DHS opens $3B in FY2009 grants with less restrictions

From the Washington Post:

The Department of Homeland Security announced plans yesterday to dole out $3 billion in counterterrorism grants next year to state and local agencies with far-fewer strings attached than in past years.

The DHS move marks a response to criticism from a Democratic Congress and increasingly restive state and local leaders. They have complained that the Bush administration’s domestic security officials have focused on terrorism at the expense of other law enforcement priorities, such as fighting drugs, gangs and violent crime.

Among other changes, DHS loosened rules to allow recipients to spend up to 50 percent of homeland security grants for personnel expenses, up from 25 percent; ease a 25 percent local-match requirement for rail, transit and port security aid; lift a three-year limit on funding for intelligence analysts in law enforcement “fusion” centers, which police chiefs nationwide have requested.

The department also agreed to spread aid for immigration law enforcement to states with international water as well as land borders, and to let grants be used to store — not just purchase — emergency supplies such as prepackaged food, water and medicines.

• Full story

Expanded GSA CPP now covers security and emergency preparedness

GSA’s Cooperative Purchasing Program (CPP) was started in 2003 to allow state and local governments to procure information technology equipment, software and services found under Schedule 70 and Consolidated Schedule contracts containing IT special item numbers.

Under the expanded CPP, state and local governments also can buy law enforcement, security, facilities management, fire, rescue, clothing, marine craft and emergency/disaster response equipment.

• Full story

State laws enforce data privacy

From the Wall Street Journal:

Nevada is the first of several states adopting new laws that will force businesses — from hair stylists to hospitals — to revamp the way they protect customer data.  Massachusetts has already passed a similar law which goes into effect January 1st, and Michigan and Washington State are both considering similar legislation.

While just a few states have adopted such measures so far, the new patchwork of regulations is something many businesses will have to navigate, since the laws apply to out-of-state companies with operations or customers in those states.

• Richard Koman post (good summary)
• Full article (longer)

MI: DHS and Michigan reach agreement on enhanced driver’s license

From HS Daily Wire:

DHS has reached an agreement with the state of Michigan to enhance the security features of the state’s driver’s license, which may serve in the future as an acceptable alternative document for crossing the United States’ land and sea borders.

The Michigan agreement, similar to those reached with Washington, Vermont, Arizona, and New York last year, seeks to create an enhanced driver’s license — which denotes both identity and citizenship — as a compliance option to fulfill Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements. WHTI requires all citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or depart the United States from within the Western Hemisphere. Beginning 1 June 2009 only WHTI-compliant documents will be accepted at U.S. land and sea ports of entry.

• Full article

TX: Gov. Perry asks lawmakers for $134 million for border security

Texas: Gov. Rick Perry will ask lawmakers for another $110 million for border security operations and an additional $24 million to fight transnational gangs.”Putting more boots on the ground is the best way to drop the hammer on these criminal activities,” he said.

Some people questioned the conclusions of the report from the Border Security Council which Perry released at the same time.

• Full article

CA: Governor merges Office of Emergency Services and Office of Homeland Security

California: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a package of legislation that will strengthen the state’s ability to respond to emergencies and natural disasters. These include a bill that merges the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) and Office of Homeland Security (OHS) into the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA).

• Press Release

Tip from: San Francisco Bay Area Infragard Chapter, News & Events Blog