Overview
Title
Extension of Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Airport Security Part 1542
Agencies
ELI5 AI
In the document, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is asking people what they think about rules that airports must follow to keep everyone safe. They want to make sure the rules are good and not too hard to follow, and you can tell them your ideas until April 18, 2025.
Summary AI
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is seeking public comments on the extension of an information collection concerning airport security, specifically under OMB control number 1652-0002. This collection involves airport operators submitting and maintaining records to ensure security compliance according to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The TSA is inviting feedback on the necessity and utility of this information gathering to improve its processes and minimize the burden on respondents. Those interested can submit comments by April 18, 2025, through the specified government website.
Abstract
This notice announces that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has forwarded the Information Collection Request (ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0002, abstracted below to OMB for review and approval of an extension of the currently approved collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. The collection includes requirements for airport operators to submit certain information to TSA, as well as to maintain and update records to ensure compliance with security provisions.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), seeking public commentary on an extension of an information gathering initiative. This initiative is related to airport security, specifically concerning regulations under OMB control number 1652-0002. The notice aims to ensure compliance with security provisions by requiring airport operators to submit and maintain pertinent records as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA).
General Summary
The TSA has submitted an Information Collection Request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and potential extension of an existing program. This collection involves obtaining specific information from airport operators to ensure adherence to security requirements outlined in 49 CFR part 1542. The agency is soliciting public input on the necessity, accuracy, and efficiency of this data collection, along with suggestions for minimizing the burden on respondents. Public comments are invited until April 18, 2025.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several areas within the document may present challenges or concerns:
Lack of Cost Breakdown: The document does not provide detailed information on the specific costs associated with these information collection activities. This omission might prevent stakeholders from evaluating the economical efficiency or potential wastefulness of the initiative.
Calculation Clarity: The document summarizes the estimated number of respondents and the annual burden hours but does not explain how these figures were determined. This lack of transparency might lead to skepticism regarding the accuracy or reliability of these estimates.
Technical Jargon: The notice contains technical terms and references, such as "OMB control number," "49 CFR part 1542," and "Security Identification Display Area," without providing definitions or explanations. This might limit the document's accessibility to a general audience or those unfamiliar with legal and regulatory terminology.
Unexplained Adjustments: Adjustments to the annual hour burden are mentioned without detailing the rationale or methods behind these changes, potentially causing confusion.
Reference to Previous Notice: The document references a previously published notice but fails to provide a summary or context, which could be essential for understanding the background or developments related to this information collection.
Impact on the Public
Broadly speaking, this document and the related initiative have significant implications for the public, particularly for airport operators and, indirectly, air travelers. Efficient and effective airport security measures are crucial for passenger safety and travel smoothness. However, the burden of regulatory compliance, if not managed wisely, could increase operational costs for airports, potentially leading to higher costs for travelers.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Airport Operators: The primary stakeholders are airport operators who must comply with these regulations. While these measures are aimed at ensuring high security, the administrative and financial burdens could affect their operations if not appropriately balanced.
Travelers: Although not directly addressed to the public, enhanced security compliance indirectly impacts air travelers by potentially influencing security screening processes, efficiency, and overall air travel experience.
Regulatory Bodies: For TSA and related regulatory agencies, this initiative represents an ongoing effort to uphold and update security standards. However, they must balance the need for rigorous security checks with the practical challenges faced by stakeholders.
In conclusion, the document underscores the ongoing dialogue between regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders to optimize airport security practices. Nevertheless, increased transparency and clarification about costs, methodologies, and previous notices could enhance public understanding and engagement.
Issues
• The document does not provide a breakdown of the specific costs associated with the information collection activities, potentially making it difficult to assess if the spending might be wasteful.
• The document lacks specific information on how the estimated number of respondents and the estimated annual burden hours were calculated, which could lead to questions about the accuracy of these estimations.
• The document includes technical terms and references (e.g., OMB control number, 49 CFR part 1542, Security Identification Display Area) without providing definitions or explanations, which could make it difficult for a layperson to understand.
• There is no detailed explanation of how the adjustments to the annual hour burden were made, leading to potential confusion or uncertainty regarding these changes.
• The document refers to a previously published notice (89 FR 80911) but does not provide a clear summary of its content, which could be important for context.