S. 1403Senate115th Congress (2017-2019)In Committee

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 15, 2026 at 4:37 PM UTC

The 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to create a new national service program, the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC). It places young people (ages 15‑30) and veterans (up to age 35) in civilian service roles that conserve, restore, and improve public and tribal lands, water, and related natural, cultural, and historic resources. The program is coordinated across a wide range of federal agencies and includes reporting, funding, and hiring provisions.

Key Provisions

Establishes the 21CSC, a network of participating federal agencies (including Interior, Agriculture, Defense, Veterans Affairs, and others) that oversee conservation service projects.
Expands eligibility to youth ages 15‑30 and veterans age 35 or younger, with requirements for citizenship or permanent residency.
Requires 21CSC organizations to provide compensation (wage, stipend, living allowance, or education credit) and skill‑building opportunities for Corps members.
Creates a reporting system: the Corporation for National and Community Service must submit annual data on participants, projects, funding, and impacts; the Comptroller General provides interim and final assessments.
Sets a cost‑share rule: each project must receive at least a 10 % contribution from state, local, or private sources, and encourages leveraging additional funds.
Adds a non‑competitive hiring pathway for Corps members who complete 640 hours of service, allowing them to be appointed to federal positions within two years.
Establishes an Indian Youth Service Corps within the 21CSC to serve tribal lands, with cooperative agreements and guidelines to be issued by the Secretary of the Interior.
Mandates logistical support, temporary housing, and transportation for Corps members as needed.

Legislative Activity

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6 earlier actions

SenateCommittee Latest Action

By Senator Murkowski from Committee on Energy and Natural Resources filed written report. Report No. 115-420.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

December 6, 2018

View full timeline

SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

June 21, 2017

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

June 21, 2017

SenateCommittee

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 115-417.

National Parks Subcommittee

July 19, 2017

SenateCommittee

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

October 2, 2018

SenateCommittee

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

December 4, 2018

SenateCalendars

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 711.

December 4, 2018

SenateCommittee

By Senator Murkowski from Committee on Energy and Natural Resources filed written report. Report No. 115-420.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

December 6, 2018

Floor Debate

3 members

What members said about S. 1403 on the floor

2 Republicans1 Democrat

Sen. Jon KylR-AZ · Dec 19, 2018

Mr. President, the other thing I would like to do this afternoon is to very briefly report to my colleagues and to constituents back home on some things which my predecessor, Senator McCain, was…

Mr. President, the other thing I would like to do this afternoon is to very briefly report to my colleagues and to constituents back home on some things which my predecessor, Senator McCain, was working on at the time of his untimely death and which his staff and I have continued to work on and, in several cases, have brought to successful conclusion. I want people to know about these items and what we have been able to accomplish.

I first want to thank the members of his staff who wanted to stay in the service of the government and the State of Arizona and were willing to take a position in my office, as a result of which, we were able to really have a seamless transition from some of the things Senator McCain was working on and my ability to continue to do so.

One of the first things of which I was aware but not really aware of the depth that he had taken it is a new relationship in the State of Arizona among the three pillars representing the defense establishment in our country and specifically in the State of Arizona. These are, first of all, our military installations--Arizona is blessed to have a lot of military installations; secondly, the defense industries--again, Arizona is the home to many important defense industries serving all of our branches of the military; and finally, the communities that support both of those elements of our establishment.

As a result, I had the opportunity to meet throughout the State with the groups that Senator McCain had helped to nurture and to create--in particular, a group in Tucson and Southern Arizona, including Yuma, called the Southern Arizona Defense Alliance; in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona, the Northern Arizona Military Affairs Council; and in Central Arizona, Maricopa County and the Phoenix environs, the Mesa Industry and Defense Council.

Meeting with the representatives of all three components of our military society and hearing about the successes they had in working with each other and in providing a real synergy that benefited them all just reminded me again of how important Senator McCain's leadership was to the State of Arizona and to our national security.

I wanted to mention that today and to let everyone know that I will be passing on to my successor the advice that these councils continue to need to be supported and nurtured by the Senators from the State of Arizona, as well as the Members of the House of Representatives.

A second thing that John McCain was involved in as part of his activities as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee was the creation--a couple years ago--in the Defense authorization bill of a national commission to advise the Secretary of Defense on the strategy for the United States and to report back to Congress--and specifically the Armed Services Committee--on their conclusions.

This bill created the National Defense Strategy Commission, comprised of 12 members, 3 of whom were appointed by the chairman and the ranking member--each--of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee.

I was privileged to have been appointed by Senator McCain to serve on that Commission, and I did for approximately a year. My service there ended as we finished our report. Before it was signed, while it was still being edited, he passed away, and I was appointed to serve in his stead. So I have had the unique opportunity to both help write the report and then be a member of the Armed Services Committee, on which he sat, to receive the report and to question the cochairmen of that Commission, Ambassador Eric Edelman and ADM Gary Roughead, Retired.

I think the importance of this Commission report reflects what Senator McCain hoped to achieve, and that is a bipartisan consensus, a unanimous report which provides advice to the Secretary of Defense and will provide advice to both the House and the Senate.

As I said, there has already been a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, and I know the House

committee is going to invite members of the Commission to brief it as well.

