Reforms relating to inactive security clearances

(a) Extension of period inactive security clearances The Secretary of Defense shall make such changes to Department of Defense Manual 5200.02 (relating to procedures for Department of Defense Personnel Security Program), or successor manual, as may be necessary to ensure an individual who has been retired or otherwise separated from service in the Armed Forces or employment with the Department of Defense for a period of not more than 5 years and who was eligible to access classified information on the day before the individual retired or otherwise separated, will be granted eligibility by the Secretary to access classified information as long as— (1) there is no indication the individual no longer satisfies the standards established for access to classified information; (2) the individual certifies in writing to an appropriate security professional that there has been no change in the relevant information provided for the last background investigation of the individual; and (3) an appropriate record check reveals no unfavorable information. (b) Feasibility and advisability assessment (1) In general The Secretary shall conduct an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of subjecting inactive security clearances to continuous vetting and due diligence. (2) Briefing Not later than June 30, 2026, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a briefing on the findings of the Secretary with respect to the assessment conducted pursuant to paragraph (1).