Southern Legislation Introduction Thread - 2019/2020

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

SOUTHERN CHAMBER 19.1 PROPOSED RULES PACKAGE. TO BE INTRODUCED IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE ELECTION OF A SPEAKER.

Rules and Procedure of the Southern Legislature - TITLE I

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Rationale: The Queue, mentioned in later sections, is never defined, leaving open a dangerous loophole - under the current rules, a Speaker desiring to be a partisan could arbitrarily define the Queue however they liked. Defining it here eliminates the loophole and keeps our tradition of a non-partisan speaker intact. Whenever possible, especially with the Speaker being non-partisan, more than a majority should be required to remove them, thus explaining the threshold change for any future seven member chamber with respect to for-cause firings. In accordance with what the Atlasian House has, I also added a motion to expel other members by a 2/3 vote. The Original Clause 7 is eliminated for being duplicitous. Clause 8 is substantially modified, the chamber at large has no place in mandating the exact format and timing for elections within a caucus, especially for positions that we do not have much need for nowadays, beyond a few common sense restrictions that I left in.

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Rationale: Since the Speaker's term ends upon the arrival of a Friday, there's no need to postpone the beginning of a Speaker Election to the next Monday. Also brought back the role of an Elected Deputy Speaker.

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Rationale: The Noticeboard thread has not been managed by the Governor in quite a while, so updated to reflect longstanding practices.

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Rationale: Simple Clarification that the Deputy Speaker can start threads as well, since this section isn't technically part of the powers of the Speaker as established earlier. Prevents the Speaker from arbitrarily reordering the queue. Clarifies that the Statute designation is also used if a veto is overridden.

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Rationale: Clause 2 is modified to clarify the nature of the regular slots and to specify that 2 slots are reserved for the governor, in accordance with the practices of last session. Also, since the Speaker is always the presiding officer, we don't need to say that multiple times, so fixed that up.

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Rationale: Section V is good as-is. Section VI is duplicitous and is thus removed - Amendments are covered within Section V.

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Rationale: Sections are renumbered. Our practice during at least the last 2 sessions has been 48-hour maximum votes and to close votes when all have voted, so modified the rules to reflect what we actually have been doing. The rest is good as-is.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Title II of the proposed rules begins here. It should be considered on a separate thread from that used for Title I (above post).

Rules and Procedure of the Southern Legislature - TITLE II - Budget Debate Rules

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-End of Rules Package-

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

- Re-filing as it does not seem we will address this during the lame-duck. -

Judicial and Prosecutorial Reform Amendment

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[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Name Change Amendment

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[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Resolution Condemning the Alaskan Independence Movement

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[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Resolution Condemning the Alaskan Independence Movement

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Was debating pushing this in part to prevent a repeat crisis, but given that it condemns the Presidential Ticket I've endorsed in part, I'm withdrawing it for now. It will be brought back before you can say "Transfiguration" if this crisis restarts though.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Mr. Reactionary requested that I sponsor this:

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b. The Abortion Safety and Guidelines Act shall be amended as follows:

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SECTION III: TIMING

1. This bill shall take effect immediately.

[/quote]

This is identical to the pending S.19.1-8 in all but name. The name change can be considered as an amendment to that, which I would support. As this re-introduction is duplicative and therefore frivolous, it will not be brought to the floor pursuant to Section V of the Rules.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Explanatory Statement: The first part of this is modeled after S. 2322 of the 115th Congress, which passed the US Senate. The US House adjourned before the bill could be properly taken up. The second part comes from proposals from Mr. Reactionary.

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[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Inspired by Mr. Reactionary and https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=293500.0

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[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

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[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

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[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

With nothing left in the queue or on the floor, the Southern Chamber of Delegates stands in recess until further notice.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Fast Act Amendments Act of 2019

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[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

With nothing left in the queue or on the floor, the Southern Chamber of Delegates stands in recess until further notice.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Regional Statutory Pay as You Go Act

Sec. 1 - Definitions and Applications

 (1) The term ``BBEDCA'' means the Balanced Budget and
        Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

  (2) The definitions set forth in section 3 of the
        Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 and in
        section 250 of BBEDCA shall apply to this bill, except to the
        extent that they are specifically modified as follows:
                    (A) The term ``outyear'' means a fiscal year one or
                more years after the budget year.
                    (B) In section 250(c)(8)(C), the reference to the
                food stamp program shall be deemed to be a reference to
                the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

(3)
         (A) The term ``budgetary effects'' means the amount by
        which PAYGO legislation changes outlays flowing from direct
        spending or revenues relative to the most recently passed budget and shall be determined on the basis of estimates prepared as detailed below. Budgetary
effects that increase outlays flowing from direct spending or decrease
revenues are termed ``costs'' and budgetary effects that increase
revenues or decrease outlays flowing from direct spending are termed
``savings''. Budgetary effects shall not include any costs associated
with debt service.

