PUBLIC LAW 104-264—OCT. 9, 1996 110 STAT. 3251 Federal agencies, and appropriate members of the private sector, shall— (1) assess the weapons and explosive detection technologies that are available at the time of the study that are capable of being effectively deployed in commercial aviation; (2) determine how the technologies referred to in paragraph (1) may more effectively be used for promotion and improvement of security at airport and aviation facilities and other secured areas; (3) assess the cost and advisability of requiring hardened cargo containers as a way to enhance aviation security and reduce the required sensitivity of bomb detection equipment; and (4) on the basis of the assessments and determinations made under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), identify the most promising technologies for the improvement of the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of weapons and explosive detection. (d) COOPERATION.— The National Science sind Technology Council shall take such actions as may be necessary to facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable and upon request of the Director of the National Academy of Sciences (or the head of another equivalent entity), the cooperation of representatives of appropriate Federal agencies, as provided for in subsection (c), in providing the pamiel, for the study under this section— (1) expertise; and (2) to the extent allowable by law, resources and facilities. (e) REPORTS.—The Director of the National Academy of Sciences (or the head of ginother equivalent entity) shall, pursuant to an arrangement entered into under subsection (a), submit to the Administrator such reports as the Administrator considers to be appropriate. Upon receipt of a report under this subsection, the Administrator shall submit a copy of the report to the appropriate committees of Congress. (f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 1997 through 2001 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. SEC. 304. REQUIREMENT FOR CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECKS. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 44936(a)(1) is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively; (2) by striking "(1)" and inserting "(1)(A)"; and (3) by adding at the end the following: "(B) The Administrator shall require by regulation that an employment investigation (including a criminal history record check in any case described in subparagraph (C)) be conducted for— "(i) individuEds who will be responsible for screening passengers or property under section 44901 of this title; "(ii) supervisors of the individuals described in clause (i); and "(iii) such other individuals who exercise security functions associated with baggage or cargo, as the Administrator determines is necessary to ensure air transportation security. "(C) Under the regulations issued under subparagraph (B), a criminal history record check shall be conducted in any case in which—
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