1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Shielding Public Spaces from Vehicular Terrorism Act”.
Shielding Public Spaces from Vehicular Terrorism Act
A BILL
To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize expenditures to combat emerging terrorist threats, including vehicular attacks, and for other purposes.
2. Research and development
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended—
in paragraph (11) of section 302 (6 U.S.C. 182), by inserting “research and development to combat emerging terrorist threats, such as vehicular attacks, and” before “the long-term”; and
in subparagraph (B) of section 308(b)(2) (6 U.S.C. 188(b)(2))—
in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking “expertise in—” and inserting “expertise in the following:”;
by redesignating clause (xiv) as clause (xv); and
by inserting after clause (xiii) the following new clause:
“(xiv) Combating emerging terrorist threats, including vehicular attacks.”
3. Allowable uses
Section 2008 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 609) is amended—
in subsection (a)—
by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (14) as paragraphs (12) through (15), respectively; and
by inserting after paragraph (10) the following new paragraph:
“(11) addressing security vulnerabilities of public spaces, including through the installation of bollards and other target hardening activities;”
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (3)(B), by striking “(a)(10)” and inserting “(a)(12)”; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
“(6) Firearms
“(A) In general—A grant awarded under section 2003 or 2004 may not be used for the provision to any person of a firearm or training in the use of a firearm.
“(B) No effect on other laws—Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to preclude or contradict any other provision of law authorizing the provision of firearms or training in the use of firearms.”
4. Report
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on potential terrorism vulnerabilities relating to emerging automotive technologies that support driverless vehicles and the associated threat such vehicles may pose to people in public spaces. Such report shall also compare any public benefit of such vehicles against any such vulnerabilities and threats.