Bill · H.R. 7984· House(119-HR-7984)
DHS Use of Force Transparency Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/18/2026
- Last activity
- 3/19/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
- Sponsored by
- Dave Min
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The DHS Use of Force Transparency Act of 2026 aims to increase transparency regarding specific incidents involving the Department of Homeland Security. It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide various documents and materials to specific congressional committees. These materials must relate to officer-involved shootings resulting in injury or death, or any death occurring while in the Department's custody on or after January 20, 2025. The bill mandates the production of items such as video footage, written reports, electronic communications, and training records. Furthermore, the Act requires that materials be produced in an unredacted form to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+7
The bill requires the DHS to provide unredacted materials and justifications for redactions to congressional committees regarding use of force incidents.
Would immigrants be better off under this?+5
The bill increases oversight of deaths occurring while individuals are in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security.
Does this change how police departments operate?+5
The bill mandates the disclosure of video footage, reports, and internal communications regarding officer-involved shootings and deaths in custody.
The opposite
Does this tighten control of the border?-2
The bill increases oversight on agencies like CBP, which may increase scrutiny on border enforcement operations.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-2
The requirement to produce unredacted electronic communications and video footage reduces the privacy profile of involved personnel.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Congressional Oversight: The bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide all documents, records, data, and materials relating to specific incidents to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Section 2(a)). This allows for closer scrutiny of the Department's actions.
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Access to Visual Evidence: The requirement to produce all body worn camera footage, dashboard camera footage, surveillance footage, and unmanned aerial system footage provides a visual record of incidents (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Access to Written Records and Statements: The bill ensures the production of written reports, including initial incident reports, use of force reports, and witness or officer statements (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Transparency in Communications: The mandate includes all electronic communications, such as emails and text messages, as well as communications between the Department and state or local law enforcement (Section 2(b)(3)).
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Accountability via Disciplinary Records: The inclusion of administrative or disciplinary records relating to the involved officers and agents provides insight into any actions taken following an incident (Section 2(b)(6)).
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Justification for Redactions: If the Department chooses to redact information, they must provide a written justification and cite the specific legal authority used (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Note: The provided text does not explicitly list any negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+5Good For African Americans+4Good For Hispanic Americans+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+5Improves Racial Equity+4Improves Border Security-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+7Improves Privacy Rights-2
- 7/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/19/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
- 3/18/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Seth MoultonDemocrat · Massachusetts
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Ayanna PressleyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Eric SwalwellDemocrat · California
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan