COVERT Act of 2011
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (4 May 2011): Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
What this bill does
H.R. 1554, the COVERT Act of 2011, would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to prevent advance notice of covert tests of transportation security systems to most individuals, including security screeners, before the tests are completed. Exceptions exist for certain government employees, contractors, and military personnel. A person conducting a test could also disclose their status if identified as a potential threat by a screener.
The bill also mandates that covert testing offices have a "cover team" accompany testers to monitor the activity and confirm identities. However, this cover team would not be required for tests of person or baggage screening at aviation security checkpoints if the test is approved by the Federal Security Director and part of a DHS assessment program. The Secretary would also be required to study the impact of these covert testing procedures.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in April 2011 and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. As of the information provided, its latest action was its introduction, meaning it has not yet been acted upon by the committee or progressed further in the legislative process.
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 2011 or COVERT Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) 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 a DHS aviation screening assessment program.
Directs the Secretary to study the impact of implementing covert testing procedures under this Act on DHS efforts to improve transportation security.
Timeline
4 May 2011
Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1554 do?
- H.R. 1554, the COVERT Act of 2011, would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to prevent advance notice of covert tests of transportation security systems to most individuals, including security screeners, before the tests are completed. Exceptions exist for certain government employees, contractors, and military personnel. A person conducting a test could also disclose their status if identified as a potential threat by a screener. The bill also mandates that covert testing offices have a "cover team" accompany testers to monitor the activity and confirm identities. However, this cover team would not be required for tests of person or baggage screening at aviation security checkpoints if the test is approved by the Federal Security Director and part of a DHS assessment program. The Secretary would also be required to study the impact of these covert testing procedures. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in April 2011 and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security. As of the information provided, its latest action was its introduction, meaning it has not yet been acted upon by the committee or progressed further in the legislative process.
- Has H.R. 1554 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1554. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1554?
- H.R. 1554 was sponsored by Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18] (D-NY), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1554?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation Security. (4 May 2011).
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