscal year thereafter2 and 7,c7 such other sums as ,congress determines necessary4 7c7 ,fees1 refunds1 and reimbursements 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,board may impose and collect such fees1 refunds1 and reimbursements as it determines to be appropriate for services provided by or through the ,board4 7#b7 ,receipts credited as offsetting collections ,notwithstanding section #ccjb of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 any fee1 refund1 or reimbursement collected under this subsection-- 7,a7 shall be credited as offsetting collections to the account that finances the activities and services for which the fee is imposed or with which the refund or reimbursement is associated2 7,b7 shall be available for expenditure only to pay the costs of activities and services for which the fee is imposed or with which the refund or reimbursement is associated2 and 7,c7 shall remain available until expended4 7#c7 ,refunds ,the ,board may refund any fee paid by mistake or any amount paid in excess of that required4 #ac4 ,authority of the ,inspector ,general 7a7 ,in general ,the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,homeland ,security1 in accordance with the mission of the ,inspector ,general to prevent and detect fraud and abuse1 shall have authority to review only the financial management1 property management1 and business operations of the ,board1 including internal accounting and administrative control systems1 to determine compliance with applicable ,federal laws1 rules1 and regulations4 7b7 ,duties ,in carrying out this section1 the ,inspector ,general shall-- 7#a7 keep the ,chairperson of the ,board and ,congress fully and currently informed about problems relating to administration of the internal accounting and administrative control systems of the ,board2 7#b7 issue findings and recommendations for actions to address such problems2 and 7#c7 report periodically to ,congress on any progress made in implementing actions to address such problems4 7c7 ,access to information ,in carrying out this section1 the ,inspector ,general may exercise authorities granted to the ,inspector ,general under subsections 7a7 and 7b7 of section #f of the ,inspector ,general ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,funding ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security for use by the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,homeland ,security such sums as may be necessary to cover expenses associated with activities pursuant to the authority exercised under this section4 7#b7 ,reimbursable agreement ,in the absence of an appropriation under this subsection for an expense referred to in paragraph 7#a71 the ,inspector ,general and the ,board shall have a reimbursable agreement to cover such expense4 #ad4 ,evaluation and audit of ,national ,disaster ,safety ,board 7a7 ,in general ,as determined necessary by the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states or the appropriate congressional committees1 but not less frequently than once every #b years1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall evaluate and audit the programs and expenditures of the ,board in order to promote economy1 efficiency1 and effectiveness in the administration of the programs1 operations1 and activities of the ,board4 7b7 ,responsibility of comptroller general ,in carrying out subsection 7a71 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall evaluate and audit the programs1 operations1 and activities of the ,board1 including-- 7#a7 information management and security1 including privacy protection of personally identifiable information2 7#b7 the resource levels of the ,board and management of such resources relative to the mission of the ,board2 7#c7 workforce development2 7#d7 procurement and contracting planning1 practices and policies2 7#e7 the process and procedures to select an incident to review2 7#f7 the extent to which the ,board follows leading practices in selected management areas2 7#g7 the extent to which the ,board addresses management challenges in completing reviews2 7#h7 the extent to which the evaluation1 review1 and recommendation-issuing methodologies of the ,board are consistent with established best practice1 as determined by the ,comptroller ,general2 and 7#i7 an impact evaluation of the work of the ,board1 using the purposes and intent described in this ,act and by the ,board1 against the realized results of the ,board1 according to a methodology determined by the ,comptroller ,general1 conducted in a manner that is not overly disruptive to the work of the ,board4