It is my hope that the recommendations of this bipartisan Commission will be followed by the Congress and by the President and the Secretary of Defense because I think they represent some very strong conclusions about what is necessary to enhance our national security.

A third thing Senator McCain wanted to do as chairman of the Armed Services Committee was to hold a series of hearings or briefings before the committee that focused on the advances in technology that were having and can have an important impact on our national security--in many cases, on the kinds of things that we acquire in support of our military superiority, things like hypersonics and artificial intelligence, super-advanced computing, cyber technology, and the like.

After speaking with the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee now, Senator Inhofe, it is my understanding that he, in fact, has a plan to carry out this legacy of Senator McCain and hold a series of briefings early next year on all of these technological issues so that our Members will be better able to evaluate the kinds of things that will help our military have superiority in the future. I am happy to have had some small part to play in advancing that.

There were a couple of other more specific things that Senator McCain didn't work on but which bear his name that I wanted to mention.

One, I cosponsored and helped secure passage of S. 2827, which was a bill to reauthorize the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation at the University of Arizona. This was something that Senator McCain helped to create and to foster throughout his career. But I am also pleased to announce that this legislation names the foundation's environmental conflict resolution center after the late Senator John McCain. I am pleased to make that announcement here.

There is one other item that we are continuing to try to accomplish in Senator McCain's name. We are not across the finish line yet, but we hope to get there. That is something called the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act, S. 1403. This bill carries the name of Senator McCain, and it was one of his favorite projects. It expands volunteerism in our national parks and public lands.

I can tell you that while John McCain came to Arizona having lived in many other places of the world and in the United States, primarily as a result of his service in the Navy, he acquired a love for the State of Arizona which is unequalled among all of us who have been there for a very long time. He loved the beauty of the State, the ruggedness of it, the incredible variety in the flora and fauna. When I would visit John and Cindy's home in the Sedona area, I could always count on being taken on a hike around the perimeter of the property to show me all of the interesting things he had discovered over the last several months, including where the hawks live and where the owls live and where they found the rattlesnakes and all of the other things that pleased him to be a part of that environment.

So we are hopeful that we can get this Service Corps Act passed, if not in the latter part of this session, at least perhaps early next year.

I want my colleagues to know that although Senator McCain passed away in the early part of his Senate term, he was working on a lot of things that his staff and I wanted to continue to move forward, and I am just pleased we have been able to move these items forward and wanted my colleagues to appreciate that, as well as his friends and constituents in the State of Arizona.

I thank my colleagues here who helped to make some of these things possible and urge that they continue to focus on the one item of unfinished business that can perhaps be accomplished next year.

I conclude by thanking the Governor of the State of Arizona for appointing me to serve for part of the remainder of Senator McCain's term. It has been a great honor and privilege for me to again serve the people of the State of Arizona, particularly to succeed my friend and colleague John McCain.

I yield the floor.

Sen. Mark R. WarnerD-VA · Dec 19, 2018

Mr. President, I am going to be here on another matter in a moment, but I wanted to add my thanks to the great work that Senator Kyl has done. I remember coming here as a freshman Senator in early…

Sen. Richard BurrR-NC · Dec 19, 2018

Mr. President, I want to add my thanks to my colleague from Arizona. I came to speak on something else, and I will say this: If there is one individual I have tried to emulate since the day I came to…

Bill Text

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Reported to SenateIssued December 4, 2018

Calendar No. 711

115th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. 1403

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 21, 2017

Mr. McCain (for himself, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Udall, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Tester, Mr. King, Mrs. Murray, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Daines, and Mr. Heinrich) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

December 4, 2018

Reported by Ms. Murkowski, with an amendment

Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic

A BILL

To amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to establish the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps to place youth and veterans in national service positions to conserve, restore, and enhance the great outdoors of the United States, and for other purposes.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2017.

Purposes

Section 202 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1721) is amended to read as follows:

202.

Purposes

The purposes of this title are—

(1)

to engage youth and veterans in the United States in civilian national service positions to conserve, rebuild, and enhance the outdoors, natural resources, infrastructure, and recreation assets of the United States;

(2)

to increase public access to, and use of, public and tribal land and water, infrastructure, and natural, cultural, and historical resources and treasures, while spurring economic development and outdoor recreation and addressing backlogged maintenance on public land;

(3)

to conserve, restore, and enhance public and tribal land and water, infrastructure, and natural, cultural, and historical resources and treasures by carrying out high-quality, cost-effective 21st Century Conservation Service Corps projects;

(4)

to ensure that, in any State or territory of the United States or on any tribal land, the activities and expertise of Corpsmembers will be accessible to any public organization, nonprofit organization, or tribal agency responsible for the stewardship of land and water that is—

(A)

public;

(B)

tribal; or

(C)

private and has a direct or recognized public benefit, in coordination with the owner of the land or water;

(5)

to place youth and veterans in civilian national service positions to protect, restore, and enhance the great outdoors, natural resources, infrastructure, and recreation assets of the United States in a cost-effective manner without undue duplication or overlap of activities or programs carried out by Federal agencies;

(6)

to provide youth and veterans placed in civilian national service positions with opportunities to gain in-demand skills, credentials, and education to prepare for, and transition to, success in the 21st century workforce; and

(7)

to channel widespread interest among youth and veterans in serving in civilian national service positions to help conserve, restore, and enhance public and tribal land and water, infrastructure, and natural, cultural, and historical resources and treasures—

(A)

for the enjoyment and use of future generations; and

(B)

to develop the next generation of outdoor stewards, entrepreneurs, recreationists, and sportsmen and sportswomen.

