Government Spectrum Valuation Act This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to periodically estimate the value of specified electromagnetic spectrum that is allocated to federal agencies.Each federal agency that is assigned or allocated a portion of that spectrum must include the most recent estimated value of its spectrum, as determined by NTIA, in its annual budget and financial statements.
Impact
The proposed legislation indicates that the NTIA, along with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), will need to develop a systematic approach to estimating spectrum value based on its potential for commercial wireless services. This could encourage more efficient use of the electromagnetic spectrum, potentially freeing up frequencies for higher-value purposes and creating a more competitive telecommunications environment. By requiring public disclosure of these valuations, the bill aims to enhance oversight over how federal entities manage these valuable resources.
Summary
SB792, known as the Government Spectrum Valuation Act, aims to mandate the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to assess the value of electromagnetic spectrum frequencies assigned to federal entities. The bill seeks to address the lack of consistent valuation for the electromagnetic spectrum, which is a vital resource for various telecommunications services and operations. By estimating the spectrum's value, the bill aims to provide increased transparency and enhance the management and allocation of public resources.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise around the methodologies used for valuation and public disclosure, as the bill stipulates conditions under which classified or proprietary information may be withheld. Critics may raise concerns regarding the transparency of federal operations and the prioritization of commercial interests over public service mandates. The NTIA's consideration of both commercial needs and mission-critical operations for federal entities could also lead to debates over the appropriate balance between these often competing priorities.
No Subsidies for Wealthy Universities ActThis bill limits the indirect costs that are allowable under federal research awards to institutions of higher education (IHEs) with endowments above specified thresholds. (Generally, indirect costs represent expenses that are not specific to a research project but are needed to maintain the infrastructure and administrative support for federally funded research.)Specifically, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) must annually collect information regarding the endowments of each IHE that has entered into a program participation agreement with the Department of Education.With this collected information, NCES must identify and make lists of (1) each IHE with an endowment of more than $5 billion, and (2) each IHE with an endowment of more than $2 billion (but not more than $5 billion). NCES must submit these lists to the Office of Management and Budget, which must then distribute the lists to federal agencies, Congress, and the public.The bill establishes the following limits on the indirect costs allowable under federal research awards:for an IHE with an endowment of more than $5 billion, the IHE is prohibited from using these awards for indirect costs;for an IHE with an endowment of more than $2 billion (but not more than $5 billion), the IHE is limited to an indirect cost rate of 8%; andfor all other IHEs, an indirect cost rate of 15%.The Government Accountability Office must annually report to Congress on indirect cost reimbursement on federal research awards for IHEs.
Urging The Department Of Health To Lead A Coordinated Interdepartmental Effort To Reduce The Impact Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders In The State, Including Development Of A Plan For Interagency Collaboration To Ensure The Coordination Of Support Services.
Urging The Department Of Health To Lead A Coordinated Interdepartmental Effort To Reduce The Impact Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders In The State, Including Development Of A Plan For Interagency Collaboration To Ensure The Coordination Of Support Services.
AN ACT relating to public safety; revising provisions governing regulation and designation of school zones and school crossing zones; revising provisions relating to signs in school zones and school crossing zones; providing for enhanced penalties for certain traffic violations in active school zones and school crossing zones; prohibiting the inclusion of certain information concerning pupils within a directory of pupils; prohibiting the provision of certain information concerning pupils to third parties; providing penalties; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.