Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act

This legislation, known as the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act, directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategic plan within 180 days of enactment. This plan aims to identify, integrate, and deploy new, innovative , disruptive, or advanced technologies to enhance border security operations and address existing capability gaps. These technologies may include artificial intelligence , machine learning, automation, advanced sensors, and imaging systems. The required plan must outline how U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) utilizes its Innovation Team authority and coordinates with other Department of Homeland Security components. It also necessitates an assessment of technologies used by other federal agencies that could benefit CBP and an analysis of procurement authorities. Furthermore, the plan must detail how CBP intends to scale successful emerging technology programs into official programs of record. Crucially, the plan must include an assessment of the privacy and security impacts of new technologies on border communities and identify legacy systems for potential replacement. It also requires information on CBP's coordination with the DHS Science and Technology Directorate for research, development, and private sector engagement. Separately, the bill formally authorizes CBP Innovation Teams to research and adapt commercial technologies for border security, requiring them to establish operating procedures, strategic goals, and provide annual reports on their activities and successful technology transitions.