Definitions

(a)

In general

Section 203 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1722) is amended to read as follows:

203.

Definitions

In this title:

(1)

21CSC

The term 21CSC means the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps established by section 204(a).

(2)

21CSC organization

The term 21CSC organization means an organization or association that meets the requirements described in section 204(d).

(3)

21CSC project

The term 21CSC project means a project that is carried out by a 21CSC organization.

(4)

Corpsmember

The term Corpsmember means an individual who is selected by a 21CSC organization to serve on a 21CSC project.

(5)

Indian

The term Indian has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511).

(6)

Indian Youth 21st Century Conservation Service Corps

The term Indian Youth 21st Century Conservation Service Corps means a program of a 21CSC organization that—

(A)

enrolls participants, the majority of whom are Indians; and

(B)

is established pursuant to an agreement between a tribal agency and a 21CSC organization for the benefit of the members of the tribal agency.

(7)

Institution of higher education

(A)

In general

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).

(B)

Exclusion

The term institution of higher education does not include—

(i)

an institution described in section 101(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(b)); or

(ii)

an institution outside the United States, as described in section 102(a)(1)(C) of that Act (20 U.S.C. 1002(a)(1)(C)).

(8)

Participating entity

The term participating entity means a Federal entity described in section 204(c)(2).

(9)

Priority project

The term priority project means a 21CSC project conducted to further 1 or more of the purposes described in section 202 or in section 2 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501), including by—

(A)

reducing wildfire risk to a community, municipal water supply, or at-risk land;

(B)

protecting a watershed;

(C)

addressing a threat to forest land or rangeland health, including catastrophic wildfire;

(D)

addressing the impact of insect or disease infestation or any other damaging agent on forest land, water, or rangeland health; or

(E)

conserving, restoring, or enhancing a forest ecosystem or an ecosystem on public, private, or tribal land—

(i)

to improve biological diversity; or

(ii)

to enhance—

(I)

the productivity of fish and wildlife habitat;

(II)

the recovery of a species; or

(III)

carbon sequestration.

(10)

Resource assistant

The term resource assistant means a resource assistant selected under section 206.

(11)

State

The term State means—

(A)

each of the several States of the United States;

(B)

the District of Columbia;

(C)

the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;

(D)

the United States Virgin Islands;

(E)

Guam;

(F)

American Samoa; and

(G)

the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

(12)

Tribal agency

The term tribal agency has the meaning given the term Indian tribe in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511).

(13)

Tribal land or water

The term tribal land or water means any real property or water—

(A)

owned by a tribal agency;

(B)

held in trust by the United States for an Indian or a tribal agency; or

(C)

held by an Indian or a tribal agency that is subject to a restriction on alienation imposed by the United States.

(14)

Veteran

The term veteran has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

(15)

Youth

The term youth means an individual who is not younger than age 15 and not older than age 30.

(b)

Conforming amendment

Section 623(i)(6) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking any public lands (as defined in section 203 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1722)) and inserting any land or water (or interest in land or water) owned or administered by the United States (other than Indian land).

21st Century Conservation Service Corps

Section 204 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1723) is amended to read as follows:

204.

21st Century Conservation Service Corps

(a)

Establishment

There is established the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, to be comprised of 21CSC organizations and Corpsmembers, to carry out, in partnership with participating entities, the purposes of this title.

(b)

Designation of coordinators

The head of each participating entity, and the head of any bureau or subdivision of each participating entity, shall designate a 21CSC coordinator to coordinate any activity of the 21CSC or a 21CSC project carried out by the participating entity or the bureau or subdivision of the participating entity.

(c)

Participating entities

(1)

In general

The 21CSC shall be implemented jointly by the heads of the participating entities, who may support the 21CSC by carrying out the activities described in paragraph (3).

(2)

List of participating entities

The participating entities shall be—

(A)

the Department of the Interior;

(B)

the Department of Agriculture;

(C)

the Department of Transportation;

(D)

the Department of Labor;

(E)

the Department of Energy;

(F)

the Department of Defense;

(G)

the Department of Veterans Affairs;

(H)

the Department of Commerce;

(I)

the Department of Education;

(J)

the Department of Housing and Urban Development;

(K)

the Corporation for National and Community Service;

(L)

the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works;

(M)

the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and

(N)

any other Federal agency that notifies the President of the intent of the Federal agency to participate in and carry out a 21CSC project.

(3)

Support for the 21CSC

(A)

In general

The head of a participating entity may provide support to the 21CSC by—

(i)

establishing standards for the 21CSC;

(ii)

establishing a process for an organization to apply and be approved to become a 21CSC organization;

(iii)

developing and supporting a public-private partnership referred to in paragraph (5)(A)(i);

(iv)

using or leveraging existing funds, or acquiring funds and other resources, under section 210 to support 21CSC projects through entering into a cooperative agreement under paragraph (5)(A)(i);

(v)

leveraging existing resources described in section 210(b) to expand the use of the 21CSC to meet the mission of the participating entity;

(vi)

using technology to support 21CSC projects; and

(vii)

collecting performance data on 21CSC projects—

(I)

to prepare the reports referred to in subparagraph (C)(i)(I); and

(II)

to demonstrate the impact of the 21CSC projects.

