COVERT Act of 2009
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (26 May 2009): Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection.
What this bill does
This bill, H.R. 2464, the COVERT Act of 2009, would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that advance notice of covert tests of transportation security systems is not given to individuals, including security screeners, before a test is completed. There are exceptions, such as allowing information to be shared with certain federal, state, and local government employees and contractors. Additionally, individuals conducting a test could reveal their status if a screener identifies them as a potential threat.
The bill also mandates that a "cover team" monitor covert tests to confirm the identity of those involved. However, this cover team requirement would not apply to tests of aviation security screening if approved by the Federal Security Director for the airport and conducted under a Department of Homeland Security program. The Secretary of Homeland Security would also be required to study the effects of these covert testing procedures on the department's efforts to improve transportation security.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in May 2009 and was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not moved through the legislative process since its introduction.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Catching Operational Vulnerabilities by Ensuring Random Testing Act of 2009 or the COVERT Act of 2009 - Requires 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 to study the impact of implementing covert testing procedures under this Act on the Department's efforts to improve transportation security.
Timeline
26 May 2009
Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2464 do?
- This bill, H.R. 2464, the COVERT Act of 2009, would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that advance notice of covert tests of transportation security systems is not given to individuals, including security screeners, before a test is completed. There are exceptions, such as allowing information to be shared with certain federal, state, and local government employees and contractors. Additionally, individuals conducting a test could reveal their status if a screener identifies them as a potential threat. The bill also mandates that a "cover team" monitor covert tests to confirm the identity of those involved. However, this cover team requirement would not apply to tests of aviation security screening if approved by the Federal Security Director for the airport and conducted under a Department of Homeland Security program. The Secretary of Homeland Security would also be required to study the effects of these covert testing procedures on the department's efforts to improve transportation security. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in May 2009 and was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not moved through the legislative process since its introduction.
- Has H.R. 2464 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 2464. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2464?
- H.R. 2464 was sponsored by Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18] (D-NY), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2464?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection. (26 May 2009).
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