            (B) For purposes of these definitions, off-budget effects
        shall not be counted as budgetary effects.

 (4) The term ``PAYGO legislation'' or a ``PAYGO Act'' refers
        to a bill or joint resolution that affects direct spending or
        revenue relative to the most recently passed budget.

Sec. 2 - Determination of Budgetary Effects of PayGo Acts

Prior to a vote on passage of a PAYGO Act originated or amended by the Chamber, the Game Moderator, a Deputy Game Moderator, the Governor, or a person authorized to act on behalf of one of these individuals shall submit for printing on the Atlas Forum a statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' which shall include an estimate of the budgetary effects of that Act. Such a statement shall establish the budgetary effects of the PAYGO Act for the purposes of this Act.

            i) Effect.--The latest statement submitted prior to passage shall supersede any prior
                      statements submitted and shall be valid only if the PAYGO Act is not
                      further amended.

            ii) The PAYGO Act may not be passed until a valid statement has been submitted.

Sec. 3 Effectiveness of PAYGO Acts

A) If a PAYGO Act is determined to have no budgetary effect, or actually saves money, it may be passed under normal rules.

B) If a PAYGO Act is determined to add money to the deficit, it:

 i) Must Pass with a 2/3 majority, including the vote of at least one delegate from a party other than that of the Speaker.

 ii) Shall not take effect until after the next budget is passed, unless the emergency slot is being used, or unless the Chamber separately authorizes an earlier effective date. A vote for an earlier effective date must be separate from the vote on final passage, and it must pass with a 2/3 majority, including the vote of at least one delegate from a party other than that of the Speaker.

C) The Governor's veto of a PAYGO Act that adds to the deficit may only be overridden by a unanimous vote of the Chamber if it consists of 5 members, or by a 6/7ths Majority if it consists of 7 members.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Protect Our Children from Tattoos Act

1. For the purposes of this legislation, a Tattoo is defined as a permanent imprint on a Child's body, done by an artist with some intended design in mind, that cannot be removed without the use of Acid or laser technology.

2. No Child under the Age of 10 may get a Tattoo under any circumstances.

3. For a Child between the ages of 10 and 15, the child must consent along with both parents/guardians, or the parent/guardian if only one exists. The Child must attend a preliminary consultation before receiving the tattoo, and must sign a statement that states they understand the permanence of the Tattoo.  Further, the tattoo artist must apply a spray, cream, or gel intended to reduce pain to the child's body before beginning work on the Tattoo itself.

4. For a Child between the ages of 16 and 18, the child must consent along with one parent/guardian. The Child must attend a preliminary consultation before receiving the tattoo, and must sign a statement that states they understand the permanence of the Tattoo.


5. Tattoo Artists found in violation of this act may be fined up to $3,000, imprisoned for up to 18 months, or both.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Resolution Declaring Gumbo Festival

Recognizing that Gumbo is a great food that deserves the South's formal recognition, the Government of the South declares that the date of October 11th shall be a regional holiday to facilitate the holding of Gumbo Festivals.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Labor & Judicial Reform Act of 2019

Title I: Judicial

1. The minimum felony threshold for theft is hereby increased to $700
2. Unless voluntarily delayed by the defendant or required by a provision of law, criminal trials must begin within 120 days after charges have been filed.
3. Users of Illegal Drugs, or those who overdose on legal drugs, who were NOT engaged in selling such items, who seek treatment or otherwise report the overdoses for/of themselves or others, will not be charged on the basis of their use alone, provided that they cooperate with related investigations.

