This bill strengthens the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties by giving its head officer more authority, independence, and responsibility for protecting Americans' constitutional rights. The Officer will now report directly to the Secretary and gain expanded powers to investigate complaints of civil rights abuses, including discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity, disability, and other characteristics. The legislation requires DHS leadership to consult the Officer before implementing new policies affecting civil rights, ensure the office has access to necessary information and personnel, and make investigation summaries and recommendations publicly available online. The bill also establishes civil rights officers in each DHS component, requires annual reporting to Congress on the office's activities and staffing, and directs the Government Accountability Office to review implementation within two years. The legislation does not specify additional funding but establishes new reporting requirements and operational standards that take effect upon enactment.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.