Bill > S1631

This bill, the FISA Improvements Act of 2013, aims to enhance oversight and refine procedures related to foreign intelligence surveillance. Key provisions include establishing supplemental procedures for acquiring certain business records for counterterrorism purposes, specifically allowing for bulk collection of non-content metadata under strict conditions, such as a 90-day limit and court-approved security measures for acquired data, with access restricted to authorized personnel and specific query types. It also introduces enhanced criminal penalties for unauthorized access to data collected under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), allows for the appointment of an amicus curiae (an impartial advisor) to assist FISA courts in complex cases, and consolidates congressional oversight provisions by amending reporting requirements for the Attorney General to provide more detailed semiannual reports on surveillance activities. Furthermore, the bill clarifies restrictions on querying the content of communications, particularly concerning U.S. persons, and establishes a temporary 72-hour period for continuing foreign intelligence acquisition when a non-U.S. person is unexpectedly found to be within the United States under exigent circumstances. Finally, it mandates Senate confirmation for the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and its Inspector General, requires annual reports on violations of law or executive orders by intelligence community personnel, and mandates periodic reviews of intelligence community procedures for acquiring, retaining, and disseminating intelligence, with enhanced roles for the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board in reviewing certain FISA applications and orders.