text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
  
      This Act may be cited as the ``Biometric Enhancement for Airport-
  Risk Reduction Act of 2008''.
  
  SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
  
      In this Act, the following definitions apply:
              (1) Biometric identifier system.--The term ``biometric 
          identifier system'' means a system that uses biometric 
          identifier information to match individuals and confirm 
          identity for transportation security and other purposes.
              (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
          of Homeland Security acting through the Assistant Secretary of 
          Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).
  
  SEC. 3. BIOMETRIC IDENTIFIER SYSTEMS.
  
      (a) Study.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
          working group of industry stakeholders to be established under 
          subsection (c), shall conduct a study on how airports can 
          transition to uniform, standards-based, and interoperable 
          biometric identifier systems for airport workers with 
          unescorted access to secure or sterile areas of an airport.
              (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the study shall be to enhance 
          transportation security against a potential act of terrorism by 
          an airport worker who is allowed unescorted access to secure or 
          sterile areas of an airport.
              (3) Risk-based analysis.--In conducting the study, the 
          Secretary shall conduct a risk-based analysis of selected 
          Category X and I airports and other airports, as the Secretary 
          determines appropriate, to identify where the implementation of 
          biometric identifier systems could benefit airports.
              (4) Considerations.--In conducting the study, the Secretary 
          shall consider the following:
                      (A) Parallel systems.--Existing parallel biometric 
                  security systems applicable to workers with unescorted 
                  access to critical infrastructure, including--
                              (i) transportation security cards issued 
                          under section 70105 of title 46, United States 
                          Code;
                              (ii) armed law enforcement travel 
                          credentials issued under section 44903(h)(6) of 
                          title 49, United States Code; and
                              (iii) other credential programs used by the 
                          Federal Government, as the Secretary considers 
                          appropriate.
                      (B) Efforts by transportation security 
                  administration.--Any biometric programs or proposals 
                  developed by the Assistant Secretary of Homeland 
                  Security (Transportation Security Administration).
                      (C) Infrastructure and technical requirements.--The 
                  architecture, modules, interfaces, and transmission of 
                  data needed to address risks associated with securing 
                  airports by providing interoperable biometric security 
                  measures and credentials for airport workers with 
                  unescorted access to secure and sterile areas of an 
                  airport.
                      (D) Existing airport systems.--Biometric 
                  infrastructure and systems in use in secure and sterile 
                  areas of airports.
                      (E) Incentives.--Possible incentives for airports 
                  that voluntarily seek to implement uniform, standards-
                  based, and interoperable biometric identifier systems.
                      (F) Associated costs.--The costs of implementing 
                  uniform, standards-based, and interoperable biometric 
                  identifier systems at airports, including--
                              (i) the costs to airport operators, airport 
                          workers, air carriers, and other aviation 
                          industry stakeholders; and
                              (ii) the costs associated with ongoing 
                          operations and maintenance and modifications 
                          and enhancements needed to support changes in 
                          physical and electronic infrastructure.
                      (G) GAO recommendations.--Any recommendations or 
                  findings developed by the Government Accountability 
                  Office relating to implementing biometric security for 
                  airport workers with unescorted access to secure and 
                  sterile areas of airports.
                      (H) Information from other sources.--
                  Recommendations, guidance, and information from other 
                  sources, including government entities, organizations 
                  representing airport workers, and private individuals 
                  and organizations.
              (5) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
          enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
          Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives 
          and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
          the Senate a report on the results of the study conducted under 
          this subsection.
      (b) Best Practices.--
              (1) Identification of best practices.--The Secretary, in 
          consultation with the working group of aviation industry 
          stakeholders to be established under subsection (c), shall 
          identify best practices for the administration of biometric 
          credentials at airports, including best practices for each of 
          the following processes:
                      (A) Registration and enrollment.
                      (B) Eligibility vetting and risk assessment.
                      (C) Issuance.
                      (D) Verification and use.
                      (E) Expiration and revocation.
                      (F) Development of a cost structure for acquisition 
                  of biometric credentials.
                      (G) Development of redress processes for workers.
              (2) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of 
          enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
                      (A) submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of 
                  the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
                  Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
                  report that outlines the best practices identified 
                  under paragraph (1); and
                      (B) make the report available to airport operators.
      (c) Aviation and Airport Security Working Group.--
              (1) In general.--The Secretary shall convene a working 
          group to assist the Secretary with issues pertaining to 
          implementing and carrying out this section.
              (2) Membership.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
          membership of the working group includes aviation industry 
          stakeholders and specifically includes individuals selected 
          from among--
                      (A) the membership of the Transportation Security 
                  Administration's Aviation Security Advisory Committee;
                      (B) individuals and organizations representing 
                  airports;
                      (C) individuals and organizations representing 
                  airport workers, including those airport workers with 
                  unescorted access to secure and sterile areas of 
                  airports;
                      (D) individuals and organizations representing the 
                  biometric technology sector; and
                      (E) any other individuals and organizations that 
                  the Secretary considers appropriate.
              (3) Nonapplicability of faca.--The Federal Advisory 
          Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to working group 
          established under this subsection.
              (4) Sunset.--The working group established under this 
          subsection shall cease operations 30 days after the date of 
          submission of the report under subsection (a)(5) or 30 days 
          after the date of submission of the report under subsection 
          (b)(2), whichever is later.
  
              Passed the House of Representatives June 18, 2008.
  
              Attest:
  
                                              LORRAINE C. MILLER,
  
                                                                   Clerk.
target: Biometric Enhancement for Airport-Risk Reduction Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration (TSA)), to: (1) study and report to Congress on how airports can transition to uniform, standards-based, and interoperable biometric identifier systems for airport workers with unescorted access to secure or sterile areas of an airport; and (2) conduct a risk-based analysis of selected Category X and I airports and other airports to identify where implementation of such systems could benefit them.
  
  Defines "biometric identifier system" as a system that uses biometric identifier information to match and confirm identity of individuals for purposes of transportation security.
  
  Requires the Secretary to convene a working group to assist with issues pertaining to implementing this Act.
feat_title: To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, for purposes of transportation security, to conduct a study on how airports can transition to uniform, standards-based, and interoperable biometric identifier systems for airport workers with unescorted access to secure or sterile areas of an airport, and for other purposes.