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SEC. 334. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING UNMANNED 
AIRCRAFT SAFETY. 
It is the sense of Congress that— 
(1) the unauthorized operation of unmanned 
aircraft near airports presents a serious hazard to 
aviation safety; 
(2) a collision between an unmanned aircraft 
and a conventional aircraft in flight could jeopardize 
the safety of persons aboard the aircraft and on the 
ground; 
(3) Federal aviation regulations, including sec-
tions 91.126 through 91.131 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations, prohibit unauthorized operation 
of an aircraft in controlled airspace near an airport; 
(4) Federal aviation regulations, including sec-
tion 91.13 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
prohibit the operation of an aircraft in a careless or 
reckless manner so as to endanger the life or prop-
erty of another; 
(5) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration should pursue all available civil and 
administrative remedies available to the Adminis-
trator, including referrals to other government agen-
cies for criminal investigations, with respect to per-
sons who operate unmanned aircraft in an unauthor-
ized manner;
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(6) the Administrator should— 
(A) place particular priority in continuing 
measures, including partnering with nongovern-
mental organizations and State and local agen-
cies, to educate the public about the dangers to 
public safety of operating unmanned aircraft 
over areas that have temporary flight restric-
tions in place, for purposes such as wildfires, 
without appropriate approval or authorization 
from the Forest Service; and 
(B) partner with State and local agencies 
to effectively enforce relevant laws so that un-
manned aircrafts do not interfere with the ef-
forts of emergency responders; 
(7) the Administrator should place particular 
priority on continuing measures, including partner-
ships with nongovernmental organizations, to edu-
cate the public about the dangers to the public safe-
ty of operating unmanned aircraft near airports 
without the appropriate approvals or authorizations; 
and 
(8) manufacturers and retail sellers of small 
unmanned aircraft systems should take steps to edu-
cate consumers about the safe and lawful operation 
of such systems.
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SEC. 335. UAS PRIVACY REVIEW. 
(a) REVIEW.—The Secretary of Transportation, in 
consultation with the heads of appropriate Federal agen-
cies, appropriate State and local officials, and subject-mat-
ter experts and in consideration of relevant efforts led by 
the National Telecommunications and Information Ad-
ministration, shall carry out a review to identify any po-
tential reduction of privacy specifically caused by the inte-
gration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
airspace system. 
(b) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the review, the 
Secretary shall consult with the National Telecommuni-
cations and Information Administration of the Depart-
ment of Commerce on its ongoing efforts responsive to the 
Presidential memorandum titled ‘‘Promoting Economic 
Competitiveness While Safeguarding Privacy, Civil Rights, 
and Civil Liberties in Domestic Use of Unmanned Aircraft 
Systems’’ and dated February 15, 2015. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
on the results of the review required under subsection (a).
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SEC. 336. PUBLIC UAS OPERATIONS BY TRIBAL GOVERN-
MENTS. 
(a) PUBLIC UAS OPERATIONS BY TRIBAL GOVERN-
MENTS.—Section 40102(a)(41) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(F) An unmanned aircraft that is owned 
and operated by, or exclusively leased for at 
least 90 continuous days by, an Indian Tribal 
government, as defined in section 102 of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer-
gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122), except 
as provided in section 40125(b).’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 40125(b) 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
‘‘or (D)’’ and inserting ‘‘(D), or (F)’’. 
SEC. 337. EVALUATION OF AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION FOR 
SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT. 
(a) METRICS.—Beginning not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration shall develop and 
track metrics to assess compliance with and effectiveness 
of the registration of small unmanned aircraft systems by 
the Federal Aviation Administration pursuant to the in-
terim final rule issued on December 16, 2015, entitled 
‘‘Registration and Marking Requirements for Small Un-
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manned Aircraft’’ (80 Fed. Reg. 78593) and any subse-
quent final rule, including metrics with respect to— 
(1) the levels of compliance with the interim 
final rule and any subsequent final rule; 
(2) the number of enforcement actions taken by 
the Administration for violations of or noncompli-
ance with the interim final rule and any subsequent 
final rule, together with a description of the actions; 
and 
(3) the effect of the interim final rule and any 
subsequent final rule on compliance with any fees 
associated with the use of small unmanned aircraft 
systems. 
(b) EVALUATION.—The Inspector General of the De-
partment of Transportation shall evaluate— 
(1) the Administration’s progress in developing 
and tracking the metrics set forth in subsection (a); 
and 
(2) the reliability, effectiveness, and efficiency 
of the Administration’s registration program for 
small unmanned aircraft. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the De-
partment of Transportation shall submit to the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
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Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report con-
taining— 
(1) the results of the evaluation required under 
subsection (b); and 
(2) recommendations to the Administrator and 
Congress for improvements to the registration proc-
ess for small unmanned aircraft. 
