PATHS Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (12 Mar 2025): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
What this bill does
The PATHS Act, H.R. 1692, would extend the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) authority to use "other transactions" for research and prototype projects until September 30, 2028. This authority allows DHS to bypass certain federal procurement rules when contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements are not suitable.
Under the bill, DHS would be required to notify Congress within 72 hours and offer a briefing if this authority is used or extended for research and development involving artificial intelligence technology. Additionally, the minimum value of contract awards that DHS must publicly report on its website would be lowered from $4 million to $1 million.
The bill passed the House of Representatives on March 11, 2025, by voice vote. It will now proceed to the Senate for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Producing Advanced Technologies for Homeland Security Act or the PATHS Act
This bill extends through FY2028 the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use other transactions (OT) to carry out research and prototype projects when the use of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements is not feasible or appropriate. (OTs, in contrast to traditional procurement contracts, are exempt from many federal procurement laws and regulations.) DHS must notify Congress within 72 hours of using or extending this authority for research and development projects related to artificial intelligence technology and must offer to brief Congress on the rationale for such a decision.
The bill also lowers from $4 million to $1 million the minimum value of contract awards that DHS must publicly report on its website.
Timeline
12 Mar 2025
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1692 do?
- The PATHS Act, H.R. 1692, would extend the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) authority to use "other transactions" for research and prototype projects until September 30, 2028. This authority allows DHS to bypass certain federal procurement rules when contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements are not suitable. Under the bill, DHS would be required to notify Congress within 72 hours and offer a briefing if this authority is used or extended for research and development involving artificial intelligence technology. Additionally, the minimum value of contract awards that DHS must publicly report on its website would be lowered from $4 million to $1 million. The bill passed the House of Representatives on March 11, 2025, by voice vote. It will now proceed to the Senate for consideration.
- Has H.R. 1692 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1692. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1692?
- H.R. 1692 was sponsored by Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3] (R-MS), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1692?
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (12 Mar 2025).
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