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          <title>WashingtonWatch.com - Revisions for H.R. 554, The Paleontological Resources Preservation Act</title>
          <link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills</link>
          <description></description>
          <managingEditor>info@washingtonwatch.com</managingEditor>
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<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (October 4, 2008, 07:57:50)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=33248</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc0&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - (Sec. 3) Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish a program to increase public awareness about such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 5) Prohibits a person from collecting a paleontological resource from federal land without a permit issued under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to allow casual collecting of a reasonable amount of common invertebrate and plant paleontological resources for non-commercial personal uses without a permit on certain federal lands. Recognizes as valid permits issued before enactment of this Act. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretary may issue permits for paleontological resources. Requires that any paleontological resource and associated records collected under a permit be deposited in an approved repository. Allows the Secretary to modify, suspend, or revoke a permit under specified circumstances, including if there is a violation of a term or a condition of a permit. Declares that a permit shall be revoked if any person working under the authority of the permit is convicted of a criminal offense under this Act or assessed a civil penalty under this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 6) States that the Secretary may enter into agreements with non-federal repositories regarding the curation of paleontological resources, data, and records.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 7) Prohibits: (1) evacuating, removing, or altering a paleontological resource located on federal lands, except in accordance with this Act; (2) exchanging or receiving a paleontological resource, or selling or purchasing a paleontological resource, if the person knew or should have known such resource was illegally removed from federal lands; or (3) making or submitting false records, accounts, or identification of any paleontological resource excavated or removed from federal lands. Imposes criminal penalties for violating this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 8) Sets forth requirements for the assessment of civil penalties by the Secretary for violations of any prohibitions contained in regulations or permits issued under this Act. Requires any recovered amounts to be available for use: (1) to protect or restore paleontological resources and sites which were the subject of the action, or to acquire sites with equivalent resources, and to protect, monitor, and study the resources and sites; (2) to provide educational materials to the public about paleontological resources and sites; and (3) as a reward.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 9) Allows the Secretary to pay a reward from penalties collected under this Act to any person who furnishes information leading to the finding of a civil violation, or the conviction of criminal violation, with respect to which the penalty was paid. Subjects to civil or, as appropriate, criminal forfeiture all paleontological resources with respect to which a violation occurred and all vehicles and equipment that were used in connection with the violation. Allows the Secretary to transfer administration of seized paleontological resources to educational institutions for scientific or educational purposes.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 10) Requires that information on the nature and specific location of a paleontological resource that requires a permit under this Act or other federal law be withheld from the public, including under the Freedom of Information Act, except under specified conditions.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to issue such regulations as are appropriate to carry out this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 13) Authorizes appropriations.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc1&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 10/3/2008: House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Jan. 3, 2009.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc2&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc3&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">33248@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:57:50 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (October 3, 2008, 07:57:45)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=33121</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc4&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - (Sec. 3) Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish a program to increase public awareness about such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 5) Prohibits a person from collecting a paleontological resource from federal land without a permit issued under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to allow casual collecting of a reasonable amount of common invertebrate and plant paleontological resources for non-commercial personal uses without a permit on certain federal lands. Recognizes as valid permits issued before enactment of this Act. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretary may issue permits for paleontological resources. Requires that any paleontological resource and associated records collected under a permit be deposited in an approved repository. Allows the Secretary to modify, suspend, or revoke a permit under specified circumstances, including if there is a violation of a term or a condition of a permit. Declares that a permit shall be revoked if any person working under the authority of the permit is convicted of a criminal offense under this Act or assessed a civil penalty under this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 6) States that the Secretary may enter into agreements with non-federal repositories regarding the curation of paleontological resources, data, and records.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 7) Prohibits: (1) evacuating, removing, or altering a paleontological resource located on federal lands, except in accordance with this Act; (2) exchanging or receiving a paleontological resource, or selling or purchasing a paleontological resource, if the person knew or should have known such resource was illegally removed from federal lands; or (3) making or submitting false records, accounts, or identification of any paleontological resource excavated or removed from federal lands. Imposes criminal penalties for violating this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 8) Sets forth requirements for the assessment of civil penalties by the Secretary for violations of any prohibitions contained in regulations or permits issued under this Act. Requires any recovered amounts to be available for use: (1) to protect or restore paleontological resources and sites which were the subject of the action, or to acquire sites with equivalent resources, and to protect, monitor, and study the resources and sites; (2) to provide educational materials to the public about paleontological resources and sites; and (3) as a reward.