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 would require the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop guidelines aimed at improving access to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program for returning citizens (people reentering society after incarceration). It also directs TSA to help individuals who are currently in Federal, State, and local prisons to pre-apply or prepare TWIC applications before release, and to assist those requesting appeals or waivers of preliminary determinations of ineligibility. A briefing to Congress on these improvements would be due within one year, and the bill would require various offices and committees to receive a copy for consideration. TWIC cards, issued jointly by TSA and the U.S. Coast Guard, are used by workers who need access to secure maritime facilities and vessels. The bill emphasizes the importance of employment opportunities tied to TWIC eligibility as part of successful reentry and security of maritime facilities, while acknowledging existing processes for appeals and waivers of disqualifying determinations.