H.R. 5109 · Where this bill is now
In the Senate
Passed the House Sep 16, 2026. Received Sep 16, 2026; no Senate vote yet
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryHelps prisoners prepare for work credential applications
The Transportation Security Administration would create guidelines to help people in prison get ready for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, or TWIC card, before they're released. The guidelines would cover how to start an application and how to appeal if they're initially denied. A TWIC card is required for certain jobs in maritime facilities and on ships.
How it affects you
This mainly affects incarcerated people who plan to work in maritime jobs after release. By helping them prepare applications while still in prison, they could potentially obtain the credential faster once they're out, making it easier to find work in ports and on vessels.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Sep 3, 2025)
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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 5109
AN ACT
Transportation Worker Identification Credential Efficiency Act
Sponsor: Rep. Troy A. Carter (D-LA-2) · Introduced Sep 3, 2025 · Transportation and Public Works · 4 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Sep 16, 2026: “Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.”