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S. 3382Senate116th Congress (2019-2021)In Committee

NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2020

Sponsored by Tammy DuckworthSen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
Introduced March 3, 2020

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 14, 2026 at 11:08 AM UTC

The NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2020 directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create a dedicated laboratory focused on research into premise plumbing— the water systems inside buildings and properties. Within a year, NIST must set up the lab, review all federal plumbing‑related research, and appoint staff to coordinate with non‑government researchers. The law also requires NIST to report to Congress every four years on the lab’s progress, ongoing projects, and updates to plumbing standards, with funding provided as needed.

Key Provisions

  • Within one year, NIST must establish or designate a laboratory to study water safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of premise plumbing.
  • NIST must conduct an organizational review of all federal research and activities related to premise plumbing.
  • The agency must appoint one or more officers or employees to serve as liaisons with non‑federal entities conducting plumbing research.
  • NIST must submit a report to Congress at least every four years detailing the lab’s status, ongoing and planned projects, updated plumbing data, and progress by private organizations on plumbing standards.
  • Appropriations are authorized to fund these activities as necessary.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action
SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

March 3, 2020

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

March 3, 2020

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

March 3, 2020

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued March 3, 2020

II

116th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. 3382

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 3, 2020

Ms. Duckworth introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

A BILL

To require the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a premise plumbing research laboratory, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2020.

2.

Premise plumbing research

(a)

Premise plumbing defined

In this Act, the term premise plumbing means the water distribution system located within the property lines of a property, including all buildings and permanent structures on such property. Such term includes building supply and distribution pipes, fixtures, fittings, water heaters, water-treating and water-using equipment, and all respective joints, connections, devices, and appurtenances.

(b)

Research

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall—

(1)

establish or designate a laboratory to conduct research on premise plumbing in relation to water safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience;

(2)

conduct an organizational review of all research and other activities related to premise plumbing conducted by Federal entities; and

(3)

appoint 1 or more officers or employees of the Institute to liaise with non-Federal entities conducting research or other activities related to premise plumbing.

(c)

Quadrennial reports

Not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once every 4 years thereafter, the Director shall submit to Congress a report on the progress made by the Institute regarding—

(1)

the status of the laboratory described in subsection (b)(1), including any staff designated to work in such laboratory;

(2)

all projects of the Institute related to premise plumbing, including completed projects, projects in progress, and projects planned for the future;

(3)

updates to data relevant to premise plumbing system structure, design, and construction; and

(4)

any progress of private organizations in updating premise plumbing standards.

(d)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Institute of Standards and Technology such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.