H.R. 4971 — Terrorist Watchlist Data Accuracy and Transparency Act

This section establishes a new section 210H of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary to conduct quality assurance reviews of initial nominations to the terrorist watchlist (i.e., terrorist screening database maintained by the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center) or other terrorism databases (e.g., National Counterterrorism Center’s Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment) prior to submission to the Terrorist Screening Center and National Counterterrorism Center, ensuring all information is free from error and including the review determination in each nomination. (1) It directs annual audits, beginning 90 days after enactment, of all DHS nominations of United States persons (i.e., citizens or permanent residents), assessing error-free information and continued compliance with Watchlisting Advisory Council guidance. (2) It requires monthly random audits, also beginning 90 days after enactment, of all DHS nominations. (3) It mandates notification to the Terrorist Screening Center and National Counterterrorism Center within 24 hours of any negative determination, with a request for correction or retraction if appropriate; if no action occurs within 30 days, the Secretary must consult the relevant agency director. (4) It requires annual reports to Congress on the number of identities referred for corrections or retractions (disaggregated by United States persons and non-United States persons) and nominations recalled or reissued. This section also makes a conforming amendment to the Homeland Security Act table of contents.