H.R.862 - TSA Commuting Fairness Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 862, the TSA Commuting Fairness Act, directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator to conduct a feasibility study on treating the time TSA employees spend commuting between regular duty locations and airport parking/transit stops as on-duty hours. The study must be submitted to relevant committees in both the House and Senate within 270 days of the Act's enactment.
The study will consider the time spent commuting at different sized airports, potential benefits to employees and the Administration, the feasibility of using technology to track arrival and departure times, and the estimated costs of treating commuting time as on-duty hours.
The Act aims to reduce commuting burdens on TSA employees, potentially improving morale and job satisfaction.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be a comprehensive study on the feasibility of compensating TSA employees for their commuting time between duty locations and parking/transit areas.
If the study deems it feasible and cost-effective, it could lead to policy changes where TSA employees are paid for this commuting time. This would likely increase operational costs for the TSA.
Ultimately, the bill could improve the working conditions for TSA employees by recognizing and compensating their commuting time.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Employee Morale: Recognizing commuting time as on-duty hours could boost TSA employee morale and job satisfaction.
- Increased Efficiency: Potentially, reduced stress related to commuting could lead to increased efficiency and focus during work hours.
- Fair Compensation: Employees would be fairly compensated for time spent traveling between parking/transit and their duty locations.
- Attracting and Retaining Talent: Better compensation packages could help the TSA attract and retain qualified personnel.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: The feasibility study will provide valuable data for informed decision-making regarding TSA employee compensation policies.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Costs: Treating commuting time as on-duty hours would likely increase the TSA's operational costs.
- Administrative Burden: Implementing a system to track and compensate commuting time could create an additional administrative burden.
- Potential for Abuse: A system for tracking commuting time could be subject to abuse if not properly monitored.
- Complexity: Determining fair compensation for commuting time across different airport sizes and locations could be complex.
- Uncertainty: The feasibility study may conclude that treating commuting time as on-duty hours is not feasible or cost-effective.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to improve the working conditions of TSA employees, which could indirectly contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of airport security. The 'general Welfare' clause is found in the preamble of the US Constitution.
Furthermore, Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.
However, the Act itself does not directly infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).