United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9386
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-22: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06T19:45:08Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation establishes the United States Commission on an Open Society with Security to study and recommend ways for the federal government to balance public safety and security at federal buildings and properties with maintaining open access and democratic values, such as free speech and public participation.
Key Provisions
- Commission Establishment: Creates a 21-member commission with experts from fields like architecture, technology, civil liberties, law, engineering, and social sciences; the President appoints nine members and designates the chairperson, while congressional leaders appoint the rest.
- Study Focus: The commission examines security practices, building design, technology use, effects on constitutional rights and economies, comparisons with other entities, and risk assessment methods for terrorism versus open access needs.
- Operations and Powers: Allows hearings, information requests from agencies, security clearances for members and staff, use of mail services, acceptance of gifts, and administrative support from the General Services Administration.
- Personnel and Funding: Members serve without pay but receive travel expenses; staff can be hired up to GS-15 pay levels, with options for agency details and consultants; authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
- Reporting and Termination: Requires a final report to the President within two years of the first meeting, followed by submission to Congress; the commission ends 90 days after the report is due.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act introduces no direct amendments to current statutes. It creates a new temporary advisory body with specific appointment, operational, and security protocols that supplement standard federal commission practices.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Federal departments may need to share information, detail personnel, or provide support, potentially increasing administrative workload.
- Citizens: Recommendations could influence public access to federal sites, affecting daily interactions, economies near those sites, and rights like free speech.
- International Relations: Limited direct effects, though the commission may review practices from other nations for comparison.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies and employees involved in security and public facilities.
- The public, including those using federal spaces for work, visits, or protests.
- Appointed experts from diverse fields such as civil liberties advocates, planners, and security professionals.
- Congress and the President, who oversee appointments and receive the final report.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The commission's work directly addresses tensions between security measures and constitutional protections, including free speech and the right to petition the government. It requires security clearances and handling of classified materials, with rules to prevent misuse of information. Appointments are structured for bipartisan input, and the process emphasizes avoiding duplication of existing efforts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-22: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, 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.
- 2026-06-22: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, 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.
- 2026-06-22: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-22: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E594)
- 2026-06-22: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- United States Commission on an Open Society with Security Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-22 — PDF (11 pages)