6 USC 122 - Access to information

Collapse to view only § 122. Access to information

§ 121. Information and Analysis
§ 121a. Homeland Security Intelligence Program
§ 122. Access to information
§ 123. Terrorist travel program
§ 124. Homeland Security Advisory System
§ 124a. Homeland security information sharing
§ 124b. Comprehensive information technology network architecture
§ 124c. Coordination with information sharing environment
§ 124d. Intelligence components
§ 124e. Training for employees of intelligence components
§ 124f. Intelligence training development for State and local government officials
§ 124g. Information sharing incentives
§ 124h. Department of Homeland Security State, Local, and Regional Fusion Center Initiative
§ 124h-1. Threat information sharing
§ 124i. Homeland Security Information Sharing Fellows Program
§ 124j. Rural Policing Institute
§ 124k. Interagency Threat Assessment and Coordination Group
§ 124l. Transferred
§ 124m. Classified Information Advisory Officer
§ 124m-1. Departmental coordination on counter threats
§ 124n. Protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft
§ 125. Annual report on intelligence activities of the Department of Homeland Security
§ 126. Department of Homeland Security data framework

§ 121. Information and Analysis

(a) Intelligence and analysis

(b) Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis

(1) Office of Intelligence and Analysis

(2) Chief Intelligence Officer

(d) Responsibilities of Secretary relating to intelligence and analysisThe responsibilities of the Secretary relating to intelligence and analysis shall be as follows:

(1) To access, receive, and analyze law enforcement information, intelligence information, and other information from agencies of the Federal Government, State and local government agencies (including law enforcement agencies), and private sector entities, and to integrate such information, in support of the mission responsibilities of the Department and the functions of the National Counterterrorism Center established under section 119 of the National Security Act of 1947 [50 U.S.C. 3056], in order to—

(A) identify and assess the nature and scope of terrorist threats to the homeland;

(B) detect and identify threats of terrorism against the United States; and

(2) To carry out comprehensive assessments of the vulnerabilities of the key resources and critical infrastructure of the United States, including the performance of risk assessments to determine the risks posed by particular types of terrorist attacks within the United States (including an assessment of the probability of success of such attacks and the feasibility and potential efficacy of various countermeasures to such attacks).

(3) To integrate relevant information, analysis, and vulnerability assessments (regardless of whether such information, analysis or assessments are provided by or produced by the Department) in order to—

(A) identify priorities for protective and support measures regarding terrorist and other threats to homeland security by the Department, other agencies of the Federal Government, State, 1

1 So in original. The comma probably should not appear.

and local government agencies and authorities, the private sector, and other entities; and

(B) prepare finished intelligence and information products in both classified and unclassified formats, as appropriate, whenever reasonably expected to be of benefit to a State, local, or tribal government (including a State, local, or tribal law enforcement agency) or a private sector entity.

(4) To ensure, pursuant to section 122 of this title, the timely and efficient access by the Department to all information necessary to discharge the responsibilities under this section, including obtaining such information from other agencies of the Federal Government.

(5) To review, analyze, and make recommendations for improvements to the policies and procedures governing the sharing of information within the scope of the information sharing environment established under section 485 of this title, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, and any policies, guidelines, procedures, instructions, or standards established under that section.

(6) To disseminate, as appropriate, information analyzed by the Department within the Department, to other agencies of the Federal Government with responsibilities relating to homeland security, and to agencies of State and local governments and private sector entities with such responsibilities in order to assist in the deterrence, prevention, preemption of, or response to, terrorist attacks against the United States.

(7) To consult with the Director of National Intelligence and other appropriate intelligence, law enforcement, or other elements of the Federal Government to establish collection priorities and strategies for information, including law enforcement-related information, relating to threats of terrorism against the United States through such means as the representation of the Department in discussions regarding requirements and priorities in the collection of such information.

(8) To consult with State and local governments and private sector entities to ensure appropriate exchanges of information, including law enforcement-related information, relating to threats of terrorism against the United States.

(9) To ensure that—

(A) any material received pursuant to this chapter is protected from unauthorized disclosure and handled and used only for the performance of official duties; and

(B) any intelligence information under this chapter is shared, retained, and disseminated consistent with the authority of the Director of National Intelligence to protect intelligence sources and methods under the National Security Act of 1947 [50 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.] and related procedures and, as appropriate, similar authorities of the Attorney General concerning sensitive law enforcement information.

(10) To request additional information from other agencies of the Federal Government, State and local government agencies, and the private sector relating to threats of terrorism in the United States, or relating to other areas of responsibility assigned by the Secretary, including the entry into cooperative agreements through the Secretary to obtain such information.

(11) To establish and utilize, in conjunction with the chief information officer of the Department, a secure communications and information technology infrastructure, including data-mining and other advanced analytical tools, in order to access, receive, and analyze data and information in furtherance of the responsibilities under this section, and to disseminate information acquired and analyzed by the Department, as appropriate.

(12) To ensure, in conjunction with the chief information officer of the Department, that any information databases and analytical tools developed or utilized by the Department—

(A) are compatible with one another and with relevant information databases of other agencies of the Federal Government; and

(B) treat information in such databases in a manner that complies with applicable Federal law on privacy.

(13) To coordinate training and other support to the elements and personnel of the Department, other agencies of the Federal Government, and State and local governments that provide information to the Department, or are consumers of information provided by the Department, in order to facilitate the identification and sharing of information revealed in their ordinary duties and the optimal utilization of information received from the Department.

(14) To coordinate with elements of the intelligence community and with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, and the private sector, as appropriate.

(15) To provide intelligence and information analysis and support to other elements of the Department.

(16) To coordinate and enhance integration among the intelligence components of the Department, including through strategic oversight of the intelligence activities of such components.

(17) To establish the intelligence collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination priorities, policies, processes, standards, guidelines, and procedures for the intelligence components of the Department, consistent with any directions from the President and, as applicable, the Director of National Intelligence.

(18) To establish a structure and process to support the missions and goals of the intelligence components of the Department.

(19) To ensure that, whenever possible, the Department—

(A) produces and disseminates unclassified reports and analytic products based on open-source information; and

(B) produces and disseminates such reports and analytic products contemporaneously with reports or analytic products concerning the same or similar information that the Department produced and disseminated in a classified format.

(20) To establish within the Office of Intelligence and Analysis an internal continuity of operations plan.

(21) Based on intelligence priorities set by the President, and guidance from the Secretary and, as appropriate, the Director of National Intelligence—

(A) to provide to the heads of each intelligence component of the Department guidance for developing the budget pertaining to the activities of such component; and

(B) to present to the Secretary a recommendation for a consolidated budget for the intelligence components of the Department, together with any comments from the heads of such components.

(22) To perform such other duties relating to such responsibilities as the Secretary may provide.

