Reproductive health care legal services defense fund grants

(a) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, or nonprofit organization that has a specific expertise in providing legal assistance and is licensed to practice law. (2) Eligible provider The term eligible provider means a health care provider that— (A) provides or refers for abortion care services; and (B) faces legal issues relating to providing or assisting with reproductive health care services. (b) Funding There is appropriated to the Attorney General, out of amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $40,000,000, to remain available until expended, for purposes of awarding grants to eligible entities or consortia of eligible entities to provide legal assistance to eligible providers. (c) Application (1) In general An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Attorney General at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Attorney General may require. (2) Joint applications Multiple eligible entities may submit a joint application that designates a single eligible entity as the lead entity for the purposes of receiving and disbursing funds received through a grant under this section. (d) Use of funds An eligible entity may use amounts received under a grant under this section— (1) to provide advice, legal services, or representation to eligible providers, related to providing or assisting with reproductive health care services under Federal, State, and local law; (2) to educate eligible providers about the rights and obligations of the eligible provider related to providing or assisting with reproductive health care services under Federal, State, and local law; (3) to monitor compliance by a State with Federal, State, and local laws related to providing or assisting with reproductive health care services; and (4) for any other activity the Attorney General may reasonably prescribe that is related to providing or assisting with reproductive health care services under Federal, State, and local law.