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North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act
10/16/2025, 9:26 PM
Summary of Bill S 190
The bill proposes several key enhancements to the NPRB, including increasing the number of board members from 11 to 15 in order to provide a more diverse range of expertise and perspectives. It also seeks to establish a process for the nomination and appointment of board members, ensuring that qualified individuals are selected to serve on the board.
Additionally, the bill aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of the NPRB by requiring the board to hold public meetings and provide regular reports on its activities and funding decisions. This will help to ensure that the NPRB is operating in a transparent and responsible manner. Overall, the North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act seeks to strengthen the operations of the NPRB and improve its ability to support important scientific research in the North Pacific region.
Congressional Summary of S 190
North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act
This bill makes certain changes to the North Pacific Research Board, including changes to the board’s composition and allocations for funding for administrative expenses. The board sets research priorities and administers grants to support research on fisheries and marine ecosystems in the waters surrounding Alaska.
Specifically, this bill adds to the board one additional member to represent Alaska Natives. This board member must have personal knowledge of and direct experience with subsistence uses of resources (the practice of relying on the surrounding environment as a source of food and material). The bill also imposes a three-year term limit on those board members representing fishing interests and Alaska Natives, and permits such members to serve one additional term upon reappointment.
With respect to funding, under current law the board may use up to 15% of grant program funding for administrative expenses (e.g., support for the board and grant administration). Under the bill, if the program's total funding in a given fiscal year is less than its total funding in the prior fiscal year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may increase the 15% cap on administrative expenses for that fiscal year. Any such increase must prioritize supporting the board’s continued operation, maximizing funds directed to research, and maintaining high-quality grant administration. Further, the bill waives the 15% cap altogether for five years following the bill’s enactment.