SEC. 338. STUDY ON ROLES OF GOVERNMENTS RELATING 
TO LOW-ALTITUDE OPERATION OF SMALL 
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of 
the Department of Transportation shall initiate a study 
on— 
(1) the regulation and oversight of the low-alti-
tude operations of small unmanned aircraft and 
small unmanned aircraft systems; and 
(2) the appropriate roles and responsibilities of 
Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments in reg-
ulating and overseeing the operations of small un-
manned aircraft in airspace 400 feet above ground 
level and below. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out the study, 
the Inspector General shall consider, at a minimum—
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(1) the recommendations of Task Group 1 of 
the Drone Advisory Committee chartered by the 
Federal Aviation Administration on August 31, 
2016; 
(2) the legal and policy requirements necessary 
for the safe and financially viable development and 
growth of the unmanned aircraft industry; 
(3) the interests of Federal, State, local, and 
Tribal governments affected by low-altitude oper-
ations of small unmanned aircraft; 
(4) the existing authorities of Federal, State, 
local, and Tribal governments to protect the inter-
ests referenced in paragraph (3); 
(5) the degree of regulatory consistency re-
quired for the safe and financially viable growth and 
development of the unmanned aircraft industry; 
(6) the degree of local variance possible among 
regulations consistent with the safe and financially 
viable growth and development of the unmanned air-
craft industry; 
(7) the appropriate roles of State, local, and 
Tribal governments in regulating the operations of 
small unmanned aircraft within the lateral bound-
aries of their jurisdiction in the categories of air-
space described in subsection (a)(2), including dur-
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ing emergency situations that may threaten public 
safety; 
(8) the subjects and types of regulatory author-
ity that should remain with the Federal Government; 
(9) the infrastructure requirements necessary 
for monitoring the low-altitude operations of small 
unmanned aircraft and enforcing applicable laws; 
(10) the number of small businesses involved in 
the various sectors of the unmanned aircraft indus-
try and operating as primary users of small un-
manned aircraft; and 
(11) any best practices, lessons learned, or poli-
cies of jurisdictions outside the United States relat-
ing to local or regional regulation and oversight of 
small unmanned aircraft and other emergent tech-
nologies. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 days 
after initiating the study, the Inspector General shall sub-
mit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc-
ture of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
a report on the results of the study.
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SEC. 339. STUDY ON FINANCING OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
SERVICES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 
of the United States shall initiate a study on appropriate 
fee mechanisms to recover the costs of— 
(1) the regulation and safety oversight of un-
manned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems; 
and 
(2) the provision of air navigation services to 
unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out the study, 
the Comptroller General shall consider, at a minimum— 
(1) the recommendations of Task Group 3 of 
the Drone Advisory Committee chartered by the 
Federal Aviation Administration on August 31, 
2016; 
(2) the total annual costs incurred by the Fed-
eral Aviation Administration for the regulation and 
safety oversight of activities related to unmanned 
aircraft; 
(3) the annual costs attributable to various 
types, classes, and categories of unmanned aircraft 
activities;
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•HR 4 EH1S 
(4) air traffic services provided to unmanned 
aircraft operating under instrument flight rules, ex-
cluding public aircraft; 
(5) the number of full-time Federal Aviation 
Administration employees dedicated to unmanned 
aircraft programs; 
(6) the use of privately operated UTM and 
other privately operated unmanned aircraft systems; 
(7) the projected growth of unmanned aircraft 
operations for various applications and the estimated 
need for regulation, oversight, and other services; 
(8) the number of small businesses involved in 
the various sectors of the unmanned aircraft indus-
try and operating as primary users of unmanned air-
craft; and 
(9) any best practices or policies utilized by ju-
risdictions outside the United States relating to par-
tial or total recovery of regulation and safety over-
sight costs related to unmanned aircraft and other 
emergent technologies. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 days 
after initiating the study, the Comptroller General shall 
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure of the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
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Senate a report containing recommendations on appro-
priate fee mechanisms to recover the costs of regulating 
and providing air navigation services to unmanned aircraft 
and unmanned aircraft systems. 
SEC. 340. UPDATE OF FAA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 270 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall update the comprehensive plan developed pur-
suant to section 332 of the FAA Modernization and Re-
form Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) to develop a 
concept of operations for the integration of unmanned air-
craft into the national airspace system. 
(b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out the update, 
the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum— 
(1) the potential use of UTM and other tech-
nologies to ensure the safe and lawful operation of 
unmanned aircraft in the national airspace system; 
(2) the appropriate roles, responsibilities, and 
authorities of government agencies and the private 
sector in identifying and reporting unlawful or 
harmful operations and operators of unmanned air-
craft; 
(3) the use of models, threat assessments, prob-
abilities, and other methods to distinguish between
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•HR 4 EH1S 
lawful and unlawful operations of unmanned air-
craft; and 
(4) appropriate systems, training, intergovern-
mental processes, protocols, and procedures to miti-
gate risks and hazards posed by unlawful or harmful 
operations of unmanned aircraft systems. 
