HR 2901119th CongressIn Committee

Department of Homeland Security Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Act

Introduced: Apr 10, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill would slightly revise the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to strengthen the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) within the Department of Homeland Security. Specifically, it clarifies the appointment path for the CRCL Officer by noting the Officer is appointed “pursuant to section 103(d)(3)” before the officer “shall report.” It also creates a new requirement that the Secretary provide the CRCL Officer with permanent staff and resources to carry out the officer’s duties. Additionally, it reorganizes the existing statutory subsections, moving the current subsection (b) to (c) and adding the new subsection (b) that obligates staffing and resources. The overall effect is to ensure the CRCL Office has stable personnel and funding to perform its civil rights and civil liberties oversight duties more effectively. In plain terms, the bill aims to codify a steady level of staffing and support for the CRCL Officer and clarify how the Officer is appointed, strengthening DHS’s internal civil rights oversight and accountability.

Key Points

1Appointment pathway clarified: The CRCL Officer must be appointed pursuant to section 103(d)(3) before reporting requirements apply.
2Structural change to the statute: The existing subsection (b) is redesignated as subsection (c).
3New staffing obligation: The Secretary must assign permanent staff and resources to assist the CRCL Officer in carrying out duties under subsection (a).
4Purpose of the change: To strengthen the CRCL Office’s capacity to oversee civil rights and civil liberties within DHS.
5Coverage: Applies to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, specifically Section 705, and its provisions related to the CRCL Officer.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within the Department of Homeland Security, and the Officer themselves, due to guaranteed staffing and resources.Secondary group/area affected: DHS components and personnel subject to CRCL oversight; individuals and communities affected by DHS policies and actions (e.g., immigration, border security, detention, enforcement practices) who rely on civil rights protections.Additional impacts: Potential budgetary implications for DHS to fund permanent staff and resources; stronger congressional accountability and civil liberties oversight; clearer appointment procedures may affect how the Office operates and reports.

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