S-2626 : Still Just a Bill

S. 2626, the "Mahsa Amini Human rights and Security Accountability Act" or "MAHSA Act," aims to impose sanctions on Iranian leaders and officials for human rights abuses and support for terrorism. Key provisions include:

• Sanctions on Iranian Leaders: Mandates the President to determine and report annually on whether specific foreign individuals connected to the Supreme Leader and President of Iran meet the criteria for sanctions due to human rights abuses or support for terrorism.
• Report Requirements: Requires detailed reports to Congress listing individuals meeting sanction criteria, specifying applicable sanctions programs, and justifying any waivers or non-application of sanctions.
• Congressional Oversight: Establishes a process for Congressional committees to request information on whether specific individuals meet the criteria for sanctions.
• Cyber Activities: Authorizes sanctions on foreign individuals involved in significant cyber-enabled activities originating from outside the United States that threaten national security, foreign policy, or economic stability.
• Threats to US Officials: Imposes sanctions on foreign individuals who order, direct, or take material steps to carry out violence against current or former US officials.
• Sanctions Implementation Resources: Encourages the Department of State to modernize its sanctions infrastructure and increase resources for sanctions implementation.
• Impact Reports: Requires a report on the impacts of US sanctions on Iran, including effects on problematic activities, key officials, civil society, and the standard of living for Iranian citizens.
• Exceptions: Includes exceptions for the importation of goods, compliance with the UN Headquarters Agreement, law enforcement and intelligence activities, and humanitarian assistance.
• Extension of Defenseless Shields Act: Amends the Sanctioning the Use of Civilians as Defenseless Shields Act to include members of Palestine Islamic Jihad and extends the Act's sunset date to December 31, 2030.