Nuclear Safety Board Act of 1981

Nuclear Safety Board Act of 1981 - Establishes the Nuclear Safety Board as an independent executive agency. Sets forth the duties of the Board which shall include: (1) investigation of potentially hazardous events occurring at facilities regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); (2) analysis of operational data reported to it by such facilities to determine the existence of patterns of events indicating safety problems; (3) conduct of nuclear facility safety studies; (4) evaluation of suggestions received from the scientific and industrial community and others on improving nuclear facility safety; (5) recommendation to the NRC of specific measures to minimize the likelihood of events which could affect public health or safety; (6) establishment of reporting requirements regarding nuclear facilities and materials which shall be binding on persons who are involved with nuclear facility construction or operation or nuclear materials or who are licensed to export nuclear equipment; and (7) issuance of periodic reports on nuclear facility safety.

Authorizes the Board to: (1) hold hearings; (2) issue and enforce subpoenas; (3) inspect nuclear facilities; (4) obtain autopsy reports and medical information on any person involved in a nuclear accident; (5) prevent the use of reports as evidence; (6) obtain official data; (7) delegate authority; (8) enter into contracts; (9) maintain liaison with Federal, State, local, and independent agencies; (10) appoint advisory committees; and (11) establish rules and regulations.

Directs the Board to make available to the public upon request information not relating to trade secrets. Authorizes disclosure of trade secrets under specified circumstances.

Requires concurrent transmission to Congress of any budget information or legislative recommendation sent by the Board to the Office of Management and Budget or the President.

Requires the NRC to respond in writing to any of the Board's recommendations regarding nuclear safety. Directs the Board to publish recommendations and NRC responses in the Federal Register.

Establishes civil penalties for violations of the reporting requirements established by the Board.

Authorizes judicial review of any order issued by the Board.

Requires the Board to submit an annual report on its activities to Congress. Terminates the Board six years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.