HR-8530 : Still Just a Bill

The "Improving Federal Building Security Act of 2024" (H.R. 8530) aims to enhance the security of federal facilities by improving the response to security recommendations made by the Federal Protective Service (FPS). Key provisions include:

• Mandatory Response: Requires Facility Security Committees to respond to FPS security recommendations within 90 days, indicating whether they will adopt or reject the recommendation and describing the financial implications.
• Justification for Rejection: If a recommendation is rejected, the committee must provide a justification for accepting the associated risk.
• Monitoring and Action: Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to monitor recommendations and responses and take action to ensure committee responsiveness.
• Annual Reporting: Mandates an annual report to Congress detailing security recommendations, acceptance/rejection rates, reasons for rejection, financial implications, risk mitigation steps, and trend analysis.
• Surveillance Technology Report: Requires a report on all surveillance technology recommended by the Federal Protective Service, including intended uses.
• Sunset Provision: The Act will cease to be effective five years after enactment, with a GAO report assessing its effectiveness due at that time.
• Scope: Applies to General Services Administration facilities under FPS protection and non-GSA facilities that pay fees for FPS protection.

The Act does not authorize additional funding and is set to expire in five years, pending a review of its effectiveness.