(c) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary shall carry out 
the update in consultation with representatives of the avia-
tion industry, Federal agencies that employ unmanned air-
craft systems technology in the national airspace system, 
and the unmanned aircraft systems industry. 
(d) PROGRAM ALIGNMENT.—The Secretary shall 
submit a report to the House Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation within 90 days 
after enactment of this Act that describes how each of the 
following programs will be executed or implemented in a 
systematic and timely manner to avoid duplication, lever-
age capabilities learned across programs, and support the 
safe integration of UAS into the national airspace: 
(1) Commercially-operated Low Altitude Au-
thorization and Notification Capability. 
(2) The Unmanned Aircraft System Integration 
Pilot Program.
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(3) The Unmanned Traffic Management Pilot 
Program. 
SEC. 341. COOPERATION RELATED TO CERTAIN COUNTER- 
UAS TECHNOLOGY. 
In matters relating to the use of systems in the na-
tional airspace system intended to mitigate threats posed 
by errant or hostile unmanned aircraft system operations, 
the Secretary of Transportation shall consult with the Sec-
retary of Defense to streamline deployment of such sys-
tems by drawing upon the expertise and experience of the 
Department of Defense in acquiring and operating such 
systems consistent with the safe and efficient operation 
of the national airspace system. 
SEC. 342. DEFINITIONS. 
Section 40102(a) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(48) ‘counter-UAS system’ means a system or 
device capable of lawfully and safely disabling, dis-
rupting, or seizing control of an unmanned aircraft 
or unmanned aircraft system. 
‘‘(49) ‘public unmanned aircraft system’ means 
an unmanned aircraft system that meets the quali-
fications and conditions required for operation of a 
public aircraft.
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‘‘(50) ‘small unmanned aircraft’ means an un-
manned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds, in-
cluding everything that is on board or otherwise at-
tached to the aircraft. 
‘‘(51) ‘unmanned aircraft’ means an aircraft 
that is operated without the possibility of direct 
human intervention from within or on the aircraft. 
‘‘(52) ‘unmanned aircraft system’ means an un-
manned aircraft and associated elements (including 
communication links and the components that con-
trol the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the 
pilot in command to operate safely and efficiently in 
the national airspace system. 
‘‘(53) ‘UTM’ means an unmanned aircraft traf-
fic management system or service.’’. 
SEC. 343. SPECIAL RULES FOR MODEL AIRCRAFT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provi-
sion of law relating to the incorporation of unmanned air-
craft systems into Federal Aviation Administration plans 
and policies, including this subtitle, the Administrator of 
the Federal Aviation Administration may not promulgate 
any rule or regulation regarding a model aircraft or an 
aircraft being developed as a model aircraft, except for— 
(1) rules regarding the registration of certain 
model aircraft pursuant to section 44103; and
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(2) rules regarding unmanned aircraft that by 
design provide advanced flight capabilities enabling 
active, sustained, and controlled navigation of the 
aircraft beyond the visual line of sight of the oper-
ator, if— 
(A) the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby 
or recreational use; 
(B) the model aircraft operator is a cur-
rent member of a community-based organiza-
tion and whose aircraft is operated in accord-
ance with the organization’s safety rules; 
(C) the aircraft is limited to not more than 
55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a 
design, construction, inspection, flight test, and 
operational safety program administered by a 
community-based organization; 
(D) the aircraft is operated in a manner 
that does not interfere with and gives way to 
any manned aircraft; 
(E) the aircraft is not operated over or 
within the property of a fixed site facility that 
operates amusement rides available for use by 
the general public or the property extending 
500 lateral feet beyond the perimeter of such
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•HR 4 EH1S 
facility unless the operation is authorized by the 
owner of the amusement facility; and 
(F) when flown within 5 miles of an air-
port, the operator of the aircraft provides the 
airport operator and the airport air traffic con-
trol tower (when an air traffic facility is located 
at the airport) with prior notice of the oper-
ation (model aircraft operators flying from a 
permanent location within 5 miles of an airport 
should establish a mutually agreed upon oper-
ating procedure with the airport operator and 
the airport air traffic control tower (when an 
air traffic facility is located at the airport)). 
(b) AUTOMATED INSTANT AUTHORIZATION.—When 
the FAA has developed and implemented an automated 
airspace authorization system for the airspace in which the 
operator wants to operate, the model aircraft operator 
shall use this system for authorization to controlled air-
space unless flown— 
(1) at a permanent location agreed to by the 
Administrator; and 
(2) in accordance with a mutually agreed upon 
operating procedure established with the airport op-
erator and the airport air traffic control tower (when 
an air traffic facility is located at the airport).
