Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2021

Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2021

This bill addresses threat information sharing and law enforcement training regarding the enhancement of security for surface transportation assets. A surface transportation asset includes facilities, equipment, or systems used to provide transportation services by a public transportation carrier, railroad carrier, or an entity offering scheduled, fixed-route transportation services by bus.

Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prioritize the assignment of officers and intelligence analysts from the Transportation Security Administration and the Office of Intelligence and Analysis to locations with fusion centers in jurisdictions with high-risk surface transportation assets to enhance the security of such assets, including by improving timely sharing of classified information regarding terrorism and other threats.

The bill also authorizes DHS to develop a training program to enhance the protection, preparedness, and response capabilities of law enforcement agencies with respect to terrorism and other threats at a surface transportation asset.

Bill 117 HR 1870, also known as the Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2021, aims to enhance the security measures in place for local transportation systems across the United States. The bill focuses on providing resources and support to local governments and transportation agencies to improve their ability to prevent and respond to security threats.

One key aspect of the bill is the establishment of grant programs that will allocate funding to local transportation agencies for the purpose of enhancing security measures. These grants will be used to implement security training programs, upgrade security equipment, and improve communication systems to better coordinate responses to potential threats.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies in addressing transportation security issues. It calls for the development of partnerships and information-sharing mechanisms to ensure a coordinated and effective response to security threats. Overall, the Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2021 seeks to bolster the security of local transportation systems by providing resources, support, and promoting collaboration among various levels of government. This bill aims to enhance the safety and security of passengers and employees who rely on local transportation services.