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 9) Allows the Secretary to pay a reward from penalties collected under this Act to any person who furnishes information leading to the finding of a civil violation, or the conviction of criminal violation, with respect to which the penalty was paid. Subjects to civil or, as appropriate, criminal forfeiture all paleontological resources with respect to which a violation occurred and all vehicles and equipment that were used in connection with the violation. Allows the Secretary to transfer administration of seized paleontological resources to educational institutions for scientific or educational purposes.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 10) Requires that information on the nature and specific location of a paleontological resource that requires a permit under this Act or other federal law be withheld from the public, including under the Freedom of Information Act, except under specified conditions.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to issue such regulations as are appropriate to carry out this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 13) Authorizes appropriations.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc5&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 10/2/2008: House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Oct. 3, 2008.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc6&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc7&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">33121@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 06:57:45 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (September 30, 2008, 07:57:40)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=32836</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc8&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - (Sec. 3) Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish a program to increase public awareness about such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 5) Prohibits a person from collecting a paleontological resource from federal land without a permit issued under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to allow casual collecting of a reasonable amount of common invertebrate and plant paleontological resources for non-commercial personal uses without a permit on certain federal lands. Recognizes as valid permits issued before enactment of this Act. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretary may issue permits for paleontological resources. Requires that any paleontological resource and associated records collected under a permit be deposited in an approved repository. Allows the Secretary to modify, suspend, or revoke a permit under specified circumstances, including if there is a violation of a term or a condition of a permit. Declares that a permit shall be revoked if any person working under the authority of the permit is convicted of a criminal offense under this Act or assessed a civil penalty under this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 6) States that the Secretary may enter into agreements with non-federal repositories regarding the curation of paleontological resources, data, and records.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 7) Prohibits: (1) evacuating, removing, or altering a paleontological resource located on federal lands, except in accordance with this Act; (2) exchanging or receiving a paleontological resource, or selling or purchasing a paleontological resource, if the person knew or should have known such resource was illegally removed from federal lands; or (3) making or submitting false records, accounts, or identification of any paleontological resource excavated or removed from federal lands. Imposes criminal penalties for violating this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 8) Sets forth requirements for the assessment of civil penalties by the Secretary for violations of any prohibitions contained in regulations or permits issued under this Act. Requires any recovered amounts to be available for use: (1) to protect or restore paleontological resources and sites which were the subject of the action, or to acquire sites with equivalent resources, and to protect, monitor, and study the resources and sites; (2) to provide educational materials to the public about paleontological resources and sites; and (3) as a reward.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 9) Allows the Secretary to pay a reward from penalties collected under this Act to any person who furnishes information leading to the finding of a civil violation, or the conviction of criminal violation, with respect to which the penalty was paid. Subjects to civil or, as appropriate, criminal forfeiture all paleontological resources with respect to which a violation occurred and all vehicles and equipment that were used in connection with the violation. Allows the Secretary to transfer administration of seized paleontological resources to educational institutions for scientific or educational purposes.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 10) Requires that information on the nature and specific location of a paleontological resource that requires a permit under this Act or other federal law be withheld from the public, including under the Freedom of Information Act, except under specified conditions.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to issue such regulations as are appropriate to carry out this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 13) Authorizes appropriations.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc9&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 9/29/2008: House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Oct. 2, 2008.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc10&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc11&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">32836@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:57:40 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (September 29, 2008, 19:59:21)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=32738</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc12&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - (Sec. 3) Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish a program to increase public awareness about such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 5) Prohibits a person from collecting a paleontological resource from federal land without a permit issued under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to allow casual collecting of a reasonable amount of common invertebrate and plant paleontological resources for non-commercial personal uses without a permit on certain federal lands. Recognizes as valid permits issued before enactment of this Act. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretary may issue permits for paleontological resources. Requires that any paleontological resource and associated records collected under a permit be deposited in an approved repository. Allows the Secretary to modify, suspend, or revoke a permit under specified circumstances, including if there is a violation of a term or a condition of a permit. Declares that a permit shall be revoked if any person working under the authority of the permit is convicted of a criminal offense under this Act or assessed a civil penalty under this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 6) States that the Secretary may enter into agreements with non-federal repositories regarding the curation of paleontological resources, data, and records.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 7) Prohibits: (1) evacuating, removing, or altering a paleontological resource located on federal lands, except in accordance with this Act; (2) exchanging or receiving a paleontological resource, or selling or purchasing a paleontological resource, if the person knew or should have known such resource was illegally removed from federal lands; or (3) making or submitting false records, accounts, or identification of any paleontological resource excavated or removed from federal lands. Imposes criminal penalties for violating this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 8) Sets forth requirements for the assessment of civil penalties by the Secretary for violations of any prohibitions contained in regulations or permits issued under this Act. Requires any recovered amounts to be available for use: (1) to protect or restore paleontological resources and sites which were the subject of the action, or to acquire sites with equivalent resources, and to protect, monitor, and study the resources and sites; (2) to provide educational materials to the public about paleontological resources and sites; and (3) as a reward.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 9) Allows the Secretary to pay a reward from penalties collected under this Act to any person who furnishes information leading to the finding of a civil violation, or the conviction of criminal violation, with respect to which the penalty was paid. Subjects to civil or, as appropriate, criminal forfeiture all paleontological resources with respect to which a violation occurred and all vehicles and equipment that were used in connection with the violation. Allows the Secretary to transfer administration of seized paleontological resources to educational institutions for scientific or educational purposes.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 10) Requires that information on the nature and specific location of a paleontological resource that requires a permit under this Act or other federal law be withheld from the public, including under the Freedom of Information Act, except under specified conditions.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to issue such regulations as are appropriate to carry out this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 13) Authorizes appropriations.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc13&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 9/28/2008: House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Sept. 29, 2008.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc14&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc15&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">32738@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:59:21 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (September 27, 2008, 08:00:57)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=32440</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc16&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - (Sec. 3) Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish a program to increase public awareness about such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 5) Prohibits a person from collecting a paleontological resource from federal land without a permit issued under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to allow casual collecting of a reasonable amount of common invertebrate and plant paleontological resources for non-commercial personal uses without a permit on certain federal lands. Recognizes as valid permits issued before enactment of this Act. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretary may issue permits for paleontological resources. Requires that any paleontological resource and associated records collected under a permit be deposited in an approved repository. Allows the Secretary to modify, suspend, or revoke a permit under specified circumstances, including if there is a violation of a term or a condition of a permit. Declares that a permit shall be revoked if any person working under the authority of the permit is convicted of a criminal offense under this Act or assessed a civil penalty under this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 6) States that the Secretary may enter into agreements with non-federal repositories regarding the curation of paleontological resources, data, and records.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 7) Prohibits: (1) evacuating, removing, or altering a paleontological resource located on federal lands, except in accordance with this Act; (2) exchanging or receiving a paleontological resource, or selling or purchasing a paleontological resource, if the person knew or should have known such resource was illegally removed from federal lands; or (3) making or submitting false records, accounts, or identification of any paleontological resource excavated or removed from federal lands. Imposes criminal penalties for violating this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 8) Sets forth requirements for the assessment of civil penalties by the Secretary for violations of any prohibitions contained in regulations or permits issued under this Act. Requires any recovered amounts to be available for use: (1) to protect or restore paleontological resources and sites which were the subject of the action, or to acquire sites with equivalent resources, and to protect, monitor, and study the resources and sites; (2) to provide educational materials to the public about paleontological resources and sites; and (3) as a reward.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 9) Allows the Secretary to pay a reward from penalties collected under this Act to any person who furnishes information leading to the finding of a civil violation, or the conviction of criminal violation, with respect to which the penalty was paid. Subjects to civil or, as appropriate, criminal forfeiture all paleontological resources with respect to which a violation occurred and all vehicles and equipment that were used in connection with the violation. Allows the Secretary to transfer administration of seized paleontological resources to educational institutions for scientific or educational purposes.