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•HR 4 EH1S 
(d) COMMERCIAL OPERATION FOR INSTRUCTIONAL 
OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.—A flight of an unmanned 
aircraft shall be treated as a flight of a model aircraft 
for purposes of subsection (a) (regardless of any com-
pensation, reimbursement, or other consideration ex-
changed or incidental economic benefit gained in the 
course of planning, operating, or supervising the flight), 
if the flight is— 
(1) conducted for instructional or educational 
purposes; and 
(2) operated or supervised by a member of a 
community-based organization recognized pursuant 
to subsection (e). 
(e) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
section may be construed to limit the authority of the Ad-
ministrator to pursue enforcement action against persons 
operating model aircraft who endanger the safety of the 
national airspace system. 
(f) COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION DEFINED.— 
In this section, the term ‘‘community-based organization’’ 
means a nationwide membership-based association entity 
that— 
(1) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986;
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(2) is exempt from tax under section 501(a) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; 
(3) the mission of which is demonstrably the 
furtherance of model aviation; 
(4) provides a comprehensive set of safety 
guidelines for all aspects of model aviation address-
ing the assembly and operation of model aircraft and 
that emphasize safe aeromodeling operations within 
the national airspace system and the protection and 
safety of individuals and property on the ground, 
and may provide a comprehensive set of safety rules 
and programming for the operation of unmanned 
aircraft that have the advanced flight capabilities en-
abling active, sustained, and controlled navigation of 
the aircraft beyond visual line of sight of the oper-
ator; 
(5) provides programming and support for any 
local charter organizations, affiliates, or clubs; and 
(6) provides assistance and support in the de-
velopment and operation of locally designated model 
aircraft flying sites. 
(g) RECOGNITION OF COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZA-
TIONS.—In collaboration with aeromodelling stakeholders, 
the Administrator shall publish an advisory circular within 
180 days of enactment that identifies the criteria and
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process required for recognition of nationwide community- 
based organizations. This recognition shall be in the form 
of a memorandum of agreement between the FAA and 
each community-based organization and does not require 
regulatory action to implement. 
(h) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Except for rules to imple-
ment remote identification for unmanned aircraft that by 
design provide advanced flight capabilities enabling active, 
sustained, and controlled navigation of the aircraft beyond 
the visual line of sight of the operator and for rules re-
garding the registration of certain model aircraft pursuant 
to section 44103, this section shall become effective when 
the rule, referred to in section 532 of the FAA Reauthor-
ization Act of 2018, regarding revisions to part 107 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, becomes final. 
SEC. 344. RECREATIONAL UAS. 
(a) IN GENERAL .—Not later than 120 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of 
the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue rules and 
regulations relating to small UAS flown for recreational 
or educational use, and that are not operated within all 
of the criteria outlined in the special rule for model air-
craft in section 45505 of title 49, United States Code, or 
the requirements of part 107 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations.
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(b) REGULATORY AUTHORITY.—When issuing the 
rules and regulation pursuant to this section, the Adminis-
trator shall— 
(1) require the completion of an online or elec-
tronic educational tutorial that is focused on knowl-
edge of the primary rules necessary for the safe op-
eration of such UAS and whose completion time is 
of reasonable length and limited duration; 
(2) include provisions that enable the operation 
of such UAS by individuals under the age of 16 
without a certificated pilot; 
(3) require UAS operators within Class B, C, D 
and E airspace to obtain authorization, as the Ad-
ministrator may determine to be necessary within 
that airspace, but only after the Federal Aviation 
Administration has developed and implemented an 
automated airspace authorization system for the air-
space in which the operator wants to operate; and 
(4) include provisions that provide specific oper-
ational rules for UAS operating in close proximity to 
airports in class G airspace. 
(c) MAINTAINING BROAD ACCESS TO UAS TECH-
NOLOGY.—When issuing rules or regulations for the oper-
ation of UAS under this section, the Administrator shall 
not—
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(1) require the pilot or operator of the UAS to 
obtain or hold an airman certificate; 
(2) require a practical flight examination, med-
ical examination, or the completion of a flight train-
ing program; 
(3) limit such UAS operations to pre-designated 
fixed locations or uncontrolled airspace; or 
(4) require airworthiness certification of any 
UAS operated pursuant to this section. 
(d) COLLABORATION.—The Administrator shall carry 
out this section in collaboration with industry and commu-
nity-based organizations. 
SEC. 345. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 
PILOT PROGRAM. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Transportation 
may establish a pilot program to enable enhanced drone 
operations as required in the October 25, 2017 Presi-
dential Memorandum entitled ‘‘Unmanned Aircraft Sys-
tems Integration Pilot Program’’ and described in 82 Fed-
eral Register 50301. 
(b) APPLICATIONS.—The Secretary shall accept ap-
plications from State, local, and Tribal governments, in 
partnership with unmanned aircraft system operators and 
other private-sector stakeholders, to test and evaluate the
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integration of civil and public UAS operations into the 
low-altitude national airspace system. 
