Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act
Description
This bill would require federal agencies to develop a plan for deploying artificial intelligence and other new technologies at the border.
Summary
What it does
This bill would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate to create a plan for identifying and deploying innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced sensors, to enhance border security. The proposal would authorize CBP to establish Innovation Teams to research and adapt commercial technologies for agency use. Additionally, CBP would be required to report to Congress on the implementation of these teams and provide a detailed strategy for replacing legacy systems while assessing the privacy and security impacts on border communities.
Who is affected
This bill primarily affects U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security, which are tasked with developing and implementing a plan for new border technologies. The legislation also impacts border communities, as the required plan must detail the expected privacy and security impacts of these technologies on those populations. Additionally, the bill affects commercial technology developers and other federal agencies whose existing technological advancements may be researched or adopted by CBP Innovation Teams.
Key provisions
- Strategic plan for emerging border technologies. Requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the DHS Science and Technology Directorate to create a plan for identifying and deploying innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and advanced sensors, to enhance border security.
- Establishment of Innovation Teams. Authorizes CBP to form Innovation Teams tasked with researching and adapting commercial technologies for use in border operations.
- Technology integration and replacement goals. Directs the plan to include timelines for adopting new technologies, metrics for measuring effectiveness, and strategies for replacing legacy border technology programs.
- Privacy and security impact assessments. Requires the strategic plan to detail the expected privacy and security impacts that security-related technologies may have on border communities.
- Congressional reporting requirements. Mandates that CBP submit the strategic plan to Congress within 180 days of enactment and provide annual reports on the activities of the Innovation Teams.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
The bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide the technology integration plan to Congress within 180 days of the bill’s enactment and mandates annual reporting regarding the activities of the Innovation Teams.
Relationship to existing law
The bill directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to identify existing authorities it may use to procure technologies and requires a plan for the replacement of legacy border technology programs. It also mandates that CBP coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate to integrate technologies currently utilized by other federal agencies.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to enhance border security operations by requiring the development of a comprehensive plan to identify, integrate, and deploy emerging and innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced sensors. It also authorizes the creation of Innovation Teams to research and adapt commercial technologies for use by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.