(B)

Coordination

(i)

In general

The heads of each of the participating entities shall, to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate with each other or the head of any other Federal agency that is affected by, or carrying out, an activity that is similar to a 21CSC project—

(I)

to minimize, to the maximum extent practicable, the duplication of any specific project performed by any other participating entity or Federal agency; and

(II)

to maximize 21CSC project completion in a cost-effective manner by collaborating to leverage existing resources described in section 210(b).

(ii)

Approval and data collection

The head of each participating entity shall, to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate with each other head of a participating entity—

(I)

to approve organizations as 21CSC organizations; and

(II)

to collect the data referred to in items (aa) through (dd) of subparagraph (C)(i)(I).

(iii)

Guidance

The head of each participating entity shall, to the maximum extent practicable, seek guidance from—

(I)

the Corporation for National and Community Service;

(II)

the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Labor on methods to increase the participation of veterans in 21CSC projects; and

(III)

the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, on methods to increase the participation of Indians in 21CSC projects.

(C)

Reporting

(i)

21CSC Reports

(I)

Report to Congress

As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2017, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, in coordination with the head of each participating entity, shall submit to Congress a report that includes data, for the year covered by the report, including—

(aa)

the number of Corpsmembers that carried out 21CSC projects and the length of the term of service for each Corpsmember;

(bb)

the total amount of funding provided by participating entities for the service of Corpsmembers;

(cc)

the type of service performed by Corpsmembers and the impact and accomplishments of the service; and

(dd)

any other similar data determined by the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service or the head of a participating entity to be appropriate, including data sufficient to determine the effectiveness of 21CSC organizations in carrying out activities to achieve the purposes of this title in a manner that—

(AA)

is cost-effective; and

(BB)

does not unduly duplicate or overlap with any other activity or program carried out by any other Federal agency.

(II)

Data from participating entities

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2017, and annually thereafter, the head of each participating entity shall submit to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service the data described in items (aa) through (dd) of subclause (I).

(III)

Data collection

The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service may coordinate with individual 21CSC organizations to improve the collection of the required data described in items (aa) through (dd) of subclause (I).

(ii)

Comptroller General reports

(I)

In general

The Comptroller General of the United States shall prepare and submit to Congress—

(aa)

not later than 3 years after the date of submission of the first report under clause (i)(I), an interim report; and

(bb)

not later than 5 years after the date of submission of the first report under that clause, a final report.

(II)

Contents

The interim and final reports referred to in subclause (I) shall include—

(aa)

an assessment, based on the data described in items (aa) through (dd) of clause (i)(I), of the effectiveness of 21CSC organizations in achieving the purposes of this title in a manner that—

(AA)

is cost-effective; and

(BB)

does not unduly duplicate or overlap with any other activity or program carried out by any other Federal agency; and

(bb)

recommendations on how to more effectively manage and carry out 21CSC projects to achieve the purposes of this title in the manner described in item (aa).

(III)

Additional reports

The Comptroller General of the United States may submit to Congress any additional report that includes the content described in subclause (II), as the Comptroller General determines to be necessary.

(4)

Gifts and donations

The head of a participating entity may accept, use, or dispose of a contribution that is a gift or donation of money, services, or property to support the development, implementation, and expansion of a 21CSC project, in accordance with applicable law (including regulations).

(5)

Cooperative agreements with 21CSC organizations

(A)

In general

The head of each participating entity may—

(i)

develop a public-private partnership with a 21CSC organization by entering into a cooperative agreement with the 21CSC organization to support and carry out 21CSC projects; and

(ii)

leverage existing resources described in section 210(b) to support a cooperative agreement.

(B)

Type of cooperative agreement

A cooperative agreement under this paragraph may—

(i)

be limited to an agreement for a specific 21CSC project;

(ii)

be a broad agreement covering multiple planned or future 21CSC projects; or

(iii)

be an agreement for a 21CSC project to be part of a broader 21CSC initiative carried out in partnership with—

(I)

the Federal Government;

(II)

a State government; or

(III)

a tribal agency.

(C)

Set share

A cooperative agreement under this paragraph shall include a provision specifying the cost share that the 21CSC organization will provide under section 210(c).

(d)

21CSC organizations

(1)

In general

To be considered and approved as a 21CSC organization, an organization shall, to the maximum extent practicable, demonstrate the ability to meet, and provide assurances that the organization will meet, each requirement described in paragraphs (2) through (6).

(2)

21CSC Corpsmembers engaged by 21CSC organizations

(A)

In general

In addition to meeting the requirement of subparagraph (B), any individual selected by a 21CSC organization to carry out a 21CSC project shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be—

(i)

notwithstanding paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 137(a) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12591(a)), a youth, in the case of any Corpsmember participating in a 21CSC project supported and carried out by the Corporation for National and Community Service; or

(ii)

a veteran not older than age 35.

(B)

Citizenship requirement

Any individual selected as a Corpsmember shall be—

(i)

a citizen or national of the United States; or

(ii)

a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

(C)

Emphasis on diversity and inclusion

In selecting a Corpsmember, a 21CSC organization shall make deliberate outreach efforts to engage an individual who—

(i)

lives in the State or region of the 21CSC organization; and

(ii)

represents a traditionally underserved population, including veterans, Indians, and disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511)).

