CBO Scores DHS Social Media Improvement Act of 2015

The DHS Social Media Improvement Act of 2015 (HR 623) would direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a working group to provide guidance and best practices on the use of social media technologies, specifically during a terrorist attack or other emergency. The groups would prepare guidance for the emergency preparedness and response community. The working group would be required to submit an annual report on emerging trends and best practices for emergency response through social media.

Based on the cost of similar activities carried out under the DHS Acquisition and Accountability Efficiency Act and the Critical Infrastructure Research and Development Advancement Act of 2013, CBO estimates that the new DHS responsibilities and the annual report required by HR 623 would cost less than $500,000 annually, assuming the availability of appropriated funds. Enacting the legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.