<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="V">TITLE V—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">STATE MEDIATION PROGRAMS </heading> <subtitle style="-uslm-dtd:subtitle" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">Subtitle A—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Matching Grants for State Mediation Programs </heading> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="501">SEC. 501. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t7/s5101">7 U.S.C. 5101</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">QUALIFYING STATES. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">A State is a qualifying State if the Secretary of Agriculture (hereinafter in this subtitle referred to as the “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">Secretary</quotedText>”) determines that the State has in effect a mediation program that meets the requirements of subsection (c).</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Determination by Secretary.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Within 15 days after the Secretary receives from the Governor of a State a description of the mediation program of the State and a statement certifying that the State has met all of the requirements of subsection (c), the Secretary shall determine whether the State is a qualifying State.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Requirements of State Mediation Programs.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Issues covered.—</heading> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">To be certified as a qualifying State, the mediation program of the State must provide mediation services to persons described in paragraph (2) that are involved in agricultural loans (regardless of whether the loans are made or guaranteed by the Secretary or made by a third party).</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Other issues.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The mediation program of a qualifying State may provide mediation services to persons described in paragraph (2) that are involved in one or more of the following issues :</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/B/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Wetlands determinations.</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/B/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Compliance with farm programs, including conservation programs and the national organic program established under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/B/iii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="iii">(iii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Agricultural credit.</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/B/iv" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="iv">(iv) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Rural water loan programs.</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/B/v" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="v">(v) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Grazing on National Forest System land.</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/B/vi" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="vi">(vi) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Pesticides.</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/B/vii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="vii">(vii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Lease issues, including land leases and equipment leases.</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/B/viii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="viii">(viii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Family farm transition.</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/B/ix" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ix">(ix) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Farmer-neighbor disputes.</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/B/x" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="x">(x) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Such other issues as the Secretary or the head of the department of agriculture of each participating State considers appropriate for better serving the agricultural community and persons eligible for mediation.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Mediation services.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Funding provided for the mediation program of a qualifying State may also be used to provide credit counseling to persons described in paragraph (2)—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/C/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">prior to the initiation of any mediation involving the Department of Agriculture; or</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/1/C/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">unrelated to any ongoing dispute or mediation in which the Department of Agriculture is a party.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Persons eligible for mediation.—</heading> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Subject to subparagraph (B), the persons referred to in paragraph (1) include—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/2/A/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">agricultural producers;</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/2/A/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">creditors of producers (as applicable); </content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/2/A/iii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="iii">(iii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">persons directly affected by actions of the Department of Agriculture; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/2/A/iv" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="iv">(iv) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any other persons involved in an issue for which mediation services are provided by a mediation program described in paragraph (1)(B).</content> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Voluntary participation.—</heading> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/2/B/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Subject to clause (ii) and section 503, a person may not be compelled to participate in mediation services provided under this Act.</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/2/B/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">State laws.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Clause (i) shall not affect a State law requiring mediation before foreclosure on agricultural land or property.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Certification conditions.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary shall certify a State as a qualifying State with respect to the issues proposed to be covered by the mediation program of the State if the mediation program—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/3/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">provides for mediation services that, if decisions are reached, result in mediated, mutually agreeable decisions between the parties to the mediation;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/3/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">is authorized or administered by an agency of the State government or by the Governor of the State;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/3/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">provides for the training of mediators;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/3/D" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">(D) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">provides that the mediation sessions shall be confidential;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/3/E" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="E">(E) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">ensures, in the case of agricultural loans, that all lenders and borrowers of agricultural loans receive adequate notification of the mediation program; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/3/F" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="F">(F) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">ensures, in the case of other issues covered by the mediation program, that—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/3/F/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the Department of Agriculture receives adequate notification of those issues; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/c/3/F/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">persons directly affected by actions of the Department of Agriculture receive adequate notification of the mediation program.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/d" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="d">(d) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Definition of Mediation Services.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In this section, the term “<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">mediation services</term>”, with respect to mediation or a request for mediation, may include all activities related to—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/d/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the intake and scheduling of cases;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/d/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the provision of background and selected information regarding the mediation process;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/d/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">financial advisory and counseling services (as appropriate) performed by a person other than a State mediation program mediator; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s501/d/4" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">(4) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the mediation session.