(c) OBJECTIVES.—The purpose of the pilot program 
is to accelerate existing UAS integration plans by working 
to solve technical, regulatory, and policy challenges, while 
enabling advanced UAS operations in select areas subject 
to ongoing safety oversight and cooperation between the 
Federal Government and applicable State, local, or Tribal 
jurisdictions, in order to— 
(1) accelerate the safe integration of UAS into 
the NAS by testing and validating new concepts of 
beyond visual line of sight operations in a controlled 
environment, focusing on detect and avoid tech-
nologies, command and control links, navigation, 
weather, and human factors; 
(2) address ongoing concerns regarding the po-
tential security and safety risks associated with UAS 
operating in close proximity to human beings and 
critical infrastructure by ensuring that operators 
communicate more effectively with Federal, State, 
local, and Tribal law enforcement to enable law en-
forcement to determine if a UAS operation poses 
such a risk; 
(3) promote innovation in and development of 
the United States unmanned aviation industry, espe-
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cially in sectors such as agriculture, emergency man-
agement, inspection, and transportation safety, in 
which there are significant public benefits to be 
gained from the deployment of UAS; and 
(4) identify the most effective models of bal-
ancing local and national interests in UAS integra-
tion. 
(d) APPLICATION SUBMISSION.—The Secretary shall 
establish application requirements and require applicants 
to include the following information: 
(1) Identification of the airspace to be used, in-
cluding shape files and altitudes. 
(2) Description of the types of planned oper-
ations. 
(3) Identification of stakeholder partners to test 
and evaluate planned operations. 
(4) Identification of available infrastructure to 
support planned operations. 
(5) Description of experience with UAS oper-
ations and regulations. 
(6) Description of existing UAS operator and 
any other stakeholder partnerships and experience. 
(7) Description of plans to address safety, secu-
rity, competition, privacy concerns, and community 
outreach.
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(e) REASONABLE TIME, MANNER, AND PLACE LIMI-
TATIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.— 
(A) REQUESTS.—The Lead Applicant may 
request reasonable time, place and manner limi-
tations on low-altitude UAS operations within 
its jurisdiction to facilitate the proposed devel-
opment and testing of new and innovative UAS 
concepts of operations in addition to other se-
lection criteria. 
(B) SELF-IMPLEMENTING
PROVISIONS.— 
The Secretary shall require jurisdictions to en-
sure that any time, place and manner limita-
tions, including those adopted through means 
such as legislation or regulation, include self- 
implementing provisions that automatically ter-
minate those restrictions upon the termination 
of the Memorandum of Agreement. 
(C) MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—Monitoring and en-
forcement of any limitations enacted pur-
suant to this pilot project shall be the re-
sponsibility of the jurisdiction.
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(ii) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in 
clause (i) may be construed to prevent the 
Secretary from enforcing Federal law. 
(2) EXAMPLES.—Examples of reasonable time, 
manner, and place limitations may include— 
(A) prohibiting flight during specified 
morning and evening rush hours or only permit-
ting flight during specified hours such as day-
light hours, sufficient to ensure reasonable air-
space access; 
(B) establishing designated take-off and 
landing zones, limiting operations over moving 
locations or fixed site public road and parks, 
sidewalks or private property based on zoning 
density, or other land use considerations; 
(C) requiring notice to public safety or 
zoning or land use authorities before operating; 
(D) limiting UAS operations within des-
ignated altitudes within airspace over the juris-
diction; 
(E) specifying maximum speed of flight 
over specified areas; 
(F) prohibiting operations in connection 
with community or sporting events that do not
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remain in one place (for example, parades and 
running events); and 
(G) mandating equipage. 
(f) SELECTION CRITERIA.—In making determina-
tions, the Secretary shall evaluate whether applications 
meet or exceed the following criteria: 
(1) Overall economic, geographic, and climatic 
diversity of the selected jurisdictions. 
(2) Overall diversity of the proposed models of 
government involvement. 
(3) Overall diversity of the UAS operations to 
be conducted. 
(4) The location of critical infrastructure. 
(5) The involvement of commercial entities in 
the proposal and their ability to advance objectives 
that may serve the public interest as a result of fur-
ther integration of UAS into the NAS. 
(6) The involvement of affected communities in, 
and their support for, participating in the pilot pro-
gram. 
(7) The commitment of the governments and 
UAS operators involved in the proposal to comply 
with requirements related to national defense, home-
land security, and public safety and to address com-
petition, privacy, and civil liberties concerns.
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(8) The commitment of the governments and 
UAS operators involved in the proposal to achieve 
the following policy objectives: 
(A) Promoting innovation and economic 
development. 
(B) Enhancing transportation safety. 
(C) Enhancing workplace safety. 
(D) Improving emergency response and 
search and rescue functions. 
(E) Using radio spectrum efficiently and 
competitively. 
