S. 1510: Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Reauthorization Act

The proposed Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Reauthorization Act aims to enhance the existing framework established by the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018. Here are the key elements of the bill:

Strengthening Disclosure Presumptions

The bill establishes a presumption that records related to civil rights cold cases, held by federal, state, and local governments, should be disclosed immediately. This aims to ensure transparency and allow the public to better understand the historical context of these cases.

Reimbursement for Local Governments

Local and state governments that incur expenses in preparing civil rights cold case records for inclusion in the federal collection may receive reimbursements from the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board. This would cover costs associated with digitizing, photocopying, or mailing the records.

Transmission of Records

The bill modifies previous stipulations that limited the transmission of civil rights cold case records from state or local governments to federal archives. This means those records can now be sent to the federal collection without prior conditions related to government emissions.

Exemption of Certain Records from Privacy Protections

Records from civil rights cold cases created before January 1, 1990, may be exempted from certain privacy protections that typically restrict access to records. This aims to facilitate better access to historical documents significant to civil rights investigations.

Extension of Board Tenure

The tenure of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board members will be extended from 7 years to 11 years. This is intended to provide greater continuity and stability within the board’s operations.

Overall Implications

The bill seeks to improve both access to and the management of records related to civil rights cold cases, thereby promoting transparency and historical awareness. By increasing the presumption of disclosure and providing financial support for local governments, the legislation aims to encourage a thorough examination of unsolved civil rights cases.

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