North Pacific Research Board Enhancement

Summary#

This bill changes rules for the North Pacific Research Board. It adds a new board member who represents Alaska Natives, must have personal knowledge and direct experience with subsistence uses, and is nominated by the Board and appointed by the Secretary. It sets 3-year terms for two specified members and allows one reappointment.

The bill also changes language about a 15 percent cap on administrative expenses for the Board. It lets the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) increase that cap for a year when yearly funding is lower than the previous year so the Board can keep operating, direct more money to research, and maintain grant quality. Finally, the bill waives the 15 percent cap entirely for five years starting at enactment.

What it means for you#

• The Board will include a member who represents Alaska Natives and has subsistence experience.
• NOAA may temporarily allow more than 15 percent of certain funds to be used for Board administration when funding drops.
• For five years after the law starts, the 15 percent administrative cap is waived, which changes how much of those funds may be used for administration versus research support.
• No publicly available information on specific changes to funding amounts or program outputs.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on cost estimates or budgetary effects beyond the changes to the administrative-cap rules and the five-year waiver stated in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.