(g) IMPLEMENTATION.—The Secretary shall use the 
data collected and experience gained over the course of 
this pilot program to— 
(1) identify and resolve technical challenges to 
UAS integration; 
(2) address airspace use to safely and efficiently 
integrate all aircraft; 
(3) inform operational standards and proce-
dures to improve safety (for example, detect and 
avoid capabilities, navigation and altitude perform-
ance, and command and control link); 
(4) inform FAA standards that reduce the need 
for waivers (for example, for operations over human
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beings, night operations, and beyond visual line of 
sight); and 
(5) address competing interests regarding UAS 
operational expansion, safety, security, roles and re-
sponsibilities of non-Federal Government entities, 
and privacy issues. 
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘Lead Applicant’’ means an eligi-
ble State, local or Tribal government that has sub-
mitted a timely application. 
(2) The term ‘‘NAS’’ means the low-altitude 
national airspace system. 
(3) The term ‘‘UAS’’ means unmanned aircraft 
system. 
SEC. 346. ENFORCEMENT. 
(a) UAS SAFETY ENFORCEMENT.—The Adminis-
trator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall estab-
lish a program to utilize available remote detection and 
identification technologies for safety oversight, including 
enforcement actions against operators of unmanned air-
craft systems that are not in compliance with applicable 
Federal aviation laws, including regulations. 
(b) REPORTING.—As part of the program, the Ad-
ministrator shall establish and publicize a mechanism for 
the public and Federal, State, and local law enforcement
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to report suspected operation of unmanned aircraft in vio-
lation of applicable Federal laws and regulations. 
(c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization 
Act of 2018, and annually thereafter, the Administrator 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
a report on the following: 
(1) The number of unauthorized unmanned air-
craft operations detected in restricted airspace, in-
cluding in and around airports, together with a de-
scription of such operations. 
(2) The number of enforcement cases brought 
by the Federal Aviation Administration or other 
Federal agencies for unauthorized operation of un-
manned aircraft detected through the program, to-
gether with a description of such cases. 
(3) Recommendations for safety and operational 
standards for unmanned aircraft detection and miti-
gation systems. 
(4) Recommendations for any legislative or reg-
ulatory changes related to mitigation or detection or 
identification of unmanned aircraft systems. 
SEC. 347. ACTIVELY TETHERED PUBLIC UAS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the
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Federal Aviation Administration shall issue such regula-
tions as are necessary to authorize the use of certain ac-
tively tethered public unmanned aircraft system by gov-
ernment public safety agencies without any requirement 
to obtain a certificate of waiver, certificate of authoriza-
tion, or other approval by the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—The regulations issued pursu-
ant to subsection (a) shall establish risk-based operational 
conditions for operation of actively tethered public un-
manned aircraft systems by government public safety 
agencies that recognize and accommodate the unique oper-
ational circumstances of such systems, including the re-
quirements that the aircraft component may only be oper-
ated— 
(1) within the line of sight of the operator; 
(2) less than 200 feet above the ground; 
(3) within class G airspace; and 
(4) at least 5 statute miles from the geographic 
center of a tower-controller airport or airport de-
noted on a current aeronautical chart published by 
the Federal Aviation Administration, except that an 
actively tethered public unmanned aircraft system 
may be operated closer than 5 statute miles to the 
airport if—
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(A) the operator of the actively tethered 
public unmanned aircraft system provides prior 
notice to the airport operator and receives, for 
a tower-controlled airport, prior approval from 
the air traffic control facilitate located at the 
airport; or 
(B) the exigent circumstances of an emer-
gency prevent the giving of notice contemplated 
by clause (i) and the actively tethered public 
unmanned aircraft system is operated outside 
the flight path of any manned aircraft. 
(c) DEFINITION OF ACTIVELY TETHERED PUBLIC 
UNMANNED
AIRCRAFT
SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘actively 
tethered public unmanned aircraft system’’ means public 
unmanned aircraft system in which the unmanned aircraft 
component— 
(1) weighs 4.4 pounds or less, including pay-
load; 
(2) is physically attached to a ground station 
with a taut, appropriately load-rated tether that pro-
vides continuous power to the unmanned aircraft; 
and 
(3) is capable of being controlled and retrieved 
by such ground station through physical manipula-
tion of the tether.
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SEC. 348. REPORT ON POSSIBLE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
SYSTEMS OPERATION ON SPECTRUM ALLO-
CATED FOR AVIATION USE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, and after consultation with 
relevant stakeholders, the Federal Aviation Administra-
tion, the National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration, and the Federal Communications Com-
mission, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives, and the Committee on Energy and Com-
merce of the House of Representatives a report— 
(1) on whether unmanned aircraft systems op-
erations should be permitted on spectrum designated 
for aviation use, on an unlicensed, shared, or exclu-
sive basis, for operations within the UTM system or 
outside of such a system; 
(2) that addresses any technological, statutory, 
regulatory, and operational barriers to the use of 
such spectrum for unmanned aircraft systems oper-
ations; and 
(3) that, if it is determined that spectrum des-
ignated for aviation use is not suitable for operations 
by 
unmanned 
aircraft 
systems, 
includes 
rec-
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ommendations of other spectrum frequencies that 
may be appropriate for such operations. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM.—The term 
‘‘unmanned aircraft system’’ means an unmanned 
aircraft and associated elements (including commu-
nication links and the components that control the 
unmanned aircraft) that are required for the pilot in 
command to operate safely and efficiently in the na-
tional airspace system. 