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="502">SEC. 502. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t7/s5102">7 U.S.C. 5102</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">MATCHING GRANTS TO STATES. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Matching Grants.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Within 60 days after the Secretary certifies the State as a qualifying State under section 501(b), the Secretary shall provide financial assistance to the State, in accordance with subsection (b), for the operation and administration of the mediation program.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Amount of Grant.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall pay to a State under subsection (a) not more than 70 percent of the cost of the operation and administration of the mediation program within the State.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Maximum amount.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary shall not pay more than $500,000 per year to a single State under subsection (a).</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Use of Grant.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Each State that receives an amount paid under subsection (a) shall use that amount only for the operation and administration of the mediation program of the State with respect to which the amount was paid.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Operation and administration expenses.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">For purposes of paragraph (1), operation and administration expenses for which a grant may be used include—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">salaries;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">reasonable fees and costs of mediators;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c/2/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">office rent and expenses, such as utilities and equipment rental;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c/2/D" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">(D) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">office supplies;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c/2/E" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="E">(E) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">administrative costs, such as workers' compensation, liability insurance, the employer's share of Social Security, and necessary travel;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c/2/F" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="F">(F) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">education and training;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c/2/G" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="G">(G) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">security systems necessary to ensure the confidentiality of mediation sessions and records of mediation sessions;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c/2/H" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="H">(H) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">costs associated with publicity and promotion of the mediation program;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c/2/I" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">(I) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">preparation of the parties for mediation; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/c/2/J" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="J">(J) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">financial advisory and counseling services for parties requesting mediation.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s502/d" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="d">(d) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Penalty.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">If the Secretary determines that a State has not complied with subsection (c), such State shall not be eligible for additional financial assistance under this subtitle.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s503" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="503">SEC. 503. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t7/s5103">7 U.S.C. 5103</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">PARTICIPATION OF FEDERAL AGENCIES. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s503/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Duties of the Secretary of Agriculture.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s503/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary, with respect to each program or agency under the jurisdiction of the Secretary—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s503/a/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">shall prescribe rules requiring each such program or agency to participate in good faith in any State mediation program certified under section 501;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s503/a/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">shall participate in mediation programs certified under section 501; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s503/a/1/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">shall—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s503/a/1/C/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">cooperate in good faith with requests for information or analysis of information made in the course of mediation under any mediation program certified under section 501; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s503/a/1/C/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">if applicable, present and explore debt restructuring proposals advanced in the course of such mediation.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s503/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Nonbinding on Secretary.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary shall not be bound by any determination made in a program described in section 501 if the Secretary has not agreed to such determination.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s503/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Duties of the Farm Credit Administration.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Farm Credit Administration shall prescribe rules requiring the institutions of the Farm Credit System—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s503/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">to cooperate in good faith with requests for information or analysis of information made in the course of mediation under any mediation program described in section 501; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s503/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">to present and explore debt restructuring proposals advanced in the course of such mediation.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s504" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="504">SEC. 504. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t7/s5104">7 U.S.C. 5104</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">REGULATIONS. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">The Secretary and the Farm Credit Administration shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this subtitle. The regulations prescribed by the Secretary shall require qualifying States to adequately train mediators to address all of the issues covered by the mediation program of the State.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s505" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="505">SEC. 505. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t7/s5105">7 U.S.C. 5105</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">REPORT. </heading> <chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the <inline style="-uslm-dtd:short-title">Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018</inline>, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s505/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the effectiveness of the State mediation programs receiving matching grants under this subtitle;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s505/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">recommendations for improving the delivery of mediation services to producers;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s505/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the steps being taken to ensure that State mediation programs receive timely funding under this subtitle; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s505/4" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">(4) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the savings to the States as a result of having a mediation program.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stA/s506" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="506">SEC. 506. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t7/s5106">7 U.S.C. 5106</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle $7,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 1988 through 2023.</content> </section> </subtitle> <subtitle style="-uslm-dtd:subtitle" identifier="/us/sComp/100/233/tV/stB" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">Subtitle B—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Waiver of Mediation Rights </heading><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:legis-comment"><b>[</b>Omitted—subtitle B consisted of amendments to other laws.<b>]</b> </editorialNote> </subtitle>

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.—This Act may be cited as the “Agricultural Credit Act of 1987”. * * * * * * *