Title II: Labor

1. Public employees shall not be fired, disciplined, or warned on the basis that they engaged in breastfeeding. Employers or Supervisors found in violation of this may be, as appropriate, fined not more than $1,000, forced to reinstate the employee, or imprisoned for not more than one year.
2. Public EMT and Fire employees are hereby allowed to carry guns when on Duty.
3. Attorney Fees are hereby allowed for wage theft cases, provided such fees do not impose a cost of greater than $400 to either party.
4. Employee requests for paystubs need not be in writing, employers shall recognize requests sent by email or other methods that still allow a record of the request to exist.
5. Meetings of Public Sector Unions must be open to the public, unless existing law requires otherwise, and shall be noticed on the website of the Union or the Employer at least 72 hours in advance.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Resolution condemning Blackface

The Southern Chamber of Delegates hereby:

- Recognizes that engaging in the practice of Blackface is a hurtful and inappropriate action that serves no legitimate societal purpose.
- Recognizes that engaging in the practice of Blackface merely serves to delegitimize the African-American race as a whole.
- Recognizes that people have far better things to do with their time.
- Hereby condemns the practice of Blackface, in all of its forms, and strongly urges all participants to abandon such activities. 

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Resolution condemning Fast-Food Burger Restaurants

The Southern Chamber of Delegates hereby:

- Recognizes that fast-food Burgers are typically made with grease, ingredients designed to add fat, and/or inordinately large amounts of toppings, and typically served with ridiculously unhealthy french fries.
- Recognizes that Restaurants, including but not limited to, McDonalds, Burger King, Five Guys, Wendy's, In-And-Out, and What-a-burger, that serve fast-food burgers serve little purpose other than to make people Obese.
- Hereby Condemns all such fast-food burger restaurants for being the biggest cause of obesity in the region, and urges the populace to never eat at such places.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Toilet Paper Equity Act

1. No Regional funds shall be expended for the purchase of toilet paper for the Regional capitol building and appurtenant offices that is of a superior quality to toilet paper provided in other Regional buildings.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Don't Actually Remove the Governor Amendment

The following change shall be made to the Constitution of the South, Article III, Section 12:

12. The office of Governor is to be deemed vacant upon the resignation, recall, or impeachment of the sitting Governor. A Governor who takes no action over a ten (10) day period shall automatically forfeit their office unless an official leave of absence is acknowledged prior.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Without Objection, the Southern Chamber 19.1 shall stand adjourned sine die following the disposition of all pieces of legislation currently on the floor - Bills 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, and 35.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

I'd ask that the following be introduced into the Civilian Slot:

Budget Clarification Amendment

The following change shall be made to the Constitution, Article III, Section 10:

10. The governor is obligated to present a bi-yearly budget by March 1 and September 1 of each year. The structure and procedure for the budget process are to be determined by law. The budget of all government activities is to be voted on by the legislature after a normal debate period. The Budget shall remain in effect until one year from its date of passage, or March 21st of the calendar year after that of its passage, whichever is earlier. The governor is obligated to ensure that the budget does not provide for any deficits except in times of emergency or war, a condition the legislature must successfully endorse by a two-thirds majority. All budgets must include a plan for revenue and taxation.

This amendment eliminates the requirement for a second budget each year, and clarifies how long the budget remains in effect.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Next Entry for the Civilian Slot:

Carbon Tax Act of 2019


Sec. 1 Definitions:

For Purposes of This Legislation:

