Bill would require standard training for Homeland Security intelligence office staff

The Homeland Security Secretary, through the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, would put in place standard entry-level intelligence training for all employees of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis. It covers all new hires. Training would begin within 90 days of the start date and before official duties begin, and would include civil rights, civil liberties, privacy rights, and the Privacy Act. The training rules would take effect one year after enactment.

New analysts would get added training on the office's mission and on intelligence community analysis standards, and open source intelligence collectors would get added training on collecting public information within privacy and civil rights limits. The open source training also covers data storage and retention and the department's legal authority for such collection.

The department would offer advanced training, post a quarterly list of outside training options, track which employees finish training, and report to Congress, with a Government Accountability Office review. The reports go to the House and Senate Homeland Security and Intelligence committees. Employees hired within the past two years or below grade GS-12 would have to finish the basic training. The first report is due two years after enactment, then yearly for five years. The Comptroller General reports within 300 days after the first report.