US HB1273

Secretary of State must establish a private national registry of Korean American families seeking reunification with family members in North Korea who were separated after the July 27, 1953 Korean War Armistice Agreement

Registry will collect names and relevant information to facilitate future in-person and video reunions in South Korea, the United States, or third countries, including information about deceased family members

Secretary of State must ensure any direct U.S.-North Korea dialogue includes progress toward holding family reunions, in consultation with the Government of South Korea

Annual reports required to Congress for 5 years detailing registry status, number of individuals who have or have not yet reunited with family members, North Korea's responses to reunion requests, and North Korean regulations preventing emigration

Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues or other State Department designee will oversee the registry's implementation