(3)

Compensation for participants

A 21CSC organization shall provide compensation to each Corpsmember that includes 1 or more of the following:

(A)

A wage.

(B)

A stipend.

(C)

A living allowance.

(D)

An educational credit that may be applied towards a program of postsecondary education at an institution of higher education that agrees to award the credit for participation in a 21CSC project.

(4)

Organization of service for participants

In carrying out a 21CSC project, a 21CSC organization shall, to the maximum extent practicable, organize each Corpsmember as—

(A)

a crew-based participant who—

(i)

serves together with other crew-based participants; and

(ii)

is directly supervised by a trained and experienced crew-based leader or conservation professional; or

(B)

an individual or small team-based participant who serves—

(i)

individually or in a coordinated small team, as applicable;

(ii)

under the direction of a conservation professional; and

(iii)

on an initiative that requires specific skills and dedicated attention.

(5)

21CSC projects

A 21CSC organization shall carry out a 21CSC project that includes national service, and may be a priority project, involving—

(A)

the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of—

(i)

a unit of the National Park System or National Forest System;

(ii)

public or tribal land or water; or

(iii)

natural, cultural, or historical resources or treasures;

(B)

the conservation, restoration, management, and development of the natural resources and infrastructure of the United States, including—

(i)

removal of invasive species;

(ii)

wildfire prevention and response;

(iii)

disaster resiliency, mitigation, response, and recovery;

(iv)

trail development and maintenance;

(v)

coastal restoration and resiliency;

(vi)

historic preservation;

(vii)

public safety;

(viii)

energy efficiency and alternative energy;

(ix)

water infrastructure;

(x)

construction, repair, rehabilitation, or maintenance of—

(I)

a road;

(II)

a campground; or

(III)

any other recreation or visitor facility or housing structure; and

(xi)

any other related project that furthers the purposes of this title;

(C)

the support, development, and enhancement of outdoor recreation or urban green space, including for the purpose of public access;

(D)

service that is primarily indoors, such as service in a science, policy, or program internship, with a clear benefit for natural, cultural, or historic resources or treasures, which may include the provision of interpretation and education services to—

(i)

the public; or

(ii)

a cooperating association, educational institution, friends group, or similar nonprofit partner organization; and

(E)

notwithstanding section 132A of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12584a), a project described in this paragraph on private land or water in partnership with a private entity if—

(i)

the project has a direct or recognized public or environmental benefit; or

(ii)

the funding for the project originated from a governmental entity, regardless of the end payor.

(6)

21CSC Corpsmembers

In carrying out a 21CSC project, a 21CSC organization shall provide each Corpsmember with—

(A)

in-demand skills development, certification and credentials, and education to prepare the Corpsmember for success in transitioning to the 21st century workforce;

(B)

community skill development to help the Corpsmember—

(i)

acquire an ethic of service to others and the United States; and

(ii)

become a more effective natural resource and community steward; and

(C)

a greater understanding of the natural, cultural, or historic resources or treasures of the United States.

(e)

Corpsmember compensation and employment standards

(1)

Corpsmember compensation standard

(A)

Specific wage rates

A form of compensation provided under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of subsection (d)(3) shall be considered to be established at a specific wage rate, in the same manner as the compensation provided for a living allowance under section 140 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12594).

(B)

Compensation for certain Corpsmembers

The compensation provided under subsection (d)(3) to a Corpsmember who is not a participant in a 21CSC project supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service shall not be subject to any provision of (including a regulation under) the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq.) relating to a wage rate, but shall be considered to be established at a specific wage rate, in the manner described in subparagraph (A).

(C)

Rule of construction

Nothing in subparagraph (A) applies a specific wage rate for a living allowance that is established under section 140 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12594) to the compensation of a Corpsmember under subsection (d)(3).

(2)

Corpsmember employment standard

(A)

In general

Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), in parity with section 101(30) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511(30)), a Corpsmember shall be considered to be a participant (as defined in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511)), not an employee, of the 21CSC organization for which the Corpsmember serves.

(B)

Federal employment provisions

Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), Federal employment provisions shall apply to a Corpsmember to the extent that those provisions apply to a participant or crew leader under section 199M(b) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12655n(b)).

(C)

Child labor provisions

Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)—

(i)

the child labor provisions under section 12 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 212) (including any order or regulation issued under the authority of such section or section 3(l) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 203(l))) shall apply to a Corpsmember and the 21CSC organization for which the Corpsmember serves in the same manner as such provisions apply to an employee and an employer under such Act; and

(ii)

a violation of a section specified in clause (i) by a 21CSC organization shall be enforced by the Secretary of Labor in the same manner, and subject to the same penalties under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), as a violation by an employer of section 12 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 212).

(3)

Civil service

An individual may be enrolled as a Corpsmember without regard to the civil service and classification laws, rules, or regulations.

