CG Sends TWIC Reader Rule Delay to OMB

Earlier this week the OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) announced that it had received a proposed rule from the Coast Guard that would delay the implementation of the TWIC Reader Rule. This rulemaking was not included in the Fall 2017 Unified Agenda so there are little or no details publicly available. The final rule for the TWIC Reader was published in 2016. The effective date is August 23, 2018.

While the Trump Administration has established a firm reputation for delaying the implementation of Obama Administration regulations, particularly those finalized in the closing months of that Administration, this action would appear to be something a tad bit different. This rulemaking was years in development and specifically required by law, so it clearly is not an Obama policy legacy.

It will be interesting to see what justification that the Coast Guard is using to delay the implementation of this rule.