Security screening for members of the Armed Forces

(a)

In general

Section 44903 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(m)

Security screening for members of the Armed Forces

(1)

In general

The Assistant Secretary shall develop and implement a plan to provide expedited security screening services for a member of the Armed Forces, and any accompanying family member, when the member of the Armed Forces presents documentation indicating official orders while in uniform through a primary airport (as defined by section 47102 of this title). (2)

Protocols

In developing the plan, the Assistant Secretary shall consider— (A)leveraging existing security screening models used by airports and air carriers to reduce passenger wait times before entering a security screening checkpoint; (B)establishing standard guidelines for the screening of military uniform items, including combat boots; and (C)incorporating any new screening protocols into an existing trusted passenger program, as established pursuant to section 109(a)(3) of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (Public Law 107–71; 115 Stat. 613; 49 U.S.C. 114 note), or into the development of any new credential or system that incorporates biometric technology and other applicable technologies to verify the identity of individuals traveling in air transportation. (3)

Report to Congress

The Assistant Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the implementation of the plan.

(b)

Effective date

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall implement the plan required by this Act.