21st Century Conservation Service Corps conservation centers and program support

Section 205 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1724) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

by striking Secretary each place it appears and inserting head of a participating entity; and

(B)

in paragraph (1)—

(i)

in subparagraph (A), by striking Public Lands Corps and inserting 21CSC; and

(ii)

in subparagraph (B), by striking conservation projects and inserting 21CSC projects;

(2)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

in the heading, by inserting , temporary housing, and transportation after Logistical support;

(B)

in the first sentence—

(i)

by striking The Secretary and inserting the following:

(1)

Logistical support

(A)

In general

The head of a participating entity

; and

(ii)

by striking the Corps and inserting the 21CSC;

(C)

in the second sentence, by striking Logistical support and inserting the following:

(B)

Inclusions

Logistical support provided under subparagraph (A)

; and

(D)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

Temporary housing

The head of a participating entity may make arrangements with another Federal agency or a State, local government, or private organization to provide temporary housing for Corpsmembers as needed and available.

(3)

Transportation

The head of a participating entity may provide transportation to and from 21CSC project sites for Corpsmembers that reside in their own homes.

;

(3)

in subsection (c)—

(A)

by striking The Secretary and inserting The head of a participating entity; and

(B)

by striking the Corps for training or housing Corps participants and inserting the 21CSC for training or housing Corpsmembers; and

(4)

in subsection (d), by striking The Secretary and inserting The head of a participating entity.

Resource assistants

Section 206 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1725) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

in the fourth sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following:

(D)

Preference

The head of a participating entity

;

(B)

in the third sentence, by striking The Secretary and inserting the following:

(C)

Selection

The head of a participating entity

;

(C)

in the second sentence, by striking To be eligible and inserting the following:

(B)

Eligibility

To be eligible

; and

(D)

by striking the first sentence and inserting the following:

(A)

In general

The head of a participating entity may provide individual placements of resource assistants to carry out research or resource protection activities on behalf of the participating entity.

; and

(2)

by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

(b)

Use of 21CSC organizations

(1)

In general

If the head of a participating entity determines that a 21CSC organization can provide appropriate recruitment and placement services to fulfill the requirements of this section, the head of the participating entity may implement this section through a 21CSC organization.

(2)

Contribution to expenses

A 21CSC organization providing recruitment and placement services under paragraph (1) shall contribute to the expenses of providing and supporting resource assistants, through 1 or more private sources of funding, at a level equal to 25 percent of the total costs of each participant in the resource assistant program that has been recruited and placed through the 21CSC organization.

(3)

Annual report

A 21CSC organization providing recruitment and placement services under paragraph (1) shall submit to the head of the applicable participating entity an annual report that evaluates the scope, size, and quality of the resource assistant program carried out by the 21CSC organization, including a description of the value of the work contributed by resource assistants to the mission of the participating entity.

Eligibility for noncompetitive hiring status

Section 207 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1726) is amended to read as follows:

207.

Eligibility for noncompetitive hiring status

(a)

Definitions

In this section—

(1)

the terms land management agency and time-limited appointment have the meanings given those terms in section 9601 of title 5, United States Code; and

(2)

the term qualified Corpsmember means a Corpsmember who is certified by a corresponding participating entity as having successfully completed 640 hours of service with a 21CSC organization.

(b)

Hiring

(1)

In general

Subject to paragraph (2) and subsection (c), a qualified Corpsmember shall be eligible for appointment in the competitive service in the same manner as a Peace Corps volunteer as prescribed in Executive Order 11103 (22 U.S.C. 2504 note; relating to Providing for the Appointment of Former Peace Corps Volunteers to the Civilian Career Services), as amended by Executive Order 12107 (44 Fed. Reg. 1055; relating to the Civil Service Commission and Labor-Management in the Federal Service).

(2)

Period

A qualified Corpsmember shall be eligible for an appointment under paragraph (1) during the 2-year period beginning on the date on which the Corpsmember completes the 640 hours of service required under subsection (a)(2).

(3)

Time-limited appointment

For purposes of section 9602 of title 5, United States Code, a qualified Corpsmember hired by a participating entity that is a land management agency for a time-limited appointment shall be considered to be appointed initially under open, competitive examination.

(c)

Service hours

(1)

In general

The 640 hours of service required under subsection (a)(2) may include service on 1 or more projects carried out by a Corpsmember with 1 or more participating entities during 1 or more terms of service in a 21CSC organization.

(2)

Competitive service

To be eligible for noncompetitive hiring status under subsection (b), a Corpsmember shall perform the 640 hours of service required under subsection (a)(2)—

(A)

carrying out a project on public or tribal land or water; or

(B)

in service with, or on a project supported in whole or in part by, a participating entity.

(3)

Priorities

The head of each participating entity is encouraged, to the maximum extent practicable, to identify a sufficient number of 21CSC projects on public or tribal land or water that are aligned with the priorities of the participating entity so as to facilitate the attainment of the 640 hours of service by Corpsmembers required under subsection (a)(2).

(4)

Tracking hours

Participating entities shall coordinate with 21CSC organizations to identify the most effective and efficient method for tracking and certifying the 640 hours of service required under subsection (a)(2).

(d)

Guidance

The head of each participating entity, and any subdivision of a participating entity, shall coordinate with the head of each other participating entity, and subdivision of each other participating entity, to implement and issue guidance on eligibility for noncompetitive hiring status under subsection (b) in a uniform manner to—

(1)

improve the efficiency and use of noncompetitive hiring authority; and

(2)

minimize inconsistency.