 ‘‘(a) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘Administrator’
 means the Game Moderator, the Southern Governor, or their designee(s).
‘‘(b) CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENT OR CO2-E.—
 The term ‘carbon dioxide equivalent’ or ‘CO2-e’ means the
 number of metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions with
 the same global warming potential as one metric ton of
 another greenhouse gas
‘‘(c) CARBON-INTENSIVE PRODUCT.—The term ‘carbon-intensive product’ means, as identified by the Administrator by rule—
‘‘(1) any manufactured or agricultural product
 which the Administrator determines is carbon-intensive, except that no covered fuel is a carbon-intensive product, and
‘‘(2) until such time that the Administrator promulgates rules identifying carbon-intensive products, the following shall be considered carbon-intensive products: iron, steel, steel mill products (including pipe and tube), aluminum, cement, glass (including flat, container, and specialty glass and fiberglass), pulp, paper, chemicals, or industrial ceramics.
‘‘(d) CARBON LEAKAGE.—The term ‘carbon leakage’
 means an increase of global greenhouse gas emissions
which are substantially due to the relocation of greenhouse
 gas sources from the United States to jurisdictions which
 lack comparable controls upon greenhouse gas emissions.
 ‘‘(e) COST OF CARBON OR CARBON COSTS.—The
 term ‘cost of carbon’ or ‘carbon costs’ means a national
 or sub-national government policy which explicitly places
 a price on greenhouse gas pollution and shall be limited
 to a tax on greenhouse gases. No cap-and-trade type formula shall be allowed. The cost of carbon is expressed as the price per metric ton of CO2-e.
‘‘(f) COVERED ENTITY.—The term ‘covered entity’ means— (1) in the case of crude oil—
 ‘‘(A) a refinery operating in the United
 States, and
 ‘‘(B) any importer of any petroleum or pe4
troleum product into the United States,
 ‘‘(2) in the case of coal—
 ‘‘(A) any coal mining operation in the
United States, and
‘‘(B) any importer of coal into the United
 States,
 ‘‘(3) in the case of natural gas—
 ‘‘(A) any entity entering pipeline quality
 natural gas into the natural gas transmission
system, and
‘‘(B) any importer of natural gas into the
 United States,
‘‘(4) in the case of fluorinated gases any entity
 required to report the emission of a fluorinated gas
 under part 98 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, and
 ‘‘(5) any entity or class of entities which, as determined by the Administrator, is transporting, selling, or otherwise using a covered fuel in a manner which emits a greenhouse gas to the atmosphere and which has not been covered by the carbon fee.
 ‘‘(g) COVERED FUEL.—The term ‘covered fuel’
 means crude oil, natural gas, coal, or any other product
 derived from crude oil, natural gas, or coal which shall
 be used so as to emit greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
 ‘‘(h) CRUDE OIL.—The term ‘crude oil’ means unrefined petroleum.
 ‘‘(i) EXPORT.—The term ‘export’ means to transport
 a product from within the jurisdiction of the United States
 to persons outside the United States.
 ‘‘(j) FLUORINATED GREENHOUSE GAS.—The term
 ‘fluorinated greenhouse gas’ means sulfur hexafluoride
 (SF6), nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), and any fluorocarbon
except for controlled substances as defined in subpart A of part 82 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulation, and substances with vapor pressures of less than 1 mm of Hg absolute at 25 degrees. With these exceptions, ‘fluorinated greenhouse gas’ includes but is not limited to any hydrofluorocarbon, any perfluorocarbon, any perfluoropolyether, and any hydrofluoropolyether.
‘‘(k) FOSSIL FUEL.—The term ‘fossil fuel’ means
 coal, coal products, petroleum, petroleum products, or natural gas.
(l) FULL FUEL CYCLE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.—The term ‘full fuel cycle greenhouse gas emissions’ means the greenhouse gas content of a covered fuel
plus that covered fuel’s upstream greenhouse gas emissions.
‘‘(m) GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL.—The term
 ‘global warming potential’ means the ratio of the time
integrated radiative forcing from the instantaneous release
 of one kilogram of a trace substance relative to that of
 one kilogram of carbon dioxide.
 ‘‘(n) GREENHOUSE GAS.—The term ‘greenhouse gas’
 means carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous
 oxide (N2O), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6),
 hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbon (PFCs), and
other gases as defined by rule of the Administrator.
 ‘‘(o) GREENHOUSE GAS CONTENT.—The term
 ‘greenhouse gas content’ means the amount of greenhouse
 gases, expressed in metric tons of CO2-e, which would be
 emitted to the atmosphere by the use of a covered fuel
and shall include, nonexclusively, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane
‘‘(p) GREENHOUSE GAS EFFECT.—The term ‘green4
house gas effect’ means the adverse effects of greenhouse
gases on health or welfare caused by the greenhouse gas’s heat-trapping potential or its effect on ocean acidification.
 ‘‘(q) IMPORT.—Irrespective of any other definition in
 law or treaty, the term ‘import’ means to land on, bring
into, or introduce into any place subject to the jurisdiction
 of the United States.
 ‘‘(r) PETROLEUM.—The term ‘petroleum’ means oil
 removed from the earth or the oil derived from tar sands
 or shale.
 ‘‘(s) PRODUCTION GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.—
 The term ‘production greenhouse gas emissions’ means
 the quantity of greenhouse gases, expressed in metric tons
 of CO2-e, emitted to the atmosphere resulting from, non-exclusively, the production, manufacture, assembly, transportation, or financing of a product.
 ‘‘(t) UPSTREAM GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.—
 The term ‘upstream greenhouse gas emissions’ means the
quantity of greenhouse gases, expressed in metric tons of
CO2-e, emitted to the atmosphere resulting from, non-exclusively, the extraction, processing, transportation, financing, or other preparation of a covered fuel for use.