(23)

(A) Not later than six months after December 23, 2016, to conduct an intelligence-based review and comparison of the risks and consequences of EMP and GMD facing critical infrastructure, and submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate—

(i) a recommended strategy to protect and prepare the critical infrastructure of the homeland against threats of EMP and GMD; and

(ii) not less frequently than every two years thereafter for the next six years, updates of the recommended strategy.

(B) The recommended strategy under subparagraph (A) shall—

(i) be based on findings of the research and development conducted under section 195f of this title;

(ii) be developed in consultation with the relevant Federal sector-specific agencies (as defined under Presidential Policy Directive-21) for critical infrastructure;

(iii) be developed in consultation with the relevant sector coordinating councils for critical infrastructure;

(iv) be informed, to the extent practicable, by the findings of the intelligence-based review and comparison of the risks and consequences of EMP and GMD facing critical infrastructure conducted under subparagraph (A); and

(v) be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

(C) The Secretary may, if appropriate, incorporate the recommended strategy into a broader recommendation developed by the Department to help protect and prepare critical infrastructure from terrorism, cyber attacks, and other threats if, as incorporated, the recommended strategy complies with subparagraph (B).

(e) Staff

(1) In general

(2) Private sector analysts

(3) Security clearances

(f) Detail of personnel

(1) In general

(2) Covered agenciesThe agencies referred to in this paragraph are as follows:

(A) The Department of State.

(B) The Central Intelligence Agency.

(D) The National Security Agency.

(E) The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

(F) The Defense Intelligence Agency.

(G) Any other agency of the Federal Government that the President considers appropriate.

(3) Cooperative agreements

(4) Basis

(g) Functions transferredIn accordance with subchapter XII, there shall be transferred to the Secretary, for assignment to the Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the Office of Infrastructure Protection under this section, the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the following:

(1) The National Infrastructure Protection Center of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (other than the Computer Investigations and Operations Section), including the functions of the Attorney General relating thereto.

(2) The National Communications System of the Department of Defense, including the functions of the Secretary of Defense relating thereto.

(3) The Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office of the Department of Commerce, including the functions of the Secretary of Commerce relating thereto.

(4) The National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center of the Department of Energy and the energy security and assurance program and activities of the Department, including the functions of the Secretary of Energy relating thereto.

(5) The Federal Computer Incident Response Center of the General Services Administration, including the functions of the Administrator of General Services relating thereto.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 201, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2145; Pub. L. 110–53, title V, §§ 501(a)(2)(A), (b), 531(a), title X, § 1002(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 309, 332, 374; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title IX, § 931(b)(5), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4575; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, § 1073(c)(9), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2475; Pub. L. 111–258, § 5(b)(1), Oct. 7, 2010, 124 Stat. 2650; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XIX, § 1913(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2685; Pub. L. 115–278, § 2(g)(2)(C), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4177.)

§ 121a. Homeland Security Intelligence Program

There is established within the Department of Homeland Security a Homeland Security Intelligence Program. The Homeland Security Intelligence Program constitutes the intelligence activities of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department that serve predominantly departmental missions.

(Pub. L. 112–277, title V, § 501, Jan. 14, 2013, 126 Stat. 2476.)

§ 122. Access to information

(a) In general

(1) Threat and vulnerability information

(2) Other information

(b) Manner of accessExcept as otherwise directed by the President, with respect to information to which the Secretary has access pursuant to this section—

(1) the Secretary may obtain such material upon request, and may enter into cooperative arrangements with other executive agencies to provide such material or provide Department officials with access to it on a regular or routine basis, including requests or arrangements involving broad categories of material, access to electronic databases, or both; and

(2) regardless of whether the Secretary has made any request or entered into any cooperative arrangement pursuant to paragraph (1), all agencies of the Federal Government shall promptly provide to the Secretary—

(A) all reports (including information reports containing intelligence which has not been fully evaluated), assessments, and analytical information relating to threats of terrorism against the United States and to other areas of responsibility assigned by the Secretary;

(B) all information concerning the vulnerability of the infrastructure of the United States, or other vulnerabilities of the United States, to terrorism, whether or not such information has been analyzed;

(C) all other information relating to significant and credible threats of terrorism against the United States, whether or not such information has been analyzed; and

(D) such other information or material as the President may direct.

(c) Treatment under certain lawsThe Secretary shall be deemed to be a Federal law enforcement, intelligence, protective, national defense, immigration, or national security official, and shall be provided with all information from law enforcement agencies that is required to be given to the Director of National Intelligence, under any provision of the following:

(1) The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (Public Law 107–56).

(2)Section 2517(6) of title 18.

(3) Rule 6(e)(3)(C) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(d) Access to intelligence and other information

(1) Access by elements of Federal Government

(2) Sharing of information

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 202, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2149; Pub. L. 115–278, § 2(g)(2)(D), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4177.)

§ 123. Terrorist travel program

(a) Requirement to establish

(b) Head of the programThe Secretary of Homeland Security shall designate an official of the Department of Homeland Security to be responsible for carrying out the program. Such official shall be—

(1) the Assistant Secretary for Policy of the Department of Homeland Security; or

(2) an official appointed by the Secretary who reports directly to the Secretary.

(c) DutiesThe official designated under subsection (b) shall assist the Secretary of Homeland Security in improving the Department’s ability to prevent terrorists from entering the United States or remaining in the United States undetected by—

(1) developing relevant strategies and policies;

(2) reviewing the effectiveness of existing programs and recommending improvements, if necessary;

(3) making recommendations on budget requests and on the allocation of funding and personnel;

(4) ensuring effective coordination, with respect to policies, programs, planning, operations, and dissemination of intelligence and information related to terrorist travel—

(A) among appropriate subdivisions of the Department of Homeland Security, as determined by the Secretary and including—

(i) United States Customs and Border Protection;

(ii) United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement;

(iii) United States Citizenship and Immigration Services;

(iv) the Transportation Security Administration; and

(v) the United States Coast Guard; and

(B) between the Department of Homeland Security and other appropriate Federal agencies; and

(5) serving as the Secretary’s primary point of contact with the National Counterterrorism Center for implementing initiatives related to terrorist travel and ensuring that the recommendations of the Center related to terrorist travel are carried out by the Department.

(d) Report

(Pub. L. 108–458, title VII, § 7215, Dec. 17, 2004, 118 Stat. 3832; Pub. L. 110–53, title VII, § 722, Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 348.)

§ 124. Homeland Security Advisory System

(a) Requirement

(b) Required elements

In administering the Homeland Security Advisory System, the Secretary shall—

(1) establish criteria for the issuance and revocation of such advisories or warnings;

(2) develop a methodology, relying on the criteria established under paragraph (1), for the issuance and revocation of such advisories or warnings;

(3) provide, in each such advisory or warning, specific information and advice regarding appropriate protective measures and countermeasures that may be taken in response to the threat or risk, at the maximum level of detail practicable to enable individuals, government entities, emergency response providers, and the private sector to act appropriately;

(4) whenever possible, limit the scope of each such advisory or warning to a specific region, locality, or economic sector believed to be under threat or at risk; and

(5) not, in issuing any advisory or warning, use color designations as the exclusive means of specifying homeland security threat conditions that are the subject of the advisory or warning.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 203, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 501(a)(1), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 306.)

