One Hundred Twelfth Congress of the United States of America
At the Second Session
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the third day of January, two thousand and twelve
H. R. 1402
AN ACT
To authorize the Architect of the Capitol to establish battery recharging stations for privately owned vehicles in parking areas under the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives at no net cost to the Federal Government.
Battery recharging stations for privately owned vehicles in parking areas under the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives at no net cost to the Federal Government
Definition
In this Act, the term covered employee means—
an employee whose pay is disbursed by the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives; or
any other individual who is authorized to park in any parking area under the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives on Capitol Grounds.
Authority
In general
Subject to paragraph (3), funds appropriated to the Architect of the Capitol under the heading Capitol Power Plant
under the heading Architect of the Capitol
in any fiscal year are available to construct, operate, and maintain on a reimbursable basis battery recharging stations in parking areas under the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives on Capitol Grounds for use by privately owned vehicles used by Members of the House of Representatives (including the Delegates or Resident Commissioner to the Congress) or covered employees.
Vendors authorized
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Architect of the Capitol may use 1 or more vendors on a commission basis.
Approval of construction
The Architect of the Capitol may construct or direct the construction of battery recharging stations described under paragraph (1) after—
submission of written notice detailing the numbers and locations of the battery recharging stations to the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives; and
approval by that Committee.
Fees and charges
In general
Subject to paragraph (2), the Architect of the Capitol shall charge fees or charges for electricity provided to Members and covered employees sufficient to cover the costs to the Architect of the Capitol to carry out this section, including costs to any vendors or other costs associated with maintaining the battery recharging stations.
Approval of fees or charges
The Architect of the Capitol may establish and adjust fees or charges under paragraph (1) after—
submission of written notice detailing the amount of the fee or charge to be established or adjusted to the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives; and
approval by that Committee.
Deposit and availability of fees, charges, and commissions
Any fees, charges, or commissions collected by the Architect of the Capitol under this section shall be—
deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the appropriations account described under subsection (b); and
available for obligation without further appropriation during—
the fiscal year collected; and
the fiscal year following the fiscal year collected.
Reports
In general
Not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Architect of the Capitol shall submit a report on the financial administration and cost recovery of activities under this section with respect to that fiscal year to the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives.
Avoiding subsidy
Determination
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act and every 3 years thereafter, the Architect of the Capitol shall submit a report to the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives determining whether Members (including any Delegate or Resident Commissioner to Congress) and covered employees using battery charging stations as authorized by this Act are receiving a subsidy from the taxpayers.
Modification of rates and fees
If a determination is made under subparagraph (A) that a subsidy is being received, the Architect of the Capitol shall submit a plan to the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives on how to update the program to ensure no subsidy is being received. If the committee does not act on the plan within 60 days, the Architect of the Capitol shall take appropriate steps to increase rates or fees to ensure reimbursement for the cost of the program consistent with an appropriate schedule for amortization, to be charged to those using the charging stations.
Effective date
This Act shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2011 and each fiscal year thereafter.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.