HR-1729 : Still Just a Bill

Office of Biometric Identity Management Authorization Act of 2019 or the OBIM Authorization Act of 2019

This bill establishes within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the Office of Biometric Identity Management Directorate, which shall be administered by a director with significant management experience and experience in biometrics and identity management.

The director shall have specified duties, including

• leading DHS's biometric identity services to support efforts and activities relating to anti-terrorism, counterterrorism, border security, credentialing, national security, and public safety;
• managing the operation of DHS's primary biometric repository and identification system;
• maximizing interoperability with other federal, state, local, and foreign biometric systems; and
• ensuring the activities of the office are carried out in compliance with the policies and procedures established by the Privacy Officer.