§ 124a. Homeland security information sharing

(a) Information sharing

(b) Information sharing and knowledge management officers

(1) Establishment of business processesThe Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis or the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, as appropriate, shall—

(A) establish Department-wide procedures for the review and analysis of information provided by State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector;

(B) as appropriate, integrate such information into the information gathered by the Department and other departments and agencies of the Federal Government; and

(C) make available such information, as appropriate, within the Department and to other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

(2) Feedback

(d) Training and evaluation of employees

(1) TrainingThe Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis or the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, as appropriate, shall provide to employees of the Department opportunities for training and education to develop an understanding of—

(A) the definitions of homeland security information and national intelligence (as defined in section 3003(5) of title 50); and

(B) how information available to such employees as part of their duties—

(i) might qualify as homeland security information or national intelligence; and

(ii) might be relevant to the Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the intelligence components of the Department.

(2) EvaluationsThe Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis shall—

(A) on an ongoing basis, evaluate how employees of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the intelligence components of the Department are utilizing homeland security information or national intelligence, sharing information within the Department, as described in this subchapter, and participating in the information sharing environment established under section 485 of this title; and

(B) provide to the appropriate component heads regular reports regarding the evaluations under subparagraph (A).

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 204, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 501(a)(1), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 307; amended Pub. L. 115–278, § 2(g)(2)(E), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4177.)

§ 124b. Comprehensive information technology network architecture

(a) Establishment

(b) Comprehensive information technology network architecture defined

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 205, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 501(a)(1), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 308.)

§ 124c. Coordination with information sharing environment

(a) Guidance

All activities to comply with sections 124, 124a, and 124b of this title shall be—

(1) consistent with any policies, guidelines, procedures, instructions, or standards established under section 485 of this title;

(2) implemented in coordination with, as appropriate, the program manager for the information sharing environment established under that section;

(3) consistent with any applicable guidance issued by the Director of National Intelligence; and

(4) consistent with any applicable guidance issued by the Secretary relating to the protection of law enforcement information or proprietary information.

(b) Consultation

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 206, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 501(a)(1), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 309.)

§ 124d. Intelligence components

Subject to the direction and control of the Secretary, and consistent with any applicable guidance issued by the Director of National Intelligence, the responsibilities of the head of each intelligence component of the Department are as follows:

(1) To ensure that the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, weapons of mass destruction information, and national intelligence (as defined in section 3003(5) of title 50), are carried out effectively and efficiently in support of the intelligence mission of the Department, as led by the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis.

(2) To otherwise support and implement the intelligence mission of the Department, as led by the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis.

(3) To incorporate the input of the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis with respect to performance appraisals, bonus or award recommendations, pay adjustments, and other forms of commendation.

(4) To coordinate with the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis in developing policies and requirements for the recruitment and selection of intelligence officials of the intelligence component.

(5) To advise and coordinate with the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis on any plan to reorganize or restructure the intelligence component that would, if implemented, result in realignments of intelligence functions.

(6) To ensure that employees of the intelligence component have knowledge of, and comply with, the programs and policies established by the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis and other appropriate officials of the Department and that such employees comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

(7) To perform such other activities relating to such responsibilities as the Secretary may provide.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 207, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 503(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 311.)

§ 124e. Training for employees of intelligence components

The Secretary shall provide training and guidance for employees, officials, and senior executives of the intelligence components of the Department to develop knowledge of laws, regulations, operations, policies, procedures, and programs that are related to the functions of the Department relating to the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, or national intelligence (as defined in

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 208, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 503(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 312.)

§ 124f. Intelligence training development for State and local government officials

(a) Curriculum

The Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, shall—

(1) develop a curriculum for training State, local, and tribal government officials, including law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, and other emergency response providers, in the intelligence cycle and Federal laws, practices, and regulations regarding the development, handling, and review of intelligence and other information; and

(2) ensure that the curriculum includes executive level training for senior level State, local, and tribal law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, and other emergency response providers.

(b) Training

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 209, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 503(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 312.)

§ 124g. Information sharing incentives

(a) Awards

(b) Other incentives

The head of each department or agency described in section 485(h) of this title, in consultation with the program manager designated under section 485 of this title, shall adopt best practices regarding effective ways to educate and motivate officers and employees of the Federal Government to participate fully in the information sharing environment, including—

(1) promotions and other nonmonetary awards; and

(2) publicizing information sharing accomplishments by individual employees and, where appropriate, the tangible end benefits that resulted.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 210, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 503(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 313; amended Pub. L. 117–263, div. F, title LXVIII, § 6811(c)(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3601.)

§ 124h. Department of Homeland Security State, Local, and Regional Fusion Center Initiative

(a) Establishment

(b) Department support and coordinationThrough the Department of Homeland Security State, Local, and Regional Fusion Center Initiative, and in coordination with the principal officials of participating State, local, or regional fusion centers and the officers designated as the Homeland Security Advisors of the States, the Secretary shall—

(1) provide operational and intelligence advice and assistance to State, local, and regional fusion centers;

(2) support efforts to include State, local, and regional fusion centers into efforts to establish an information sharing environment;

(3) conduct tabletop and live training exercises to regularly assess the capability of individual and regional networks of State, local, and regional fusion centers to integrate the efforts of such networks with the efforts of the Department;

(4) coordinate with other relevant Federal entities engaged in homeland security-related activities;

(5) provide analytic and reporting advice and assistance to State, local, and regional fusion centers;

(6) review information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, that is gathered by State, local, and regional fusion centers, and to incorporate such information, as appropriate, into the Department’s own such information;

(7) provide management assistance to State, local, and regional fusion centers;

(8) serve as a point of contact to ensure the dissemination of information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information;

(9) facilitate close communication and coordination between State, local, and regional fusion centers and the Department;

(10) provide State, local, and regional fusion centers with expertise on Department resources and operations;

(11) provide training to State, local, and regional fusion centers and encourage such fusion centers to participate in terrorism threat-related exercises conducted by the Department; and

(12) carry out such other duties as the Secretary determines are appropriate.

(1) In general

(2) Personnel sourcesOfficers and intelligence analysts assigned to participating fusion centers under this subsection may be assigned from the following Department components, in coordination with the respective component head and in consultation with the principal officials of participating fusion centers:

(A) Office of Intelligence and Analysis.

(B) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

(D) United States Customs and Border Protection.

(E) United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

(F) United States Coast Guard.

(G) Other components of the Department, as determined by the Secretary.

(3) Qualifying criteria

(A) In general

(B) CriteriaAny criteria developed under subparagraph (A) may include—

(i) whether the fusion center, through its mission and governance structure, focuses on a broad counterterrorism approach, and whether that broad approach is pervasive through all levels of the organization;

(ii) whether the fusion center has sufficient numbers of adequately trained personnel to support a broad counterterrorism mission;

(iii) whether the fusion center has—(I) access to relevant law enforcement, emergency response, private sector, open source, and national security data; and(II) the ability to share and analytically utilize that data for lawful purposes;

(iv) whether the fusion center is adequately funded by the State, local, or regional government to support its counterterrorism mission; and

(v) the relevancy of the mission of the fusion center to the particular source component of Department officers or intelligence analysts.

(4) Prerequisite

(A) Intelligence analysis, privacy, and civil liberties trainingBefore being assigned to a fusion center under this section, an officer or intelligence analyst shall undergo—

(i) appropriate intelligence analysis or information sharing training using an intelligence-led policing curriculum that is consistent with—(I) standard training and education programs offered to Department law enforcement and intelligence personnel; and(II) the Criminal Intelligence Systems Operating Policies under part 23 of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations (or any corresponding similar rule or regulation);

(ii) appropriate privacy and civil liberties training that is developed, supported, or sponsored by the Privacy Officer appointed under section 142 of this title and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of the Department, in consultation with the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board established under section 2000ee of title 42; and

(iii) such other training prescribed by the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis.

(B) Prior work experience in areaIn determining the eligibility of an officer or intelligence analyst to be assigned to a fusion center under this section, the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis shall consider the familiarity of the officer or intelligence analyst with the State, locality, or region, as determined by such factors as whether the officer or intelligence analyst—

(i) has been previously assigned in the geographic area; or

(ii) has previously worked with intelligence officials or law enforcement or other emergency response providers from that State, locality, or region.

(5) Expedited security clearance processingThe Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis—

(A) shall ensure that each officer or intelligence analyst assigned to a fusion center under this section has the appropriate security clearance to contribute effectively to the mission of the fusion center; and

(B) may request that security clearance processing be expedited for each such officer or intelligence analyst and may use available funds for such purpose.

(6) Further qualifications

(d) ResponsibilitiesAn officer or intelligence analyst assigned to a fusion center under this section shall—

(1) assist law enforcement agencies and other emergency response providers of State, local, and tribal governments and fusion center personnel in using information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, to develop a comprehensive and accurate threat picture;

(2) review homeland security-relevant information from law enforcement agencies and other emergency response providers of State, local, and tribal government;

(3) create intelligence and other information products derived from such information and other homeland security-relevant information provided by the Department; and

(4) assist in the dissemination of such products, as coordinated by the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, to law enforcement agencies and other emergency response providers of State, local, and tribal government, other fusion centers, and appropriate Federal agencies.

(e) Border intelligence priority

(1) In general

(2) Border intelligence productsWhen performing the responsibilities described in subsection (d), officers and intelligence analysts assigned to participating State, local, and regional fusion centers under this section shall have, as a primary responsibility, the creation of border intelligence products that—

(A) assist State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in deploying their resources most efficiently to help detect and interdict terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, and related contraband at land or maritime borders of the United States;

(B) promote more consistent and timely sharing of border security-relevant information among jurisdictions along land or maritime borders of the United States; and

(C) enhance the Department’s situational awareness of the threat of acts of terrorism at or involving the land or maritime borders of the United States.

(f) Database access

(g) Consumer feedback

(1) In general

(2) Report

(h) Rule of construction

(1) In general

(2) Participation

(i) GuidelinesThe Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall establish guidelines for fusion centers created and operated by State and local governments, to include standards that any such fusion center shall—

(1) collaboratively develop a mission statement, identify expectations and goals, measure performance, and determine effectiveness for that fusion center;

(2) create a representative governance structure that includes law enforcement officers and other emergency response providers and, as appropriate, the private sector;

(3) create a collaborative environment for the sharing of intelligence and information among Federal, State, local, and tribal government agencies (including law enforcement officers and other emergency response providers), the private sector, and the public, consistent with any policies, guidelines, procedures, instructions, or standards established by the President or, as appropriate, the program manager of the information sharing environment;

(4) leverage the databases, systems, and networks available from public and private sector entities, in accordance with all applicable laws, to maximize information sharing;

(5) develop, publish, and adhere to a privacy and civil liberties policy consistent with Federal, State, and local law;

(6) provide, in coordination with the Privacy Officer of the Department and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of the Department, appropriate privacy and civil liberties training for all State, local, tribal, and private sector representatives at the fusion center;

(7) ensure appropriate security measures are in place for the facility, data, and personnel;

(8) select and train personnel based on the needs, mission, goals, and functions of that fusion center;

(9) offer a variety of intelligence and information services and products to recipients of fusion center intelligence and information; and

(10) incorporate law enforcement officers, other emergency response providers, and, as appropriate, the private sector, into all relevant phases of the intelligence and fusion process, consistent with the mission statement developed under paragraph (1), either through full time representatives or liaison relationships with the fusion center to enable the receipt and sharing of information and intelligence.

(j) Fusion center information sharing strategyNot later than 1 year after March 2, 2020, and not less frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall develop or update a strategy for Department engagement with fusion centers. Such strategy shall be developed and updated in consultation with the heads of intelligence components of the Department, the Chief Privacy Officer, the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, officials of fusion centers, officers designated as Homeland Security Advisors, and the heads of other relevant agencies, as appropriate. Such strategy shall include the following:

(1) Specific goals and objectives for sharing information and engaging with fusion centers—

(A) through the direct deployment of personnel from intelligence components of the Department;

(B) through the use of Department unclassified and classified information sharing systems, including the Homeland Security Information Network and the Homeland Secure Data Network, or any successor systems; and

(2) The performance metrics to be used to measure success in achieving the goals and objectives referred to in paragraph (1).

(3) A 5-year plan for continued engagement with fusion centers.

(k) DefinitionsIn this section—

(1) the term “fusion center” means a collaborative effort of 2 or more Federal, State, local, or tribal government agencies that combines resources, expertise, or information with the goal of maximizing the ability of such agencies to detect, prevent, investigate, apprehend, and respond to criminal or terrorist activity;

(2) the term “information sharing environment” means the information sharing environment established under section 485 of this title;

(3) the term “intelligence analyst” means an individual who regularly advises, administers, supervises, or performs work in the collection, gathering, analysis, evaluation, reporting, production, or dissemination of information on political, economic, social, cultural, physical, geographical, scientific, or military conditions, trends, or forces in foreign or domestic areas that directly or indirectly affect national security;

(4) the term “intelligence-led policing” means the collection and analysis of information to produce an intelligence end product designed to inform law enforcement decision making at the tactical and strategic levels; and

(5) the term “terrorism information” has the meaning given that term in section 485 of this title.

(l) Authorization of appropriations

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 210A, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 511(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 317; amended Pub. L. 115–278, § 2(g)(2)(F), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4177; Pub. L. 116–116, § 2, Mar. 2, 2020, 134 Stat. 110.)