National service educational awards

Section 208 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1727) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a), in the first sentence—

(A)

by striking participant in the Public Lands Corps and inserting Corpsmember; and

(B)

by striking the participant and inserting the Corpsmember; and

(2)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

by striking either participants in the Corps and inserting Corpsmembers; and

(B)

by striking such a participant and inserting a Corpsmember.

Nondisplacement

Section 209 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1728) is amended—

(1)

by striking Public Lands Corps and inserting 21CSC; and

(2)

by striking qualified youth or conservation corps and inserting Corpsmember or a 21CSC organization.

10.

Funding

Section 210 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1729) is amended—

(1)

by redesignating subsections (a) through (c) as subsections (d) through (f), respectively;

(2)

by inserting before subsection (d) the following:

(a)

Investments

(1)

In general

In addition to using the funds described in subsections (b) and (c) to fund 21CSC projects, each 21CSC organization shall leverage those funds by soliciting cash or in-kind contributions from public or private sources.

(2)

Methods

A 21CSC organization may leverage funds by soliciting contributions using innovative strategies, such as crowd-funding.

(b)

Existing resources

To fund a 21CSC project, the head of each participating entity shall be limited to using existing funds appropriated or allocated to the participating entity, as of the period of implementation of the 21CSC project, under any law or authority other than this title.

(c)

Set cost share

A 21CSC organization carrying out a 21CSC project shall provide a cost share of not less than 10 percent of the total cost of the 21CSC project, which may include cash or in-kind contributions from a State, local, or private source.

;

(3)

in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)—

(A)

in paragraph (1)—

(i)

in the paragraph heading, by striking qualified youth or conservation corps and inserting Corpsmembers or 21CSC organizations; and

(ii)

by striking the first and second sentences; and

(B)

in paragraph (2)—

(i)

in the paragraph heading, by striking Public Lands Corps and inserting 21CSC;

(ii)

in the first sentence—

(I)

by striking The Secretary is authorized to and inserting The head of a participating entity may;

(II)

by striking Public Lands Corps and inserting 21CSC; and

(III)

by striking the Corps and inserting the 21CSC; and

(iii)

in the second sentence, by striking the Corps and the 21CSC;

(4)

in subsection (e) (as so redesignated), by striking In order and all that follows through the Secretary and inserting To carry out the 21CSC or to support resource assistants and Corpsmembers or 21CSC organizations under this title, the head of a participating entity; and

(5)

in subsection (f) (as so redesignated)—

(A)

by striking section 211 and inserting section 213; and

(B)

by striking Public Lands Corps and inserting 21CSC.

11.

Indian Youth 21st Century Conservation Service Corps; Rule of construction

The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) is amended—

(1)

by redesignating section 211 as section 213; and

(2)

by inserting after section 210 the following:

211.

Indian Youth 21st Century Conservation Service Corps

(a)

Authorization of cooperative agreements

The head of a participating entity may offer to enter into a cooperative agreement with a tribal agency or a 21CSC organization to establish and administer the Indian Youth 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, which shall carry out 1 or more 21CSC projects on tribal land or water.

(b)

Guidelines

Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2017, the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with Indian tribes, shall issue guidelines for the management of the Indian Youth 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, in accordance with this Act and any other applicable Federal laws.

212.

Rule of construction

Except as provided in section 204(d)(2)(A)(i), the requirements and authorities provided under this title with respect to Corpsmembers, 21CSC organizations, and participating entities with respect to a 21CSC project shall be in addition to any requirement or authority provided under other Federal law with respect to Corpsmembers, 21CSC organizations, and participating entities with respect to the 21CSC project.

12.

Direct hire authority

Section 121(a) of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 (16 U.S.C. 1725a(a)), is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (1)—

(A)

by striking Secretary of the Interior and inserting head of a participating entity (as defined in section 203 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1722)) (referred to in this subsection as a participating entity); and

(B)

by striking in paragraph (1) directly to a position with a land managing agency of the Department of the Interior and inserting in paragraph (2) directly to a position with a participating entity; and

(2)

in paragraph (2)(A), by striking land managing agency, such as the National Park Service Business Plan Internship and inserting participating entity.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act.

Definitions

Section 203 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1722) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (2), by striking under section 204 and inserting by section 204(a)(1);

(2)

by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (13) as paragraphs (9) through (14), respectively;

(3)

by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:

(8)

Institution of higher education

(A)

In general

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).

(B)

Exclusion

The term institution of higher education does not include—

(i)

an institution described in section 101(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(b)); or

(ii)

an institution outside the United States, as described in section 102(a)(1)(C) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(a)(1)(C)).

;

(4)

in paragraph (9) (as so redesignated)—

(A)

in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking , as follows and inserting and other conservation and restoration initiatives, as follows; and

(B)

by adding at the end the following:

(E)

To protect, restore, or enhance marine, estuarine, riverine, and coastal habitat ecosystem components—

(i)

to promote the recovery of threatened species, endangered species, and managed fisheries;

(ii)

to restore fisheries, protected resources, and habitats impacted by oil and chemical spills and natural disasters; or

(iii)

to enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems, communities, and economies through habitat conservation.

;

(5)

in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (11) (as so redesignated), by striking individuals between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, and inserting individuals between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger;

(6)

in paragraph (13) (as so redesignated)—

(A)

in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end;

(B)

in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(C)

with respect to the National Marine Sanctuary System, coral reefs, and other coastal, estuarine, and marine habitats, and other land and facilities administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Secretary of Commerce.

