H.R. 7984: DHS Use of Force Transparency Act of 2026

This bill, titled the DHS Use of Force Transparency Act of 2026, aims to enhance accountability and transparency regarding specific use of force incidents involving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It sets forth requirements for the production of documents and materials related to officer-involved shootings and deaths occurring in DHS custody.

Key Provisions

• Document Production Requirement: Within 30 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Homeland Security must provide various documents and records to specific congressional committees. This includes information related to:
  • Any incident involving a DHS officer shooting that results in an injury or death from January 20, 2025, onward.
  • Any death of an individual in the custody of DHS starting from the same date.
• Scope of Required Materials: The documents to be produced must include:
  • All forms of video and audio recordings connected to the incidents, such as body-worn camera footage, dashboard camera recordings, and surveillance videos.
  • Written reports, including initial incident reports, use of force reports, after-action reports, supervisory reviews, internal investigative files, and witness and officer statements.
  • Medical response reports and communications logs related to the incidents.
  • All electronic communications, like emails and text messages among DHS personnel, local law enforcement, and DHS leadership relating to the incidents.
  • Relevant policies and training materials in effect at the time of the incidents and any policy deviation reports or waivers.
  • Photographic evidence, including crime scene photographs and forensic documentation.
  • Administrative or disciplinary records concerning involved officers and any actions taken as a result of the incidents.
  • Any other materials considered relevant for congressional oversight.
• Unredacted Production: The materials must be provided in unredacted form, unless legally necessary to redact certain information. In cases of redaction, the Secretary must supply a written justification for each redaction, citing the applicable legal authority.

Overall Objective

The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that Congress has access to comprehensive information related to use of force incidents involving DHS personnel, with the goal of enhancing oversight and accountability regarding these critical situations.

Relevant Companies

None found