Bill > S216

This bill amends the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act and the Marine Debris Act to improve the administration of the Marine Debris Program and the Marine Debris Foundation. The legislation makes several key changes, including restructuring the organizational framework by redesignating sections, expanding the definition of eligible entities to explicitly include Indian Tribes, and enhancing the Foundation's governance. Specifically, the bill modifies the Board of Directors' appointment process by requiring the Board to recommend candidates and adding approval from the Secretary of Commerce, establishes a more defined role for the Chief Executive Officer, and requires the Foundation to develop best practices for engaging with Indian Tribes. The bill also increases funding authorization, adding $2 million for fiscal year 2025, and broadens the scope of potential funding recipients to include regional organizations, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and foreign governments. Additionally, the legislation clarifies definitions, updates terminology, and ensures consistency across different sections of the law, with a particular focus on improving marine debris prevention, reduction, and research efforts.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/216/all-info