To require the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration of the United States to develop guidelines to improve returning citizens' access to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program, to assist individuals in custody of Federal, State, and local prisons in pre-applying or preparing applications for Transportation Worker Identification Credential cards, and to assist individuals requesting an appeal or waiver of preliminary determination of ineligibility, and for other purposes.

Key Points

• This bill requires the TSA to create new rules that help people currently in prison start the application process for a special security card called a TWIC card. This card is required for anyone who needs to work in secure areas of U.S. ports, on ships, or in the oil and gas industry.
• The policy focuses on helping individuals in federal, state, and local prisons prepare their applications before they are released. Currently, most people have to wait until they are out of prison to start the process, which can delay their ability to find a job for several months.
• The TSA would also be required to help these individuals with the appeal process if they are initially told they do not qualify because of their criminal record. Most people who ask for a special waiver eventually receive the card, but the paperwork is often difficult to finish without help.
• This change aims to reduce the number of people who return to prison by helping them find steady work immediately after their release. Studies show that having a job is one of the most important factors in keeping formerly incarcerated people from committing new crimes.
• If the bill becomes law, the TSA would have one year to set up these new guidelines and must give a report to Congress explaining how they are making it easier for people to get these work credentials.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.