How HR 9694 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill enhances enforcement mechanisms under the Epstein Files Transparency Act by allowing state attorneys general and victims to bring actions against the Attorney General of the United States for unlawful withholding of records.

• SEC. 2

  SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL OF A STATE AND BY VICTIMS.

  Establishes a new section for enforcement actions by state officials and victims.

• SEC. 4(a)(1)

  The attorney general of a State, a district attorney, or other authorized State officer may bring an action on behalf of such State or the residents thereof, and a victim may bring action on behalf of such victim, against the Attorney General of the United States alleging an unlawful withholding...

  Authorizes state attorneys general and victims to file actions against the U.S. Attorney General for withholding records.

• SEC. 4(a)(3)

  For purposes of this subsection, a State, a resident of a State, or a State or local law enforcement agency shall be considered to have been harmed if the State, the residents of a State, or a State or local law enforcement agency have experienced harm...

  Defines the criteria for harm that allows state entities to take legal action.

• SEC. 4(a)(4)

  The requirements of 28 CFR Sec. Sec. 16.21-16.29 shall not apply to any request for, or production of, records pursuant to this Act.

  Exempts state officials from federal regulations that might impede access to records.

• SEC. 4(b)(1)

  Upon request by a victim, the Attorney General of the United States shall provide the victim with the full, unredacted records, documents, communications, or investigative materials...

  Grants victims the right to access unredacted records relevant to their cases.

• SEC. 4(c)(1)

  For the purposes of any investigation or judicial proceeding conducted or brought by the attorney general of a State, a district attorney, or other authorized State officer that requests access to information permitted to be withheld...

  Mandates the production of unredacted records for state investigations.

• SEC. 4(d)(1)

  For purposes of any investigation or judicial proceeding conducted or brought by the attorney general of a State, district attorney, or other authorized State officer requesting access to classified records...

  Ensures state officials can access classified materials for investigations.

• SEC. 4(e)(1)(A)

  Notwithstanding section 2(c) or any other provision of law, upon the written request of any Member of Congress, the Attorney General of the United States shall...

  Allows Congressional members to access records under the Act.