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 10) Requires that information on the nature and specific location of a paleontological resource that requires a permit under this Act or other federal law be withheld from the public, including under the Freedom of Information Act, except under specified conditions.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to issue such regulations as are appropriate to carry out this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 13) Authorizes appropriations.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc17&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 9/26/2008: House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Sept. 28, 2008.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc18&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc19&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">32440@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:00:57 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (September 13, 2008, 20:16:49)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=30683</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc20&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - (Sec. 3) Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish a program to increase public awareness about such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 5) Prohibits a person from collecting a paleontological resource from federal land without a permit issued under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to allow casual collecting of a reasonable amount of common invertebrate and plant paleontological resources for non-commercial personal uses without a permit on certain federal lands. Recognizes as valid permits issued before enactment of this Act. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretary may issue permits for paleontological resources. Requires that any paleontological resource and associated records collected under a permit be deposited in an approved repository. Allows the Secretary to modify, suspend, or revoke a permit under specified circumstances, including if there is a violation of a term or a condition of a permit. Declares that a permit shall be revoked if any person working under the authority of the permit is convicted of a criminal offense under this Act or assessed a civil penalty under this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 6) States that the Secretary may enter into agreements with non-federal repositories regarding the curation of paleontological resources, data, and records.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 7) Prohibits: (1) evacuating, removing, or altering a paleontological resource located on federal lands, except in accordance with this Act; (2) exchanging or receiving a paleontological resource, or selling or purchasing a paleontological resource, if the person knew or should have known such resource was illegally removed from federal lands; or (3) making or submitting false records, accounts, or identification of any paleontological resource excavated or removed from federal lands. Imposes criminal penalties for violating this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 8) Sets forth requirements for the assessment of civil penalties by the Secretary for violations of any prohibitions contained in regulations or permits issued under this Act. Requires any recovered amounts to be available for use: (1) to protect or restore paleontological resources and sites which were the subject of the action, or to acquire sites with equivalent resources, and to protect, monitor, and study the resources and sites; (2) to provide educational materials to the public about paleontological resources and sites; and (3) as a reward.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 9) Allows the Secretary to pay a reward from penalties collected under this Act to any person who furnishes information leading to the finding of a civil violation, or the conviction of criminal violation, with respect to which the penalty was paid. Subjects to civil or, as appropriate, criminal forfeiture all paleontological resources with respect to which a violation occurred and all vehicles and equipment that were used in connection with the violation. Allows the Secretary to transfer administration of seized paleontological resources to educational institutions for scientific or educational purposes.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 10) Requires that information on the nature and specific location of a paleontological resource that requires a permit under this Act or other federal law be withheld from the public, including under the Freedom of Information Act, except under specified conditions.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to issue such regulations as are appropriate to carry out this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 13) Authorizes appropriations.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc21&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 9/12/2008: House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Sept. 26, 2008.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc22&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc23&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">30683@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:16:49 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (August 15, 2008, 19:59:44)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=29667</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc24&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - (Sec. 3) Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to establish a program to increase public awareness about such resources.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 5) Prohibits a person from collecting a paleontological resource from federal land without a permit issued under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to allow casual collecting of a reasonable amount of common invertebrate and plant paleontological resources for non-commercial personal uses without a permit on certain federal lands. Recognizes as valid permits issued before enactment of this Act. Sets forth criteria by which the Secretary may issue permits for paleontological resources. Requires that any paleontological resource and associated records collected under a permit be deposited in an approved repository. Allows the Secretary to modify, suspend, or revoke a permit under specified circumstances, including if there is a violation of a term or a condition of a permit. Declares that a permit shall be revoked if any person working under the authority of the permit is convicted of a criminal offense under this Act or assessed a civil penalty under this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 6) States that the Secretary may enter into agreements with non-federal repositories regarding the curation of paleontological resources, data, and records.