AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Sep 9, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 20, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- The bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop guidelines helping incarcerated individuals in federal, state, and local prisons prepare TWIC applications before release.
- Guidelines must assist prisoners in pre-applying or preparing applications for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card.
- Guidelines must also assist prisoners in requesting appeals or waivers if they receive a preliminary determination of ineligibility for a TWIC card.
- A TWIC card is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers needing access to secure areas of U.S. maritime facilities and vessels.
- TSA conducts background checks and issues TWIC credentials based on eligibility determinations.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The bill enables earlier application preparation by incarcerated individuals, potentially reducing time to credential issuance after release.
- The official summary does not establish specific effects on employment outcomes, recidivism, or maritime workforce availability.
- The bill does not establish whether guidelines will change TSA's eligibility criteria or approval rates.
- No quantified impact, cost estimates, or affected population numbers are provided in the official summary.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- The House passed the bill by voice vote on September 16, 2026, under suspension of the rules.
- The Senate received the bill on September 16, 2026, and referred it to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- A House committee reported the bill on September 15, 2026 (H. Rept. 119-827).
- No scheduled Senate committee vote or floor action date is documented.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 16, 2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sep 16, 2026 — The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 16, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 16, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 16, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 16, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5109.
- Sep 16, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Sep 16, 2026 — Mr. Van Epps moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.