Senate security bill includes TWIC relief

The Senate Commerce Committee has approved a surface transportation security bill (S. 763) that would make use of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) voluntary for individuals, who because of employment are regulated by the Transportation Security Administration, the Department of Transportation, or the Coast Guard. Another provision would allow states to use a valid TWIC as proof of a completed security threat assessment, saving an individual from having to pay a duplicative assessment fee when screened for a hazardous materials endorsement. The two provisions are similar to measures included in a House-passed bill (H.R. 2825).