Sister City Transparency Act

Increased Transparency: The study aims to identify the types of information partnerships make publicly available regarding contracts and activities, which could improve transparency (Section 3(b)(1)(D)).

Protection of Freedom of Expression: The study will look at how United States communities safeguard freedom of expression within these partnerships and assess if educational arrangements diminish that freedom (Section 3(b)(1)(E) and Section 3(b)(2)(C)).

Enhanced Security Oversight: The study evaluates oversight practices meant to mitigate risks of foreign espionage and economic coercion (Section 3(b)(1)(F)).

Identification of Best Practices: The study will review best practices to ensure transparency regarding agreements, activities, and employees (Section 3(b)(3)(C)).

Economic and National Security Risks: The study assesses whether these partnerships make United States communities vulnerable to malign market practices or strategic objectives that do not benefit United States economic and national security interests (Section 3(b)(2)(B) and Section 3(b)(2)(E)).

Risk of Espionage and Human Rights Issues: The study investigates whether these partnerships allow for access to local institutions that could contribute to academic and industrial espionage or activities relating to human rights abuses (Section 3(b)(2)(D) and Section 3(b)(2)(F)).

Visa Program Concerns: The study assesses the potential for foreign nationals to use visa programs inappropriately to participate in sister city partnership activities (Section 3(b)(2)(G)).