; table of contents. Sec. 2. Findings. Sec. 3. Implementation status of directed actions. Sec. 4. Independent review of Coast Guard reforms. Sec. 5. Requirement to maintain certain records. Sec. 6. Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight. Sec. 7. Providing for the transfer of a cadet who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense. Sec. 8. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare. Sec. 9. Direct hire authority for certain personnel of Coast Guard. Sec. 10. Safe-to-report policy for Coast Guard. Sec. 11. Modification of delivery date of Coast Guard sexual assault report. Sec. 12. Higher-level review of board of determination decisions. Sec. 13. Review of discharge or dismissal. 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) In 2014, the Coast Guard initiated Operation Fouled Anchor, an investigation that revealed reports of rapes, sexual assaults, and other forms of harassment at the Coast Guard Academy from the 1990s until 2006. (2) During the period investigated, and partly driven by efforts to protect the reputation of the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard repeatedly mishandled cases of sexual assault, failed to protect victims, and did not hold perpetrators properly accountable. (3) Furthermore, until prompted by a news report published in 2023, the Coast Guard buried the findings of Operation Fouled Anchor by failing to share the findings with Congress and the public, and neglected to make needed reforms and cultural changes within the service. (4) In November 2023, the Coast Guard published an Accountability and Transparency Review. As a result of the review, the Commandant of the Coast Guard directed the implementation of actions in support of the Accountability and Transparency Review. The directed actions include structural changes, training improvements, and greater support and guidance for members of the Coast Guard who are victims of sexual assault and harassment. (5) To ensure public confidence in the service, the Coast Guard requires additional oversight