TSA Rule Equalizes Penalty Procedures

Government agencies will follow similar procedures no matter who breaks transport security rules.

Surface transportation parties under Transportation Security Administration jurisdiction, and workers who have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential will be covered by the same penalty guidelines as the aviation industry under new rules published July 21.

The TSA published new enforcement procedures that outline the due process procedures for all parties that have violated the agency's security regulations. The rules take effect on Aug. 20, and TSA will accept comments until Sept. 21.

TSA said the realignment of its enforcement procedures was ordered by Congress last year in the bill to implement all recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

The proposal is in the July 21 Federal Register at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-17133.htm.

Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.