PUBLIC LAW 106-224^-JUNE 20, 2000 114 STAT. 379 "(h) COLLECTION AND SHARING OF INFORMATION. — "(1) SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS. — The Corporation may conduct surveys and investigations relating to crop insurance, agriculture-related risks and losses, and other issues related to carrying out this title. "(2) DATA COLLECTION.—The Corporation shall assemble data for the purpose of establishing sound actuarial bases for insurance on agricultural commodities. "(3) SHARING OF RECORDS. — Notwithstanding section 502(c), records submitted in accordance with this title and section 196 of the Agricultural Market Transition Act (7 U.S.C. 7333) shall be available to agencies and local offices of the Department, appropriate State and Federal agencies and divisions, and approved insurance providers for use in carrying out this title, such section 196, and other agricultural programs.". Subtitle C—Research and Pilot Programs SEC. 131. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. The Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: "SEC. 522. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. "(a) DEFINITION OF POLICY,—In this section, the term 'policy' means a policy, plan of insurance, provision of a policy or plan of insurance, and related materials. "(b) REIMBURSEMENT OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND MAINTENANCE COSTS.— "(1) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT REIMBURSEMENT.—The Corporation shall provide a pa3mQient to reimburse an applicant for reseeirch and development costs directly related to a policy that is— "(A) submitted to the Board and approved by the Board under section 508(h) for reinsurance; and "(B) if applicable, offered for sale to producers. "(2) EXISTING PLANS.— The Corporation shall reimburse costs associated with research and development costs directly related to a policy that was approved by the Board prior to the date of the enactment of this section. " (3) MARKETABILITY.—The Corporation shall approve a reimbursement under peu'agraph (1) or (2) only sifter determining that the policy is marketable based on a reasonable marketing plan, as determined by the Board. "(4) MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS. — "(A) REQUIREMENT,—The Corporation shall reimburse maintenance costs associated with the annual cost of underwriting for a policy described in paragraphs (1) and (2). "(B) DURATION.— Payments with respect to msdntenance costs may be provided for a period of not more than four reinsurance years subsequent to Board approval for payment under this subsection. "(C) OPTIONS FOR MAINTENANCE. — On the expiration of the 4-ye£u- period described in subparagraph (B), the approved insurance provider responsible for maintenance of the policy may—
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