Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “TAA for Automation Act of 2018”.
TAA for Automation Act of 2018
A BILL
To make trade adjustment assistance available to workers whose jobs are eliminated through automation, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Eligibility of workers whose jobs are eliminated through automation for trade adjustment assistance
in subparagraph (A)(iii), by striking “; or” and inserting a semicolon;
in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; or”; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(C)
“(i) there has been a shift in production of articles or supply of services by such workers’ firm from utilizing the workers to methods or systems primarily utilizing automation; and
“(ii) the shift described in clause (i) contributed importantly to such workers' separation or threat of separation.”
by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively; and
by inserting before paragraph (2), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following:
“(1) Automation—The term automation means using technology to produce a good or service previously produced by human work.”
Specification of basis for eligibility— Section 222 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2272) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(f) Specification of basis for eligibility—When the Secretary certifies a group of workers under this section as eligible to apply for adjustment assistance, the Secretary shall specify in the certification the basis for the eligibility of the group under subsection (a).”
Conforming amendments— Subsections (b) and (c) of section 222 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2272) are amended by striking “subsection (a)” each place it appears and inserting “subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(2)”.
Regulations; recommendations— Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall—
prescribe regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section; and
submit to Congress a report that includes recommendations for any changes to law necessary to carry out the amendments made by this section, including any changes to section 236(a)(2)(A) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2296(a)(2)(A)).
Effective date— The amendments made by this section shall—
take effect on the date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
apply with respect to petitions for certifications of eligibility filed under section 221 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2271) on or after the date described in paragraph (1).
Sec. 3 Independent advisory commission on labor automation
Establishment— The Secretary of Labor shall establish an independent advisory commission on labor automation to advise the Secretary on matters relating to jobs and occupations at risk of elimination as a result of automation.
Membership— The Secretary shall ensure that membership on the advisory commission established under subsection (a) includes individuals with expertise in labor, individuals with expertise in technology, and individuals with expertise in business.
Annual report— Not less frequently than annually, the advisory commission established under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary and make available to the public a report describing jobs and occupations at risk of elimination as a result of automation that includes—
an identification of the States most affected by that risk; and
recommendations for collaboration with State workforce agencies to identify and address that risk.
Automation defined— In this section, the term automation means using technology to produce a good or service previously produced by human work.