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.

This bill aims to help people leaving prison get the TWIC card, which lets workers enter secure areas at ports and on ships. It tells TSA to create clear guidelines within one year to help people in custody pre-apply or prepare their TWIC applications, and to help those who get a “not eligible” notice with appeals or waivers. TWIC cards are needed for many maritime jobs because they grant access to secure areas of facilities and vessels. Today, people can’t apply while still in custody, and appeals or waivers can take up to 90 days, so earlier help could speed up getting a job after release .

Key points:

• Who is affected: People in federal, state, and local custody, and those returning to the community who seek port and maritime jobs.
• What changes: TSA must set up guidelines to support pre-application, appeals, and waivers for TWIC; the goal is to make the process clearer and faster.
• When: Within one year after the law takes effect, TSA must have these guidelines in place.