Integrating New Technologies to Empower Law Enforcement at Our Borders Act
Impact
Upon enactment, this bill will require the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a detailed plan within 180 days. This plan must assess current technology usage by CBP, identify capability gaps in border security, and outline cost estimates for the acquisition and maintenance of advanced technologies. It also aims to promote a better integration of such technologies within existing border security protocols, potentially transforming how local law enforcement interfaces with high-tech solutions.
Summary
House Bill 6391, known as the 'Integrating New Technologies to Empower Law Enforcement at Our Borders Act', mandates that the Department of Homeland Security develop a comprehensive plan to enhance situational awareness along the United States northern and southern borders. The bill highlights the significant challenges faced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in monitoring vast, diverse terrains and aims to leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and fiber-optic sensing, to bolster border defenses and operational efficiency.
Contention
The introduction of HB 6391 has sparked discussions regarding the balance between national security and privacy concerns. While proponents argue that enhancing situational awareness via technology is crucial for effective border management, critics raise concerns about the implications for civil liberties and the potential for misuse of surveillance technologies. Moreover, discussions may arise around funding, technology procurement, and integration processes, impacting broader national security strategies.
Emerging Innovative Border Technologies ActThis bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan to identify, integrate, and deploy emerging and innovative technologies to improve border security operations. Such technologies may incorporate artificial intelligence, machine-learning, automation, fiber-optic sensing technology, nanotechnology, optical and cognitive radar, modeling and simulation technology, hyperspectral and LIDAR sensors, and imaging, identification, and categorization systems. The bill authorizes CBP to establish one or more Innovation Teams to research and adapt commercial technologies that may be used by CBP.The plan must describe how the Innovation Teams have been implemented and also detailgoals and timelines for adoption of qualifying technologies,metrics and key performance parameters for determining the plan's effectiveness,which technologies used by other federal agencies CBP may also utilize,which existing authorities CBP may use to procure technologies,how CBP legacy border technology programs may be replaced,the expected privacy and security impact of security-related technology on border communities, andrecent technological advancements in specified technologies.CBP must provide the plan to Congress within 180 days of the bill’s enactment. The bill also requires CBP to annually report to Congress regarding the activities of the Innovation Teams.
Establishes pilot program in which certain selected school districts equip school buses with global positioning systems and DOE develops school bus tracking application.
Establishes pilot program in which certain selected school districts equip school buses with global positioning systems and DOE develops school bus tracking application.