Sec. 2 - Carbon Fee

‘‘(a) CARBON FEE.—There is hereby imposed a carbon fee on any covered entity’s emitting use, or sale or transfer for an emitting use, of any covered fuel.
 "(b) AMOUNT OF THE CARBON FEE.—The carbon
fee imposed by this section is an amount equal to—
‘‘(1) the greenhouse gas content of the covered fuel, multiplied by
‘‘(2) the carbon fee rate.
 ‘‘(c) CARBON FEE RATE.—For purposes of this section—
 ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The carbon fee rate, with
 respect to any use, sale, or transfer during a calendar year, shall be—
 ‘‘(A) in the case of calendar year 2019,
 $15, and
 ‘‘(B) except as provided in paragraph (2),
 in the case of any calendar year thereafter—
 ‘‘(i) the carbon fee rate in effect
 under this subsection for the preceding calendar year, plus
 ‘‘(ii) $10.
 ‘‘(2) EXCEPTIONS.—
 ‘‘(A) INCREASED CARBON FEE RATE
 AFTER MISSED ANNUAL EMISSIONS REDUCTION
 TARGET.—In the case of any year immediately following a year for which the Administrator
determines under 9903(b) that the actual emissions of greenhouse gases from covered fuels exceeded the emissions reduction target for the previous year, paragraph (1)(B)(ii) shall be applied by substituting ‘$15’ for the dollar amount otherwise in effect for the calendar year under such paragraph.
‘‘(B) CESSATION OF CARBON FEE RATE INCREASE AFTER CERTAIN EMISSION REDUCTIONS ACHIEVED.—In the case of any year immediately following a year for which the Administrator determines under 9903(b) that actual emissions of greenhouse gases from covered fuels is not more than 10 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions from covered fuels during the year 2018, paragraph (1)(B)(ii) shall be applied by substituting ‘$0’ for the dollar amount otherwise in effect for the calendar year under such paragraph.
‘‘(3) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.—In the case of any calendar year after 2019, each of the dollar amounts in paragraphs (1)(A), (1)(B)(ii), and
(2)(A) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
‘‘(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
‘‘(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar
 year, determined by substituting ‘calendar year
 2018’ for ‘calendar year 2016’ in subparagraph
 (A)(ii) thereof.
 ‘‘(d) EXEMPTION AND REFUND.—The Administrator
shall prescribe such rules as are necessary to ensure the
fee imposed by this section is not imposed with respect to any nonemitting use, or any sale or transfer for a nonemitting use, including rules providing for the refund of any carbon fee paid under this section with respect to any such use, sale, or transfer.
 ‘‘(e) EXEMPTIONS.—
 ‘‘(1) AGRICULTURE.—
 ‘‘(A) FUEL.—If any covered fuel or its derivative is used on a farm for a farming purpose, the Administrator shall pay (without interest)  to the ultimate purchaser of such covered fuel or its derivative, the total amount of carbon fees previously paid upon that covered fuel or its derivative, as specified by rule of the Administrator.
 ‘‘(B) FARM, FARMING USE, AND FARMING
 PURPOSE.—The terms ‘farm’, ‘farming use’,
 and ‘farming purpose’ shall have the respective meanings given such terms under section 6420(c).
‘‘(C) OTHER GREENHOUSE GASES EMIS4
SIONS FROM AGRICULTURE.—The carbon fee shall not be levied upon non-fossil fuel greenhouse gas emissions which occur on a farm.
 ‘‘(2) ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED
 STATES.—If any covered fuel or its derivative is
 used by the Armed Forces of the United States as
 supplies for vessels of war, vehicles, or electrical
 power generation equipment, the Administrator shall pay
(without interest) to the ultimate purchaser of such
covered fuel or its derivative, the total amount of
carbon fees previously paid upon that covered fuel or
its derivative, as specified by rule of the Administrator.

Sec. 3 - Fee on Flourinated Greenhouse Gases

‘‘(a) FLUORINATED GAS FEE.—A fee is hereby imposed upon any fluorinated greenhouse gas which is required to be reported under part 98 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
‘‘(b) AMOUNT.—The fee to be paid by the covered entity required to so report shall be an amount equal to— ‘‘(1) the total amount, in metric tons of CO2-e, of emitted fluorinated greenhouse gases (or, in the case of a supplier, emissions that would result determined under the rules of such part), multiplied by ‘‘(2) an amount equal to 10 percent of the carbon fee rate in effect under section 9902(d)(1) for the calendar year of such emission.