§ 124h–1. Threat information sharing

(a) Prioritization

(b) Intelligence productsOfficers and intelligence analysts assigned to locations with participating State, local, and regional fusion centers under this section shall participate in the generation and dissemination of transportation security intelligence products, with an emphasis on such products that relate to threats of terrorism and other threats, including targeted violence, to surface transportation assets that—

(1) assist State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies in deploying their resources, including personnel, most efficiently to help detect, prevent, investigate, apprehend, and respond to such threats;

(2) promote more consistent and timely sharing with and among jurisdictions of threat information; and

(3) enhance the Department of Homeland Security’s situational awareness of such threats.

(d) Report to Congress

(e) GAO report

(f) DefinitionsIn this section:

(1) The term “surface transportation asset” includes facilities, equipment, or systems used to provide transportation services by—

(A) a public transportation agency (as such term is defined in section 1131(5) of this title);

(B) a railroad carrier (as such term is defined in section 20102(3) of title 49);

(i) an entity offering scheduled, fixed-route transportation services by over-the-road bus (as such term is defined in section 1151(4) of this title); or

(ii) a bus terminal; or

(D) other transportation facilities, equipment, or systems, as determined by the Secretary.

(2) The term “targeted violence” means an incident of violence in which an attacker selected a particular target in order to inflict mass injury or death with no discernable political or ideological motivation beyond mass injury or death.

(3) The term “terrorism” means the terms—

(A) domestic terrorism (as such term is defined in section 2331(5) of title 18, United States Code); and

(B) international terrorism (as such term is defined in section 2331(1) of title 18).

(Pub. L. 117–81, div. F, title LXIV, § 6418, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2415.)

§ 124i. Homeland Security Information Sharing Fellows Program

(a) Establishment

(1) In generalThe Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, and in consultation with the Chief Human Capital Officer, shall establish a fellowship program in accordance with this section for the purpose of—

(A) detailing State, local, and tribal law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts to the Department in accordance with subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5 to participate in the work of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis in order to become familiar with—

(i) the relevant missions and capabilities of the Department and other Federal agencies; and

(ii) the role, programs, products, and personnel of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis; and

(B) promoting information sharing between the Department and State, local, and tribal law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts by assigning such officers and analysts to—

(i) serve as a point of contact in the Department to assist in the representation of State, local, and tribal information requirements;

(ii) identify information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, that is of interest to State, local, and tribal law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, and other emergency response providers;

(iii) assist Department analysts in preparing and disseminating products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, that are tailored to State, local, and tribal law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts and designed to prepare for and thwart acts of terrorism; and

(iv) assist Department analysts in preparing products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, that are tailored to State, local, and tribal emergency response providers and assist in the dissemination of such products through appropriate Department channels.

(2) Program name

(b) Eligibility

(1) In generalIn order to be eligible for selection as an Information Sharing Fellow under the program under this section, an individual shall—

(A) have homeland security-related responsibilities;

(B) be eligible for an appropriate security clearance;

(C) possess a valid need for access to classified information, as determined by the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis;

(D) be an employee of an eligible entity; and

(E) have undergone appropriate privacy and civil liberties training that is developed, supported, or sponsored by the Privacy Officer and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, in consultation with the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board established under section 2000ee of title 42.

(2) Eligible entitiesIn this subsection, the term “eligible entity” means—

(A) a State, local, or regional fusion center;

(B) a State or local law enforcement or other government entity that serves a major metropolitan area, suburban area, or rural area, as determined by the Secretary;

(C) a State or local law enforcement or other government entity with port, border, or agricultural responsibilities, as determined by the Secretary;

(D) a tribal law enforcement or other authority; or

(E) such other entity as the Secretary determines is appropriate.

(d) Procedures for nomination and selection

(1) In general

(2) LimitationsThe Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis shall—

(A) select law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts representing a broad cross-section of State, local, and tribal agencies; and

(B) ensure that the number of Information Sharing Fellows selected does not impede the activities of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 210B, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 512(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 324.)

§ 124j. Rural Policing Institute

(a) In general

The Secretary shall establish a Rural Policing Institute, which shall be administered by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, to target training to law enforcement agencies and other emergency response providers located in rural areas. The Secretary, through the Rural Policing Institute, shall—

(1) evaluate the needs of law enforcement agencies and other emergency response providers in rural areas;

(2) develop expert training programs designed to address the needs of law enforcement agencies and other emergency response providers in rural areas as identified in the evaluation conducted under paragraph (1), including training programs about intelligence-led policing and protections for privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties;

(3) provide the training programs developed under paragraph (2) to law enforcement agencies and other emergency response providers in rural areas; and

(4) conduct outreach efforts to ensure that local and tribal governments in rural areas are aware of the training programs developed under paragraph (2) so they can avail themselves of such programs.

(b) Curricula

The training at the Rural Policing Institute established under subsection (a) shall—

(1) be configured in a manner so as not to duplicate or displace any law enforcement or emergency response program of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center or a local or tribal government entity in existence on August 3, 2007; and

(2) to the maximum extent practicable, be delivered in a cost-effective manner at facilities of the Department, on closed military installations with adequate training facilities, or at facilities operated by the participants.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section (including for contracts, staff, and equipment)—

(1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and

(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 210C, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 513(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 327.)

§ 124k. Interagency Threat Assessment and Coordination Group

(a) In general

(b) Composition of ITACGThe ITACG shall consist of—

(1) an ITACG Advisory Council to set policy and develop processes for the integration, analysis, and dissemination of federally-coordinated information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information; and

(2) an ITACG Detail comprised of State, local, and tribal homeland security and law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts detailed to work in the National Counterterrorism Center with Federal intelligence analysts for the purpose of integrating, analyzing, and assisting in the dissemination of federally-coordinated information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, through appropriate channels identified by the ITACG Advisory Council.

(c) Responsibilities of SecretaryThe Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, in coordination with the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center and the ITACG Advisory Council, shall—

(1) create policies and standards for the creation of information products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, that are suitable for dissemination to State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector;

(2) evaluate and develop processes for the timely dissemination of federally-coordinated information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, to State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector;

(3) establish criteria and a methodology for indicating to State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector the reliability of information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, disseminated to them;

(4) educate the intelligence community about the requirements of the State, local, and tribal homeland security, law enforcement, and other emergency response providers regarding information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information;

(5) establish and maintain the ITACG Detail, which shall assign an appropriate number of State, local, and tribal homeland security and law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts to work in the National Counterterrorism Center who shall—

(A) educate and advise National Counterterrorism Center intelligence analysts about the requirements of the State, local, and tribal homeland security and law enforcement officers, and other emergency response providers regarding information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information;

(B) assist National Counterterrorism Center intelligence analysts in integrating, analyzing, and otherwise preparing versions of products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information that are unclassified or classified at the lowest possible level and suitable for dissemination to State, local, and tribal homeland security and law enforcement agencies in order to help deter and prevent terrorist attacks;

(C) implement, in coordination with National Counterterrorism Center intelligence analysts, the policies, processes, procedures, standards, and guidelines developed by the ITACG Advisory Council;