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 7) Prohibits: (1) evacuating, removing, or altering a paleontological resource located on federal lands, except in accordance with this Act; (2) exchanging or receiving a paleontological resource, or selling or purchasing a paleontological resource, if the person knew or should have known such resource was illegally removed from federal lands; or (3) making or submitting false records, accounts, or identification of any paleontological resource excavated or removed from federal lands. Imposes criminal penalties for violating this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 8) Sets forth requirements for the assessment of civil penalties by the Secretary for violations of any prohibitions contained in regulations or permits issued under this Act. Requires any recovered amounts to be available for use: (1) to protect or restore paleontological resources and sites which were the subject of the action, or to acquire sites with equivalent resources, and to protect, monitor, and study the resources and sites; (2) to provide educational materials to the public about paleontological resources and sites; and (3) as a reward.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 9) Allows the Secretary to pay a reward from penalties collected under this Act to any person who furnishes information leading to the finding of a civil violation, or the conviction of criminal violation, with respect to which the penalty was paid. Subjects to civil or, as appropriate, criminal forfeiture all paleontological resources with respect to which a violation occurred and all vehicles and equipment that were used in connection with the violation. Allows the Secretary to transfer administration of seized paleontological resources to educational institutions for scientific or educational purposes.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 10) Requires that information on the nature and specific location of a paleontological resource that requires a permit under this Act or other federal law be withheld from the public, including under the Freedom of Information Act, except under specified conditions.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to issue such regulations as are appropriate to carry out this Act.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;(Sec. 13) Authorizes appropriations.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc25&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 8/1/2008: House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Sept. 12, 2008.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc26&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc27&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">29667@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:59:44 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (August 2, 2008, 20:06:18)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=29307</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc28&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc29&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 8/1/2008: House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Sept. 12, 2008.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc30&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc31&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">29307@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:06:18 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (July 19, 2008, 19:55:54)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=27765</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc32&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc33&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 7/18/2008: House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Aug. 1, 2008.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc34&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc35&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">27765@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:55:54 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (June 20, 2008, 20:03:01)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=26159</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc36&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc37&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 6/20/2008: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred sequentially to the House Committee on the Judiciary for a period ending not later than July 18, 2008 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(k), rule X.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc38&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc39&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">26159@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:03:01 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (May 23, 2008, 19:55:47)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=24671</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc40&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc41&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 5/22/2008: House Committee on Agriculture Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than June 20, 2008.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc42&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc43&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">24671@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2008 18:55:47 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (May 15, 2008, 19:54:24)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=24047</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc44&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc45&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 4/17/2007: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc46&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc47&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">24047@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 18:54:24 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Revision by webmaster (May 15, 2008, 19:54:24)</title>
<link>http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_554.html?rev=24048</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;H.R. 554 would provide for the protection of paleontological resources on Federal lands.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc48&quot;&gt; Detailed Summary &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc49&quot;&gt; Status of the Legislation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Latest Major Action: 5/14/2008: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --&gt;

&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc50&quot;&gt; Points in Favor &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;


&lt;h2 id=&quot;toc51&quot;&gt; Points Against &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">24048@http://www.washingtonwatch.com</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 18:54:24 EDT</pubDate>
</item>
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