Sec. 4 - Decommissioning of Carbon Fee

 ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—At such time that—(1) the Administrator determines under 9903(b) that actual emissions of greenhouse gases from covred fuels is not more than 10 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions from covered fuels during the year 2016, and ‘‘(2) the monthly carbon dividend payable to an adult eligible individual has been less than $20 for 3 consecutive years, the Administrator shall decommission in an orderly manner all bureaus and programs associated with administering the
carbon fee, the carbon border fee adjustment, and the Carbon Dividend Trust Fund.
‘‘(b) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.—In the case of any
calendar year after 2020, the $20 amount under subsection (a)(2) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
 ‘‘(1) such dollar amount, multiplied by
‘‘(2) cost-of-living adjustment determined under
 section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year, determined by
 substituting ‘calendar year 2017’ for ‘calendar year
 2016’ in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.

SEC. 5 NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES REVIEW OF CARBON FEE

(a) In General.—Not later than 3.5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to prepare a report relating to the carbon fee imposed by section 9902 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the emissions reductions schedule established under section 9903 of such Code.

(b) Report Requirements.—Such report shall—

(1) assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the carbon fee in achieving the emissions reduction targets set forth in section 9903 of such Code;

(2) describe and make recommendations on whether the carbon fee rate and annual increases prescribed by section 9902(c) of such Code should be adjusted in order to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of this Act in achieving the emissions reduction targets set forth in section 9903 of such Code;

(3) describe the potential of the carbon fee to achieve future emissions targets set forth in section 9903(a) of such Code through the year 2050;

(4) describe and evaluate the effectiveness of the carbon fee in reducing emissions from key sectors of the economy, including sectors of the economy that have decreased their carbon emissions, sectors of the economy that have increased their carbon emissions, and sectors of the economy in which carbon emissions have not changed;

(5) make findings and recommendations to Federal departments and agencies and to Congress on actions that could be taken to reduce carbon emissions in the sectors of the economy in which carbon emissions have not decreased;

(6) make findings and recommendations on adjusting regulations enacted under the Clean Air Act and other Federal laws that affect economic sectors achieving the emissions reduction targets set forth in section 9903 of such Code; and

(7) provide an assessment of any other factors determined to be material to the program’s efficiency and effectiveness in achieving the goals set forth in this act.

(c) Report Made Publicly Available.—Not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Chamber the report required under subsection (a). Such report shall be made electronically available to the public and open to public comment for at least 60 days before the final submission to Congress.

SEC. 6. IMPACT OF CARBON FEE ON BIOMASS USE AND CARBON SINKS.

(a) Study Of Biomass.—The Administrator shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study, make recommendations, and submit a report regarding the impact of the carbon fee on the use of biomass as an energy source and the resulting impacts on carbon sinks and biodiversity.

(b) Study Requirements.—The study conducted under subsection (a) by the National Academy of Sciences shall include analysis, documentation, and determinations on—

(1) the carbon fee and its impact on the use of biomass as an energy source and greenhouse gas emissions from the use of biomass as an energy source;

(2) the impacts of the use of biomass as an energy source on carbon sinks and biodiversity; and

(3) the various types of biomass that are being used as an energy source.

(c) Recommendations.—Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, the National Academy of Sciences shall make recommendations to the Chamber. The recommendations shall include any actions that should be taken to mitigate impacts of the carbon fee on—

(1) increasing greenhouse gas emissions from the use of biomass as an energy source; and

(2) degradation of carbon sinks and biodiversity relating to the use of biomass as an energy source.

(d) Report.—The National Academy of Sciences shall prepare a report that includes any findings and recommendations made pursuant to this section and, not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, make such report electronically available to the public.

SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.

The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, except the carbon fee under section 9902 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall apply to uses, sales, or transfers more than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 8. PRINCIPLE OF INTERPRETATION.

In the case of ambiguity, the texts of this statute and its amending texts shall be interpreted so as to allow for the most effective abatement of greenhouse gas emissions.

SEC. 9. NO PREEMPTION OF STATE OR FEDERAL LAW.

Nothing in this legislation shall preempt or supersede, or be interpreted to preempt or supersede, any State law or regulation. Further, the fees in this law shall be in addition to those enacted by the Federal Carbon Tax Act of 2017.
 

This is derived from parts of HR 763 of the 116th Congress, the proposed Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019, which has been sponsored by 35 US House Democrats, along with Republican Francis Rooney of Florida.