[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
[H.R. 5982 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
2d Session
H. R. 5982
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 19, 2008
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, for purposes of
transportation security, to conduct a study on how airports can
transition to uniform, standards-based, and interoperable biometric
identifier systems for airport workers with unescorted access to secure
or sterile areas of an airport, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Biometric Enhancement for Airport-
Risk Reduction Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1) Biometric identifier system.--The term ``biometric
identifier system'' means a system that uses biometric
identifier information to match individuals and confirm
identity for transportation security and other purposes.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Homeland Security acting through the Assistant Secretary of
Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).
SEC. 3. BIOMETRIC IDENTIFIER SYSTEMS.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
working group of industry stakeholders to be established under
subsection (c), shall conduct a study on how airports can
transition to uniform, standards-based, and interoperable
biometric identifier systems for airport workers with
unescorted access to secure or sterile areas of an airport.
(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the study shall be to enhance
transportation security against a potential act of terrorism by
an airport worker who is allowed unescorted access to secure or
sterile areas of an airport.
(3) Risk-based analysis.--In conducting the study, the
Secretary shall conduct a risk-based analysis of selected
Category X and I airports and other airports, as the Secretary
determines appropriate, to identify where the implementation of
biometric identifier systems could benefit airports.
(4) Considerations.--In conducting the study, the Secretary
shall consider the following:
(A) Parallel systems.--Existing parallel biometric
security systems applicable to workers with unescorted
access to critical infrastructure, including--
(i) transportation security cards issued
under section 70105 of title 46, United States
Code;
(ii) armed law enforcement travel
credentials issued under section 44903(h)(6) of
title 49, United States Code; and
(iii) other credential programs used by the
Federal Government, as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(B) Efforts by transportation security
administration.--Any biometric programs or proposals
developed by the Assistant Secretary of Homeland
Security (Transportation Security Administration).
(C) Infrastructure and technical requirements.--The
architecture, modules, interfaces, and transmission of
data needed to address risks associated with securing
airports by providing interoperable biometric security
measures and credentials for airport workers with
unescorted access to secure and sterile areas of an
airport.
(D) Existing airport systems.--Biometric
infrastructure and systems in use in secure and sterile
areas of airports.
(E) Incentives.--Possible incentives for airports
that voluntarily seek to implement uniform, standards-
based, and interoperable biometric identifier systems.
(F) Associated costs.--The costs of implementing
uniform, standards-based, and interoperable biometric
identifier systems at airports, including--
(i) the costs to airport operators, airport
workers, air carriers, and other aviation
industry stakeholders; and
(ii) the costs associated with ongoing
operations and maintenance and modifications
and enhancements needed to support changes in
physical and electronic infrastructure.
(G) GAO recommendations.--Any recommendations or
findings developed by the Government Accountability
Office relating to implementing biometric security for
airport workers with unescorted access to secure and
sterile areas of airports.
(H) Information from other sources.--
Recommendations, guidance, and information from other
sources, including government entities, organizations
representing airport workers, and private individuals
and organizations.
(5) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate a report on the results of the study conducted under
this subsection.
(b) Best Practices.--
(1) Identification of best practices.--The Secretary, in
consultation with the working group of aviation industry
stakeholders to be established under subsection (c), shall
identify best practices for the administration of biometric
credentials at airports, including best practices for each of
the following processes:
(A) Registration and enrollment.
(B) Eligibility vetting and risk assessment.
(C) Issuance.
(D) Verification and use.
(E) Expiration and revocation.
(F) Development of a cost structure for acquisition
of biometric credentials.
(G) Development of redress processes for workers.
(2) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
(A) submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a
report that outlines the best practices identified
under paragraph (1); and
(B) make the report available to airport operators.
(c) Aviation and Airport Security Working Group.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall convene a working
group to assist the Secretary with issues pertaining to
implementing and carrying out this section.
(2) Membership.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
membership of the working group includes aviation industry
stakeholders and specifically includes individuals selected
from among--
(A) the membership of the Transportation Security
Administration's Aviation Security Advisory Committee;
(B) individuals and organizations representing
airports;
(C) individuals and organizations representing
airport workers, including those airport workers with
unescorted access to secure and sterile areas of
airports;
(D) individuals and organizations representing the
biometric technology sector; and
(E) any other individuals and organizations that
the Secretary considers appropriate.
(3) Nonapplicability of faca.--The Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to working group
established under this subsection.
(4) Sunset.--The working group established under this
subsection shall cease operations 30 days after the date of
submission of the report under subsection (a)(5) or 30 days
after the date of submission of the report under subsection
(b)(2), whichever is later.
Passed the House of Representatives June 18, 2008.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk.