S. 1351: Sister City Transparency Act

The Sister City Transparency Act directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the activities of sister city partnerships in the United States that involve foreign communities in countries with significant public sector corruption. This study is specifically focused on communities that score 45 or lower on Transparency International’s 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Definition of Terms:
  • A "sister city partnership" is defined as a formal agreement between a U.S. community and a foreign community that is recognized by Sister Cities International.
  • A "foreign community" refers to any local government unit outside of the United States.
  • A "United States community" includes states, counties, cities, and other local government units in the U.S.
• Study Objectives:
  • The study aims to examine how U.S. communities select foreign partners for sister city relationships and the criteria used for these selections.
  • It will assess the activities conducted within these partnerships, alongside their educational and economic outcomes.
  • It will evaluate the transparency efforts related to contracts and activities associated with sister city partnerships.
  • Additionally, the study will explore how communities protect freedom of expression and safeguard against foreign espionage and economic coercion.
• Assessment Factors:
  • Extent of transparency related to partnership contracts and activities.
  • Potential for economic arrangements that may expose U.S. communities to malign practices.
  • Engagement in educational arrangements that may threaten freedom of expression.
  • Access of foreign nationals to local institutions through these partnerships.
  • Strategic objectives of foreign communities that conflict with U.S. economic and national security interests.
  • Risks of sister city partnerships facilitating foreign malign activities, including human rights violations and espionage.
  • Efforts by U.S. communities to manage foreign nationals' use of visa programs in the context of these partnerships.
• Reporting Requirements:
  • The Comptroller General is required to submit a report detailing the findings of the study to relevant congressional committees within nine months of the study's initiation.
  • The report may include recommendations and can be classified if necessary.

Relevant Companies