S. 5487: Transportation Worker Identification Credential Efficiency Act

This bill would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to create guidelines within one year to make the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, or TWIC, program easier to access.

What the TWIC program is

The TWIC program provides identification credentials for certain transportation workers who need access to secure areas, such as ports and other transportation facilities.

What the bill would require TSA to do

• Develop guidelines to improve access for returning citizens, meaning people who have been released from incarceration and are otherwise eligible for TWIC.
• Develop ways to help people who are currently incarcerated start the application process before release or prepare their applications in advance.
• Develop ways to help applicants who receive an initial ineligibility finding request an appeal or a waiver.

Reporting requirement

After TSA creates these guidelines, it would have to brief the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation within 180 days on how the rules are being carried out.

Practical effect

In practical terms, the bill would not directly change TWIC eligibility rules itself. Instead, it would require TSA to set up procedures that could make it easier for certain people to apply for, appeal, or prepare for TWIC access, especially people leaving incarceration or nearing release.

Relevant Companies

None found