(D) assist in the dissemination of products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, to State, local, and tribal jurisdictions only through appropriate channels identified by the ITACG Advisory Council;

(E) make recommendations, as appropriate, to the Secretary or the Secretary’s designee, for the further dissemination of intelligence products that could likely inform or improve the security of a State, local, or tribal government, (including a State, local, or tribal law enforcement agency) or a private sector entity; and

(F) report directly to the senior intelligence official from the Department under paragraph (6);

(6) detail a senior intelligence official from the Department of Homeland Security to the National Counterterrorism Center, who shall—

(A) manage the day-to-day operations of the ITACG Detail;

(B) report directly to the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center or the Director’s designee; and

(C) in coordination with the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and subject to the approval of the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, select a deputy from the pool of available detailees from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the National Counterterrorism Center;

(7) establish, within the ITACG Advisory Council, a mechanism to select law enforcement officers and intelligence analysts for placement in the National Counterterrorism Center consistent with paragraph (5), using criteria developed by the ITACG Advisory Council that shall encourage participation from a broadly representative group of State, local, and tribal homeland security and law enforcement agencies; and

(8) compile an annual assessment of the ITACG Detail’s performance, including summaries of customer feedback, in preparing, disseminating, and requesting the dissemination of intelligence products intended for State, local and tribal government (including State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies) and private sector entities.

(d) MembershipThe Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee, shall serve as the chair of the ITACG Advisory Council, which shall include—

(1) representatives of—

(A) the Department;

(B) the Federal Bureau of Investigation;

(D) the Department of Defense;

(E) the Department of Energy;

(F) the Department of State; and

(G) other Federal entities as appropriate;

(2) the program manager of the information sharing environment, designated under section 485(f) of this title, or the program manager’s designee; and

(3) executive level law enforcement and intelligence officials from State, local, and tribal governments.

(e) CriteriaThe Secretary, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, the Attorney General, and the program manager of the information sharing environment established under section 485 of this title, shall—

(1) establish procedures for selecting members of the ITACG Advisory Council and for the proper handling and safeguarding of products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, by those members; and

(2) ensure that at least 50 percent of the members of the ITACG Advisory Council are from State, local, and tribal governments.

(f) Operations

(1) In general

(2) ManagementPursuant to section 3056(f)(E) 1

1 So in original. Probably should be section “3056(f)(1)(E)”.

of title 50, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, acting through the senior intelligence official from the Department of Homeland Security detailed pursuant to subsection (d)(6),2

2 See References in Text note below.

shall ensure that—

(A) the products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, prepared by the National Counterterrorism Center and the ITACG Detail for distribution to State, local, and tribal homeland security and law enforcement agencies reflect the requirements of such agencies and are produced consistently with the policies, processes, procedures, standards, and guidelines established by the ITACG Advisory Council;

(B) in consultation with the ITACG Advisory Council and consistent with sections 3024(f)(1)(B)(iii) and 3056(f)(E) 1 of title 50, all products described in subparagraph (A) are disseminated through existing channels of the Department and the Department of Justice and other appropriate channels to State, local, and tribal government officials and other entities;

(C) all detailees under subsection (d)(5) 2 have appropriate access to all relevant information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information, available at the National Counterterrorism Center in order to accomplish the objectives under that paragraph;

(D) all detailees under subsection (d)(5) 2 have the appropriate security clearances and are trained in the procedures for handling, processing, storing, and disseminating classified products derived from information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, and weapons of mass destruction information; and

(E) all detailees under subsection (d)(5) 2 complete appropriate privacy and civil liberties training.

(g) Inapplicability of chapter 10 of title 5

(h) Authorization of appropriations

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 210D, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 521(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 328; amended Pub. L. 111–258, § 5(b)(2), (c), Oct. 7, 2010, 124 Stat. 2650, 2651; Pub. L. 116–92, div. E, title LXVII, § 6726(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2236; Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(a)(12), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4306.)

§ 124l. Transferred

§ 124m. Classified Information Advisory Officer

(a) Requirement to establish

(b) ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities of the Classified Information Advisory Officer shall be as follows:

(1) To develop and disseminate educational materials and to develop and administer training programs to assist State, local, and tribal governments (including State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies) and private sector entities—

(A) in developing plans and policies to respond to requests related to classified information without communicating such information to individuals who lack appropriate security clearances;

(B) regarding the appropriate procedures for challenging classification designations of information received by personnel of such entities; and

(2) To inform the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis on policies and procedures that could facilitate the sharing of classified information with such personnel, as appropriate.

(1) designate the initial Classified Information Advisory Officer; and

(2) submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a written notification of the designation.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 210E, formerly § 210F, as added Pub. L. 111–258, § 4(a), Oct. 7, 2010, 124 Stat. 2649; renumbered § 210E, Pub. L. 115–278, § 2(g)(2)(J), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4178.)

§ 124m–1. Departmental coordination on counter threats

(a) Establishment

There is authorized in the Department, for a period of 2 years beginning after December 27, 2020, a Counter Threats Advisory Board (in this section referred to as the “Board”) which shall—

(1) be composed of senior representatives of departmental operational components and headquarters elements; and

(2) coordinate departmental intelligence activities and policy and information related to the mission and functions of the Department that counter threats.

(b) Charter

There shall be a charter to govern the structure and mission of the Board, which shall—

(1) direct the Board to focus on the current threat environment and the importance of aligning departmental activities to counter threats under the guidance of the Secretary; and

(2) be reviewed and updated as appropriate.

(1) In general

(2) Chair

(3) Members

The Secretary shall appoint additional members of the Board from among the following:

(A) The Transportation Security Administration.

(B) U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

(D) The Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(E) The Coast Guard.

(F) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

(G) The United States Secret Service.

(H) The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

(I) The Office of Operations Coordination.

(J) The Office of the General Counsel.

(K) The Office of Intelligence and Analysis.

(L) The Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans.

(M) The Science and Technology Directorate.

(N) The Office for State and Local Law Enforcement.

(O) The Privacy Office.

(P) The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

(Q) Other departmental offices and programs as determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(d) Meetings

The Board shall—

(1) meet on a regular basis to discuss intelligence and coordinate ongoing threat mitigation efforts and departmental activities, including coordination with other Federal, State, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners; and

(2) make recommendations to the Secretary.

(e) Terrorism alerts

(f) Prohibition on additional funds

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 210F, as added Pub. L. 116–260, div. U, title VI, § 602(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2294.)

§ 124n. Protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft

(a) Authority

(b) Actions described

(1) In generalThe actions authorized in subsection (a) are the following:

(A) During the operation of the unmanned aircraft system, detect, identify, monitor, and track the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft, without prior consent, including by means of intercept or other access of a wire communication, an oral communication, or an electronic communication used to control the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft.

(B) Warn the operator of the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft, including by passive or active, and direct or indirect physical, electronic, radio, and electromagnetic means.

