H.R. 7220: COINTELPRO Full Disclosure Act

The COINTELPRO Full Disclosure Act aims to ensure transparency regarding the historical COINTELPRO program, which involved covert activities by the FBI targeting various domestic groups and individuals. The bill includes several key provisions:

Public Disclosure of Records

The bill mandates that all records related to COINTELPRO must be made public. This includes documents that detail the FBI's surveillance and actions against specific groups, especially civil rights organizations, political dissidents, and other social movements.

COINTELPRO Records Collection

It requires the establishment of a dedicated COINTELPRO Records Collection at the National Archives, where all gathered documents will be stored and organized for public access. This collection aims to provide a central location for researchers, historians, and the general public to access relevant materials.

Review Board Formation

The act also creates a COINTELPRO Records Review Board. This board will be responsible for overseeing the review process of the COINTELPRO records to ensure proper handling, preservation, and accessibility of the materials. The board will likely consist of experts in history, civil rights, and legal matters to ensure comprehensive oversight.

Impact on Historical Understanding

By facilitating access to these records, the bill seeks to enhance public understanding of the COINTELPRO program's impact on American society, political discourse, and civil rights movements. The hope is that this transparency will foster a more informed dialogue about government surveillance and civil liberties.

Enforcement and Compliance

The legislation may establish mechanisms to ensure compliance, including possible penalties for governmental agencies that fail to comply with the disclosure requirements. It aims to hold agencies accountable for their past actions and promote a culture of openness.

Educational Initiatives

In addition to the disclosure of records, the bill may include provisions for educational initiatives aimed at informing the public about the history and implications of COINTELPRO. This could involve the development of curriculum materials, public seminars, and outreach programs.

Relevant Companies

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