(2) UTM.—The term ‘‘UTM’’ means an un-
manned aircraft traffic management system or serv-
ice. 
SEC. 349. U.S. COUNTER-UAS SYSTEM REVIEW OF INTER-
AGENCY COORDINATION PROCESSES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after that 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration, in consultation with gov-
ernment agencies currently authorized to operate Counter- 
Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) systems within the 
United States (including the territories and possessions of 
the United States), shall initiate a review of the following: 
(1) The process the Administration is utilizing 
for interagency coordination of C-UAS activity pur-
suant to a relevant Federal statute authorizing such
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activity within the United States (including the ter-
ritories and possessions of the United States). 
(2) The standards the Administration is uti-
lizing for operation of a C-UAS systems pursuant to 
a relevant Federal statute authorizing such activity 
within the United States (including the territories 
and possessions of the United States), including 
whether the following criteria are being taken into 
consideration in the development of the standards: 
(A) Safety of the national airspace. 
(B) Protecting individuals and property on 
the ground. 
(C) Non-interference with avionics of 
manned aircraft, and unmanned aircraft, oper-
ating legally in the national airspace. 
(D) Non-interference with air traffic con-
trol systems. 
(E) Consistent procedures in the operation 
of C-UAS systems to the maximum extent prac-
ticable. 
(F) Adequate coordination procedures and 
protocols with the Federal Aviation Administra-
tion during the operation of C-UAS systems. 
(G) Adequate training for personnel oper-
ating C-UAS systems.
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(H) Assessment of the efficiency and effec-
tiveness of the coordination and review proc-
esses to ensure national airspace safety while 
minimizing bureaucracy. 
(I) Such other matters the Administrator 
deems necessary for the safe and lawful oper-
ation of C-UAS systems. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
upon which the review in subsection (a) is initiated, the 
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Trans-
portation and Infrastructure of the House of Representa-
tives, the Committee on Armed Services of the House of 
Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation in the Senate, and the Com-
mittee on Armed Services of the Senate, a report on the 
Administration’s activities related to C-UAS systems, in-
cluding— 
(1) any coordination with Federal agencies and 
States, subdivisions and States, political authorities 
of at least 2 States that operate C-UAS systems; 
and 
(2) an assessment of the standards being uti-
lized for the operation of a counter-UAS systems 
within the United States (including the territories 
and possessions of the United States).
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TITLE IV—AIR SERVICE 
IMPROVEMENTS 
Subtitle A—Airline Customer 
Service Improvements 
SEC. 401. RELIABLE AIR SERVICE IN AMERICAN SAMOA. 
Section 40109(g) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2) by striking subparagraph 
(C) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(C) review the exemption at least every 30 
days (or, in the case of an exemption that is nec-
essary to provide and sustain air transportation in 
American Samoa between the islands of Tutuila and 
Manu’a, at least every 180 days) to ensure that the 
unusual circumstances that established the need for 
the exemption still exist.’’; and 
(2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(3) RENEWAL OF EXEMPTIONS.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), the Secretary may renew an 
exemption (including renewals) under this sub-
section for not more than 30 days. 
‘‘(B) EXCEPTION.—The Secretary may 
renew an exemption (including renewals) under
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this subsection that is necessary to provide and 
sustain air transportation in American Samoa 
between the islands of Tutuila and Manu’a for 
not more than 180 days. 
‘‘(4) CONTINUATION OF EXEMPTIONS.—An ex-
emption granted by the Secretary under this sub-
section may continue for not more than 5 days after 
the unusual circumstances that established the need 
for the exemption cease.’’. 
SEC. 402. CELL PHONE VOICE COMMUNICATION BAN. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter I of chapter 417 of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘§ 41725. Prohibition on certain cell phone voice com-
munications 
‘‘(a) PROHIBITION.—The Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall issue regulations— 
‘‘(1) to prohibit an individual on an aircraft 
from engaging in voice communications using a mo-
bile communications device during a flight of that 
aircraft in scheduled passenger interstate or intra-
state air transportation; and 
‘‘(2) that exempt from the prohibition described 
in paragraph (1) any—
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‘‘(A) member of the flight crew on duty on 
an aircraft; 
‘‘(B) flight attendant on duty on an air-
craft; and 
‘‘(C) Federal law enforcement officer act-
ing in an official capacity. 
‘‘(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the following 
definitions apply: 
‘‘(1) FLIGHT.—The term ‘flight’ means, with 
respect to an aircraft, the period beginning when the 
aircraft takes off and ending when the aircraft 
lands. 
