Affordable EVs for Working Families Act This bill allows an income-based tax credit for the purchase of a previously-owned qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle. The credit is limited to 30% of the sales price of such a vehicle. The bill defines previously-owned qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle to mean a motor vehicle the model year of which is at least two years earlier than the calendar year in which the vehicle is acquired and that meets certain requirements under the Clean Air Act.
Department of Energy Coastal Research Initiative Act This bill directs the Office of Science of the Department of Energy to carry out a research program to enhance the understanding of coastal ecosystems. In carrying out the program, the office must prioritize efforts to enhance the collection of observational data and shall develop models to analyze the ecological, biogeochemical, hydrological, and physical processes that interact in coastal zones. The office shall establish an integrated system of geographically diverse field research sites in order to improve the quantity and quality of observational data and that encompass the major land-water interfaces of the United States, including the Great Lakes region, the Pacific coast, the Atlantic coast, the Arctic, and the Gulf Coast.
Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower Act of 2021 or the RISE Act of 2021 This bill establishes requirements for institutions of higher education (IHEs) concerning students with disabilities. Specifically, the bill requires IHEs to allow students to use certain documents, such as individualized education programs, to establish their disabilities. In addition, IHEs must make the process for determining the eligibility for accommodations transparent. Finally, IHEs must submit key data related to their undergraduate students with disabilities for inclusion in federal postsecondary institution data collection efforts.
Distillery Revitalization Act This bill requires the Small Business Administration to modify the Restaurant Revitalization Program, established to support food and beverage purveyors in response to COVID-19, to allow certain distilleries to participate in the program. To be program-eligible, a distillery must have at least 33% of revenue from on-site sales. However, certain states limit the percentage of revenue that a distillery may have from on-site sales to less than 33%. For a distillery located in such a state, the bill allows the distillery to use its combined revenue from on-site sales and sales to retailers for on-site sales to reach the 33% threshold.
Provider Relief Fund Deadline Extension Act This bill extends the period during which health care providers may use payments received from the Provider Relief Fund to cover a variety of costs related to COVID-19.
Seniors' Chronic Care Management Improvement Act of 2021 This bill eliminates cost-sharing for chronic care management services under Medicare.
Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of State Act This bill establishes a new position and requires other activities to promote diversity and inclusion in the Department of State. The bill creates the presidentially-appointed position of Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer in the Office of the Deputy Secretary of State to, among other activities, develop a strategic plan to guide implementation of diversity and inclusion efforts and support State Department personnel from traditionally underrepresented groups. The officer reports directly to the Secretary of State. Additionally, the State Department must establish a Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council to coordinate applicable strategic plans, initiatives, and policies. The bill also modifies merit selection processes for promotions, performance pay, and related matters to promote diversity and inclusion in the Foreign Service. Specifically, it adds factors (e.g., testimony from peers and subordinates or demonstrated support for diversity and inclusion) that may be considered in recommendations and rankings related to a Foreign Service officer's performance. The State Department must also establish a mentorship program for entry- and mid-level members of the Foreign Service and periodically offer a Senior Executive Service development program to members of the civil service in the top two pay grades. Senior Executive Service members serve as high-level managers within federal agencies. The bill requires the State Department to report on its diversity and inclusion efforts, as well as demographic information about members of boards that make personnel decisions and candidates for the Senior Executive Service.
City and State Diplomacy Act This bill establishes within the Department of State the Office of City and State Diplomacy, which shall coordinate federal support for engagement by state and municipal governments with foreign governments. The head of the office shall be the Ambassador-at-Large for City and State Diplomacy, who shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Manufactured Housing Community Preservation Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to award grants to nonprofit organizations, public housing agencies, and other entities for the preservation of manufactured housing communities. Such funds may be used to (1) acquire and preserve manufactured housing communities; (2) make improvements to common areas and community property in such communities; and (3) demolish, remove, and replace dilapidated homes in such communities. A grantee that uses funds to acquire a manufactured housing community must agree to maintain the community for at least 20 years.
Captive Primate Safety Act This bill limits the trade and possession of nonhuman primates. For example, the bill prohibits most individuals from owning a nonhuman primate as a pet.
Marine Mammal Research and Response Act of 2021 This bill provides support for efforts to protect marine mammals. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and generally revises the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program, including by renaming the program as the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program. The bill also establishes the Joseph R. Geraci Marine Mammal Rescue and Rapid Response Fund for providing emergency financial assistance for certain stranded or entangled marine mammals and otherwise provides support for marine mammals.
Bear Protection Act of 2021 This bill prohibits the import, export, and commerce of bear viscera or related products except for limited acts carried out solely to enforce wildlife protection laws.
