TSA Says Airports Can Finally Throw Away Old Background Checks
Published Date: 1/15/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 15, 2025, airport and aircraft operators only need to keep criminal history records for a worker’s current security check, not old ones. They can store these records on paper or electronically, making life simpler and clearer for everyone involved. This update affects anyone handling security checks at airports and aircraft companies, with no extra costs or deadlines beyond the effective date.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Keep Only Current CHRC Records
Starting January 15, 2025, airport and aircraft operators must keep only the criminal-history records (including the CHRC application) associated with an individual's current criminal history records check (CHRC), CHRC certification, or authorization to perform a covered function — they are not required to retain records associated with previous CHRCs or prior employment investigations.
Potential Cost Savings for Operators
TSA states that clarifying CHRC recordkeeping to require retention only of current CHRC records and permitting electronic storage may result in cost savings for airport and aircraft operators by reducing burdens associated with keeping numerous historical CHRC files.
Paper or Electronic Storage Allowed
The rule clarifies that the required CHRC records may be stored in electronic form or on paper, 'in electronic or paper form, as authorized by TSA.' This explicitly permits electronic document storage for current CHRC records.
180-Day Record Retention Rule
The rule requires that the CHRC records an operator keeps for an individual be maintained until 180 days after the termination of the individual's unescorted access authority or authority to perform a covered function, after which the criminal record must be destroyed.
Direct Employees Must Handle CHRC Records
The rule states that only direct airport operator or aircraft operator employees may physically maintain, control, and, as appropriate, destroy the fingerprint application and criminal record for CHRCs.
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