(C) Disrupt control of the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft, without prior consent, including by disabling the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft by intercepting, interfering, or causing interference with wire, oral, electronic, or radio communications used to control the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft.

(D) Seize or exercise control of the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft.

(E) Seize or otherwise confiscate the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft.

(F) Use reasonable force, if necessary, to disable, damage, or destroy the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft.

(2) Required coordination

(3) Research, testing, training, and evaluation

(4) Coordination

(d) Regulations and guidance

(1) In general

(2) Coordination

(A) Coordination with Department of Transportation

(B) Effect on aviation safety

(e) Privacy protectionThe regulations or guidance issued to carry out actions authorized under subsection (b) by each Secretary or the Attorney General, as the case may be, shall ensure that—

(1) the interception or acquisition of, or access to, or maintenance or use of, communications to or from an unmanned aircraft system under this section is conducted in a manner consistent with the First and Fourth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States and applicable provisions of Federal law;

(2) communications to or from an unmanned aircraft system are intercepted or acquired only to the extent necessary to support an action described in subsection (b)(1);

(3) records of such communications are maintained only for as long as necessary, and in no event for more than 180 days, unless the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General determine 1

1 So in original. Probably should be “determines”.

that maintenance of such records is necessary to investigate or prosecute a violation of law, directly support an ongoing security operation, is required under Federal law, or for the purpose of any litigation;

(4) such communications are not disclosed outside the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice unless the disclosure—

(A) is necessary to investigate or prosecute a violation of law;

(B) would support the Department of Defense, a Federal law enforcement agency, or the enforcement activities of a regulatory agency of the Federal Government in connection with a criminal or civil investigation of, or any regulatory, statutory, or other enforcement action relating to an action described in subsection (b)(1);

(C) is between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice in the course of a security or protection operation of either agency or a joint operation of such agencies; or

(D) is otherwise required by law; and

(5) to the extent necessary, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice are authorized to share threat information, which shall not include communications referred to in subsection (b), with State, local, territorial, or tribal law enforcement agencies in the course of a security or protection operation.

(f) Budget

(g) Semiannual briefings and notifications

(1) In general

(2) Requirement

(3) ContentEach briefing required under paragraph (1) shall include—

(A) policies, programs, and procedures to mitigate or eliminate impacts of such activities to the National Airspace System;

(B) a description of instances in which actions described in subsection (b)(1) have been taken, including all such instances that may have resulted in harm, damage, or loss to a person or to private property;

(C) a description of the guidance, policies, or procedures established to address privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties issues implicated by the actions allowed under this section, as well as any changes or subsequent efforts that would significantly affect privacy, civil rights or civil liberties;

(D) a description of options considered and steps taken to mitigate any identified impacts to the national airspace system related to the use of any system or technology, including the minimization of the use of any technology that disrupts the transmission of radio or electronic signals, for carrying out the actions described in subsection (b)(1);

(E) a description of instances in which communications intercepted or acquired during the course of operations of an unmanned aircraft system were held for more than 180 days or shared outside of the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security;

(F) how the Secretary, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Transportation have informed the public as to the possible use of authorities under this section; 2

2 So in original. Probably should be followed by “and”.

(G) how the Secretary, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Transportation have engaged with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies to implement and use such authorities.

(4) Unclassified form

(5) Notification

(h) Rule of constructionNothing in this section may be construed to—

(1) vest in the Secretary or the Attorney General any authority of the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration;

(2) vest in the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration any authority of the Secretary or the Attorney General;

(3) vest in the Secretary of Homeland Security any authority of the Attorney General;

(4) vest in the Attorney General any authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security; or

(5) provide a new basis of liability for any State, local, territorial, or tribal law enforcement officers who participate in the protection of a mass gathering identified by the Secretary or Attorney General under subsection (k)(3)(C)(iii)(II), act within the scope of their authority, and do not exercise the authority granted to the Secretary and Attorney General by this section.

(i) Termination

(j) Scope of authority

(k) DefinitionsIn this section:

(1) The term “appropriate congressional committees” means—

(A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; and

(B) the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives.

(2) The term “budget”, with respect to a fiscal year, means the budget for that fiscal year that is submitted to Congress by the President under section 1105(a) of title 31.

(3) The term “covered facility or asset” means any facility or asset that—

(A) is identified as high-risk and a potential target for unlawful unmanned aircraft activity by the Secretary or the Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation with respect to potentially impacted airspace, through a risk-based assessment for purposes of this section (except that in the case of the missions described in subparagraph (C)(i)(II) and (C)(iii)(I), such missions shall be presumed to be for the protection of a facility or asset that is assessed to be high-risk and a potential target for unlawful unmanned aircraft activity);

(B) is located in the United States (including the territories and possessions, territorial seas or navigable waters of the United States); and

(i) missions authorized to be performed by the Department of Homeland Security, consistent with governing statutes, regulations, and orders issued by the Secretary, pertaining to—(I) security or protection functions of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, including securing or protecting facilities, aircraft, and vessels, whether moored or underway;(II) United States Secret Service protection operations pursuant to sections 3056(a) and 3056A(a) of title 18 and the Presidential Protection Assistance Act of 1976 (18 U.S.C. 3056 note); or(III) protection of facilities pursuant to section 1315(a) of title 40;

(ii) missions authorized to be performed by the Department of Justice, consistent with governing statutes, regulations, and orders issued by the Attorney General, pertaining to—(I) personal protection operations by—(aa) the Federal Bureau of Investigation as specified in section 533 of title 28; and(bb) the United States Marshals Service of Federal jurists, court officers, witnesses, and other threatened persons in the interests of justice, as specified in section 566(e)(1)(A) of title 28;(II) protection of penal, detention, and correctional facilities and operations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons; or(III) protection of the buildings and grounds leased, owned, or operated by or for the Department of Justice, and the provision of security for Federal courts, as specified in section 566(a) of title 28;

(iii) missions authorized to be performed by the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice, acting together or separately, consistent with governing statutes, regulations, and orders issued by the Secretary or the Attorney General, respectively, pertaining to—(I) protection of a National Special Security Event and Special Event Assessment Rating event;(II) the provision of support to State, local, territorial, or tribal law enforcement, upon request of the chief executive officer of the State or territory, to ensure protection of people and property at mass gatherings, that is limited to a specified timeframe and location, within available resources, and without delegating any authority under this section to State, local, territorial, or tribal law enforcement; or(III) protection of an active Federal law enforcement investigation, emergency response, or security function, that is limited to a specified timeframe and location; and 3

3 So in original. Probably should be “or”.

(iv) missions authorized to be performed by the United States Coast Guard, including those described in clause (iii) as directed by the Secretary, and as further set forth in section 104 4

4 See References in Text note below.

of title 14, and consistent with governing statutes, regulations, and orders issued by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

(4) The terms “electronic communication”, “intercept”, “oral communication”, and “wire communication” have the meaning 5

5 So in original. Probably should be “meanings”.

given those terms in section 2510 of title 18.

