COVERT Act of 2008
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (19 Jun 2008): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
This bill, known as the COVERT Act of 2008, would amend the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. It would prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from providing advance notice of covert tests of transportation security systems to individuals involved in those tests, including security screeners, until the tests are completed. This aims to enhance transportation security by preventing individuals from being alerted to tests designed to identify vulnerabilities.
The bill specifically affects security screeners and other individuals involved in transportation security at airports. It allows for exceptions to the advance notice prohibition, such as when information is shared with authorized federal, state, or local government employees or law enforcement officials. The bill also outlines procedures for monitoring covert tests and requires a study and report on the impact of these testing procedures.
The bill passed the House of Representatives on June 18, 2008, but it was not passed by the Senate during that congressional session. This means it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 5, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Catching Operational Vulnerabilities by Ensuring Random Testing Act of 2008, or the COVERT Act of 2008 - Amends the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to make sure that advance notice of a covert test of a transportation security system is not provided to any individual (including any security screener) before completion of the test, except: (1) that such information may be provided to certain federal, state, and local government employees, officers, and contractors (including military personnel); and (2) an individual conducting such a test may disclose his or her status if a security screener or other non-covered employee identifies such tester as a potential threat.
Requires the head of each covert testing office to make sure that a covert testing person or group is accompanied by a cover team to monitor the test and confirm the identity of personnel involved. States, however, that a cover team is not required to be present during a test of the screening of persons or baggage at an aviation security checkpoint if the test: (1) is approved by the Federal Security Director for the airport; and (2) is administered under an aviation screening assessment program of the Department of Homeland Security.
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to study and report to Congress on the impact of implementing covert testing procedures under this Act on the Department's efforts to improve transportation security.
Timeline
19 Jun 2008
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5909 do?
- This bill, known as the COVERT Act of 2008, would amend the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. It would prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from providing advance notice of covert tests of transportation security systems to individuals involved in those tests, including security screeners, until the tests are completed. This aims to enhance transportation security by preventing individuals from being alerted to tests designed to identify vulnerabilities. The bill specifically affects security screeners and other individuals involved in transportation security at airports. It allows for exceptions to the advance notice prohibition, such as when information is shared with authorized federal, state, or local government employees or law enforcement officials. The bill also outlines procedures for monitoring covert tests and requires a study and report on the impact of these testing procedures. The bill passed the House of Representatives on June 18, 2008, but it was not passed by the Senate during that congressional session. This means it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 5909 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 5909. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 5909?
- H.R. 5909 was sponsored by Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18] (D-NY), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5909?
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (19 Jun 2008).
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