The bill aims to improve access to Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cards for individuals leaving prisons, intending to enhance employment opportunities in maritime-related industries. Key points include the decrease in the U.S. prison population, the economic significance of maritime-related jobs, the impact of unemployment on recidivism, and the need to balance national security with second chances for rehabilitated individuals. The bill mandates the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to develop guidelines for pre-applying and appealing TWIC card issuance for individuals in custody, and requires a briefing to Congress on program improvements within a year of the bill's enactment.
This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop guidelines to improve access to a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) for prisoners prior to their release.
Specifically, TSA must develop guidelines to assist individuals in federal, state, and local prisons in (1) pre-applying or preparing an application for a TWIC card; and (2) requesting an appeal or waiver of a preliminary determination of ineligibility for a TWIC card.
As background, a TWIC card is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of U.S. maritime facilities and vessels. TSA conducts a background check to determine a person’s eligibility and issues the credential.