(5) The term “homeland security or justice budget materials”, with respect to a fiscal year, means the materials submitted to Congress by the Secretary and the Attorney General in support of the budget for that fiscal year.

(6) For purposes of subsection (a), the term “personnel” means officers and employees of the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Justice.

(7) The terms “unmanned aircraft” and “unmanned aircraft system” have the meanings given those terms in section 44801, 6

6 So in original. The comma probably should not appear.

of title 49.

(8) For purposes of this section, the term “risk-based assessment” includes an evaluation of threat information specific to a covered facility or asset and, with respect to potential impacts on the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system and the needs of law enforcement and national security at each covered facility or asset identified by the Secretary or the Attorney General, respectively, of each of the following factors:

(A) Potential impacts to safety, efficiency, and use of the national airspace system, including potential effects on manned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems, aviation safety, airport operations, infrastructure, and air navigation services related to the use of any system or technology for carrying out the actions described in subsection (b)(1).

(B) Options for mitigating any identified impacts to the national airspace system related to the use of any system or technology, including minimizing when possible the use of any technology which disrupts the transmission of radio or electronic signals, for carrying out the actions described in subsection (b)(1).

(C) Potential consequences of the impacts of any actions taken under subsection (b)(1) to the national airspace system and infrastructure if not mitigated.

(D) The ability to provide reasonable advance notice to aircraft operators consistent with the safety of the national airspace system and the needs of law enforcement and national security.

(E) The setting and character of any covered facility or asset, including whether it is located in a populated area or near other structures, whether the facility is open to the public, whether the facility is also used for nongovernmental functions, and any potential for interference with wireless communications or for injury or damage to persons or property.

(F) The setting, character, timeframe, and national airspace system impacts of National Special Security Event and Special Event Assessment Rating events.

(G) Potential consequences to national security, public safety, or law enforcement if threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems are not mitigated or defeated.

(l) Department of Homeland Security assessment

(1) ReportNot later than 1 year after October 5, 2018, the Secretary shall conduct, in coordination with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Transportation, an assessment to the appropriate congressional committees, including—

(A) an evaluation of the threat from unmanned aircraft systems to United States critical infrastructure (as defined in this chapter) and to domestic large hub airports (as defined in section 40102 of title 49);

(B) an evaluation of current Federal and 7

7 So in original. Probably should be “Federal,”.

State, local, territorial, or tribal law enforcement authorities to counter the threat identified in subparagraph (A), and recommendations, if any, for potential changes to existing authorities to allow State, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement to assist Federal law enforcement to counter the threat where appropriate;

(C) an evaluation of the knowledge of, efficiency of, and effectiveness of current procedures and resources available to owners of critical infrastructure and domestic large hub airports when they believe a threat from unmanned aircraft systems is present and what additional actions, if any, the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Transportation could implement under existing authorities to assist these entities to counter the threat identified in subparagraph (A);

(D) an assessment of what, if any, additional authorities are needed by each Department and law enforcement to counter the threat identified in subparagraph (A); and

(E) an assessment of what, if any, additional research and development the Department needs to counter the threat identified in subparagraph (A).

(2) Unclassified form

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 210G, as added Pub. L. 115–254, div. H, § 1602(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3522; amended Pub. L. 118–15, div. B, title II, § 2221, Sept. 30, 2023, 137 Stat. 86; Pub. L. 118–22, div. B, title III, § 601, Nov. 17, 2023, 137 Stat. 123; Pub. L. 118–35, div. B, title III, § 301, Jan. 19, 2024, 138 Stat. 7; Pub. L. 118–41, title III, § 301, Mar. 8, 2024, 138 Stat. 24.)

§ 125. Annual report on intelligence activities of the Department of Homeland Security

(a) In generalFor each fiscal year and along with the budget materials submitted in support of the budget of the Department of Homeland Security pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis of the Department shall submit to the congressional intelligence committees a report for such fiscal year on each intelligence activity of each intelligence component of the Department, as designated by the Under Secretary, that includes the following:

(1) The amount of funding requested for each such intelligence activity.

(2) The number of full-time employees funded to perform each such intelligence activity.

(3) The number of full-time contractor employees (or the equivalent of full-time in the case of part-time contractor employees) funded to perform or in support of each such intelligence activity.

(4) A determination as to whether each such intelligence activity is predominantly in support of national intelligence or departmental missions.

(5) The total number of analysts of the Intelligence Enterprise of the Department that perform—

(A) strategic analysis; or

(B) operational analysis.

(b) Feasibility and advisability reportNot later than 120 days after December 19, 2014, the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, shall submit to the congressional intelligence committees a report that—

(1) examines the feasibility and advisability of including the budget request for all intelligence activities of each intelligence component of the Department that predominantly support departmental missions, as designated by the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, in the Homeland Security Intelligence Program; and

(2) includes a plan to enhance the coordination of department-wide intelligence activities to achieve greater efficiencies in the performance of the Department of Homeland Security intelligence functions.

(Pub. L. 113–293, title III, § 324, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4004.)

§ 126. Department of Homeland Security data framework

(a) In general

(1) Development

(2) Requirements

In developing the framework required under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure, in accordance with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, the following information is included:

(A) All information acquired, held, or obtained by an office or component of the Department of Homeland Security that falls within the scope of the information sharing environment, including homeland security information, terrorism information, weapons of mass destruction information, and national intelligence.

(B) Any information or intelligence relevant to priority mission needs and capability requirements of the homeland security enterprise, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(b) Data framework access

(1) In general

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that the data framework required under this section is accessible to employees of the Department of Homeland Security who the Secretary determines—

(A) have an appropriate security clearance;

(B) are assigned to perform a function that requires access to information in such framework; and

(2) Guidance

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall—

(A) issue guidance for Department of Homeland Security employees authorized to access and contribute to the data framework pursuant to paragraph (1); and

(B) ensure that such guidance enforces a duty to share between offices and components of the Department when accessing or contributing to such framework for mission needs.

(3) Efficiency

The Secretary of Homeland Security may exclude information from the data framework required under this section if the Secretary determines inclusion of such information may—

(1) jeopardize the protection of sources, methods, or activities;

(2) compromise a criminal or national security investigation;

(3) be inconsistent with other Federal laws or regulations; or

(4) be duplicative or not serve an operational purpose if included in such framework.

(d) Safeguards

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall incorporate into the data framework required under this section systems capabilities for auditing and ensuring the security of information included in such framework. Such capabilities shall include the following:

(1) Mechanisms for identifying insider threats.

(2) Mechanisms for identifying security risks.

(3) Safeguards for privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

(e) Deadline for implementation

(f) Notice to Congress

(1) Status updates

(2) Operational notification

(3) Value added

(g) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Appropriate congressional committee; homeland

(2) Homeland security information

(3) National intelligence

(4) Terrorism information

(Pub. L. 115–331, § 2, Dec. 19, 2018, 132 Stat. 4484.)