Sec. 703. Personal protective equipment
624 words·~3 min read·
/bill/116/hr/8309/ih/section-703·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
In this section: The term appropriate congressional committees means the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate. The term Department means the Department of Homeland Security. The term personal protective equipment includes protective gloves, masks, and any additional protective equipment determined appropriate by the Secretary. The term Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall ensure the availability of an adequate supply of personal protective equipment to equip personnel of the Department and each component conducting operations requiring contact with the public for use during the COVID–19 global pandemic. Such personnel include the following: Transportation Security Officers. Explosives Detection Canine Handlers. Federal Air Marshals. Transportation Security Inspectors.
Administration personnel involved in operations of Visual Intermodal Prevention and Response teams. U.S. Border Patrol agents. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. Air and Marine Officers. U.S. Border Patrol Processing Coordinators. Officers of the Federal Protective Service. Secret Service Agents and officers. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Any other personnel determined appropriate by the Secretary. Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Department component head shall— ensure the job hazard analysis of each such component identifies the regular duties and tasks required of relevant personnel to determine the amount of personal protective equipment required per shift to conduct specified duties and tasks; and provide to the Secretary such analysis.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Department component head shall identify and implement appropriate best practices for storing personal protective equipment. Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Department component head shall identify and implement measures to augment existing Department facilities and vehicles to protect frontline Department personnel regularly interacting with or transporting individuals in the public.
Such measures shall include the implementation of technologies such as plexiglass barriers, biometric technology, computed tomography, detection-at-range, and credential authentication technology utilizing digital camera technology. Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop or update, as appropriate, policies for the workforce of the Department related to the use and potential reuse and availability of personal protective equipment.
The Secretary shall report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the implementation of this subsection. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an after-action review to examine the Department’s response and mitigation efforts related to the COVID–19 global pandemic. Such review shall include information relating to the following: The overall preparedness of the Department and each of the Department components to respond to the COVID–19 global pandemic, including preparedness to continue to fulfill its mission and protect Department personnel, the public, the transportation system, ports of entry, and the border.
Communication challenges related to effectively engaging with the public, Department personnel, and appropriate Federal, State, local, Tribal, and industry stakeholders. The effectiveness of existing authorities allowing the Department to utilize weather and safety leave policies, hazard pay, or other personnel management policies to protect Department personnel. Impacts on security functions, operations, and other homeland security missions. The availability of personal protective equipment for Department personnel and individuals in the custody of the Department.
The extent to which technologies to promote less contact between Department personnel and the public, such as the technologies referred to in subsection (d), were implemented, and any challenges or impediments to such implementation. Recommendations for action to improve the preparedness of the Department for future crises and pandemics.