Bill > S1467

This bill, titled the FISA Court Reform Act of 2013, establishes the Office of the Special Advocate to provide independent advocacy in cases before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) courts, which are courts established by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to handle matters related to foreign intelligence surveillance. The Special Advocate, appointed by the presiding judge of the FISA Court of Review from a list provided by the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, will review applications and decisions of the FISA Court and FISA Court of Review, participate in proceedings, and advocate for interpretations of law that minimize surveillance and data collection. The bill also grants the Special Advocate the authority to request reconsideration of FISA Court decisions, appeal decisions to the FISA Court of Review, and seek review from the Supreme Court. Furthermore, it mandates the public disclosure of certain FISA Court and FISA Court of Review decisions, particularly those involving significant legal interpretations, while allowing for redactions to protect national security. The bill also outlines procedures for the Special Advocate to petition for the declassification and public release of previously classified information related to FISA court decisions.