Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 99 Part 2.djvu/607

 PUBLIC LAW 99-209—DEC. 23, 1985

99 STAT. 1717

section unless the claim is filed with the Commission within 2 years after the date of the injury, or within 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Panama Canal Amendments Act of 1985, whichever is later.". SEC. 3. DELAYS FOR MARINE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS.

Section 1414(6) of the Panama Canal Act of 1979 (22 U.S.C. 3774(6)) is amended to read as follows: "(6) investigation of a marine accident that is conducted within 24 hours after the accident occurs, except that any liability of the Commission beyond that 24-hour period shall be limited to the extent to which the accident was caused, or contributed to, by the negligence of an employee of the Commission acting within the scope of the employee's official duties; or. SEC. 4. SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS.

Section 1415 of the Panama Canal Act of 1979 (22 U.S.C. 3775) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking out "(a)"; (B) by striking out "Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the" and inserting in lieu thereof "The"; and (C) by amending the second sentence to read as follows: "Such amounts may be paid only out of money appropriated or allotted for the maintenance and operation of the Panama Canal."; and (2) by striking out subsection (b). SEC. 5. ACTIONS ON CLAIMS.

Section 1416 of the Panama Canal Act of 1979 (22 U.S.C. 3776) is amended— (1) in the first sentence by striking out "1411" and inserting in lieu thereof "1411(a) or 1412"; 22 USC 3771, (2) by amending the third sentence to read as follows: "Any 3772. judgment obtained against the Commission in an action under this subchapter may be paid only out of money appropriated or allotted for the maintenance and operation of the Panama Canal."; and (3) by adding at the end thereof the following new sentences: "Any action on a claim under this section shall be barred unless the action is brought within one year after the date on which the Commission mails to the claimant written notification of the Commission's final determination with respect to the claim, or within one year after the date of the enactment of the Panama Canal Amendments Act of 1985, whichever is later. Attorneys appointed by the Commission shall represent the Commission in any action arising under this subchapter.". SEC. 6. INSURANCE.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter II of chapter 4 of title I of the Panama Canal Act of 1979 is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new section:

