TSA Says It Will Soon Issue Driver Fingerprint Rules

Agency Pledges to Help States Set Up Systems to Implement Driver Background Checks

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AS VEGAS — The Transportation Security Administration said it plans to issue by the end of October rules governing how it will conduct fingerprint background checks on commercial drivers seeking or renewing hazardous materials endorsements.

In a letter the agency sent to American Trucking Associations, TSA addressed ATA’s concerns about the short time between an October release date for the protocols and the Jan. 31, 2005, deadline for implementing the background checks.

“ATA is concerned that states will not have adequate time or funds to set up the systems needed. This also includes a concern that the shortened time frame will not be sufficient to complete the data collection and background check adjudication processes, due to the transient nature of hazmat drivers,” said the letter, signed by Marianna Merritt, director of TSA’s Credentialing Program Office.

“TSA will do everything possible to assist all states in complying with provisions of the USA Patriot Act related to hazmat drivers,” the letter stated.

For the full story, see the Oct. 11 edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.