; and

(7)

by adding at the end the following:

(15)

Veteran

The term veteran has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

Public Lands Corps program

Section 204 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1723) is amended—

(1)

by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

(a)

Establishment of Public Lands Corps

(1)

In general

There is established in the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Commerce a corps, to be known as the Public Lands Corps.

(2)

No effect on other agencies

Nothing in this subsection precludes the establishment of a public lands corps by the head of a Federal department or agency other than a department described in paragraph (1), in accordance with this Act.

; and

(2)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

in the first sentence, by striking individuals between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, and inserting individuals between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, and veterans age 35 or younger; and

(B)

in the second sentence, by striking section 137(b) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and inserting paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of section 137(a) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12591(a)).

Transportation

Section 205 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1724) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(e)

Transportation

The Secretary may provide to Corps participants who reside in their own homes transportation to and from appropriate conservation project sites.

Resource assistants

(a)

In general

Section 206(a) of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1725(a)) is amended by striking the first sentence and inserting the following: The Secretary may provide individual placements of resource assistants to carry out research or resource protection activities on behalf of the Secretary..

(b)

Direct hire authority

Section 121(a) of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 (16 U.S.C. 1725a), is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (1)—

(A)

by striking Secretary of the Interior and inserting Secretary (as defined in section 203 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1722));

(B)

by striking paragraph (1) and inserting paragraph (2); and

(C)

by striking with a land managing agency of the Department of the Interior; and

(2)

in paragraph (2)(A), by striking with a land managing agency and inserting with the Secretary (as so defined).

Compensation and employment standards

Section 207 of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1726) is amended—

(1)

by striking the section heading and inserting Compensation and terms of service;

(2)

by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively;

(3)

by inserting after subsection (a) the following:

(b)

Educational credit

The Secretary may provide a Corps participant with an educational credit that may be applied towards a program of postsecondary education at an institution of higher education that agrees to award the credit for participation in the Corps.

;

(4)

in subsection (c) (as so redesignated)—

(A)

by striking Each participant and inserting the following:

(1)

In general

Each participant

; and

(B)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

Indian Youth Service Corps

With respect to the Indian Youth Service Corps established under section 210, the Secretary shall establish the term of service of participants in consultation with the affected Indian tribe.

;

(5)

in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)—

(A)

by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting the subparagraphs appropriately;

(B)

in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by striking The Secretary and inserting the following:

(1)

In general

The Secretary

; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

Time-limited appointment

For purposes of section 9602 of title 5, United States Code, a former member of the Corps hired by the Secretary under paragraph (1)(B) for a time-limited appointment shall be considered to be appointed initially under open, competitive examination.

; and

(6)

by adding at the end the following:

(e)

Applicability to qualified youth or conservation corps

The hiring and compensation standards described in this section shall apply to any individual participating in an appropriate conservation project through a qualified youth or conservation corps, including an individual placed through a contract or cooperative agreement, as approved by the Secretary.

Reporting and data collection

Title II of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) is amended—

(1)

by redesignating sections 209 through 211 as sections 211 through 213, respectively;

(2)

by inserting after section 208 the following:

209.

Reporting and data collection

(a)

Report

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act, and annually thereafter, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service, in coordination with the Secretaries, shall submit to Congress a report that includes data on the Corps, including—

(1)

the number of participants enrolled in the Corps and the length of the term of service for each participant;

(2)

the projects carried out by Corps participants, categorized by type of project and Federal agency;

(3)

the total amount and sources of funding provided for the service of participants;

(4)

the type of service performed by participants and the impact and accomplishments of the service; and

(5)

any other similar data determined to be appropriate by the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service or the Secretaries.

(b)

Data

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretaries shall submit to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service the data described in subsection (a).

(c)

Data collection

The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service may coordinate with qualified youth or conservation corps to improve the collection of the required data described in subsection (a).

(d)

Coordination

(1)

In general

The Secretaries shall, to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate with each other to carry out activities authorized under this Act, including—

(A)

the data collection and reporting requirements of this section; and

(B)

implementing and issuing guidance on eligibility for noncompetitive hiring status under section 207(d).

(2)

Designation of coordinators

The Secretary shall designate a coordinator to coordinate and serve as the primary point of contact for any activity of the Corps carried out by the Secretary.

; and

(3)

in subsection (c) of section 212 (as so redesignated), by striking 211 and inserting 213.

Indian Youth Service Corps

Title II of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) (as amended by section 7) is amended by inserting after section 209 the following:

210.

Indian Youth Service Corps

(a)

In general

There is established within the Public Lands Corps a program to be known as the Indian Youth Service Corps that—

(1)

enrolls participants between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, and veterans age 35 or younger, a majority of whom are Indians;

(2)

is established pursuant to an agreement between an Indian tribe and a qualified youth or conservation corps for the benefit of the members of the Indian tribe; and

(3)

carries out appropriate conservation projects on eligible service land.

(b)

Authorization of cooperative agreements

The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with Indian tribes and qualified youth or conservation corps for the establishment and administration of the Indian Youth Service Corps.

(c)

Guidelines

Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act, the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with Indian tribes, shall issue guidelines for the management of the Indian Youth Service Corps, in accordance with this Act and any other applicable Federal laws.

December 4, 2018

Reported with an amendment