‘‘(2) MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The term ‘mobile 
communications device’ means any portable 
wireless telecommunications equipment utilized 
for the transmission or reception of voice data. 
‘‘(B) LIMITATION.—The term ‘mobile com-
munications device’ does not include a phone in-
stalled on an aircraft.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 417 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting after the item relating to section 41724 the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘41725. Prohibition on certain cell phone voice communications.’’.
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SEC. 403. ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR AVIATION CON-
SUMER PROTECTION. 
Section 411 of the FAA Modernization and Reform 
Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and 
(4) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; and 
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the 
following: 
‘‘(3) independent distributors of travel;’’; 
(2) in subsection (g) by striking ‘‘first 2 cal-
endar years’’ and inserting ‘‘first 6 calendar years’’; 
and 
(3) in subsection (h) by striking ‘‘2018’’ and in-
serting ‘‘2023’’. 
SEC. 404. IMPROVED NOTIFICATION OF INSECTICIDE USE. 
Section 42303(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(b) REQUIRED DISCLOSURES.—An air carrier, for-
eign air carrier, or ticket agent selling, in the United 
States, a ticket for a flight in foreign air transportation 
to a country listed on the internet website established 
under subsection (a) shall— 
‘‘(1) disclose, on its own internet website or 
through other means, that the destination country 
may require the air carrier or foreign air carrier to
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treat an aircraft passenger cabin with insecticides 
prior to the flight or to apply an aerosol insecticide 
in an aircraft cabin used for such a flight when the 
cabin is occupied with passengers; and 
‘‘(2) refer the purchaser of the ticket to the 
internet website established under subsection (a) for 
additional information.’’. 
SEC. 405. ADVERTISEMENTS AND DISCLOSURE OF FEES 
FOR PASSENGER AIR TRANSPORTATION. 
(a) FULL FARE ADVERTISING.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 41712 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘(d) FULL FARE ADVERTISING.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—It shall not be an unfair or 
deceptive practice under subsection (a) for a covered 
entity to state in an advertisement or solicitation for 
passenger air transportation the base airfare for the 
air transportation if the covered entity clearly and 
separately discloses— 
‘‘(A) the government-imposed fees and 
taxes associated with the air transportation; 
and 
‘‘(B) the total cost of the air transpor-
tation.
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‘‘(2) FORM OF DISCLOSURE.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of para-
graph (1), the information described in para-
graphs (1)(A) and (1)(B) shall be disclosed in 
the advertisement or solicitation in a manner 
that clearly presents the information to the con-
sumer. 
‘‘(B) INTERNET
ADVERTISEMENTS
AND 
SOLICITATIONS.—For purposes of paragraph 
(1), with respect to an advertisement or solicita-
tion for passenger air transportation that ap-
pears on an internet website or a mobile appli-
cation, the information described in paragraphs 
(1)(A) and (1)(B) may be disclosed through a 
link or pop-up, as such terms may be defined 
by the Secretary, that displays the information 
in a manner that is easily accessible and 
viewable by the consumer. 
‘‘(3) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection, the fol-
lowing definitions apply: 
‘‘(A) BASE AIRFARE.—The term ‘base air-
fare’ means the cost of passenger air transpor-
tation, excluding government-imposed fees and 
taxes.
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‘‘(B) COVERED ENTITY.—The term ‘cov-
ered entity’ means an air carrier, including an 
indirect air carrier, foreign air carrier, ticket 
agent, or other person offering to sell tickets for 
passenger air transportation or a tour or tour 
component that must be purchased with air 
transportation.’’. 
(2) LIMITATION
ON
STATUTORY
CONSTRUC-
TION.—Nothing in the amendment made by para-
graph (1) may be construed to affect any obligation 
of a person that sells air transportation to disclose 
the total cost of the air transportation, including 
government-imposed fees and taxes, prior to pur-
chase of the air transportation. 
(3) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 120 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Transportation shall issue final regulations 
to carry out the amendment made by paragraph (1). 
(4) EFFECTIVE
DATE.—This subsection, and 
the amendments made by this subsection, shall take 
effect on the earlier of— 
(A) the effective date of regulations issued 
under paragraph (3); and 
(B) the date that is 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act.
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•HR 4 EH1S 
(b) DISCLOSURE OF FEES.—Section 41712 of title 
49, United States Code, as amended by this section, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(e) DISCLOSURE OF FEES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—It shall be an unfair or de-
ceptive practice under subsection (a) for any air car-
rier, foreign air carrier, or ticket agent to fail to in-
clude, in an internet fare quotation for a specific 
itinerary in air transportation selected by a con-
sumer— 
‘‘(A) a clear and prominent statement that 
additional fees for checked baggage and carry- 
on baggage may apply; and 
‘‘(B) a prominent link that connects di-
rectly to a list of all such fees. 
‘‘(2) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this sub-
section may be construed to derogate or limit any 
responsibilities of an air carrier, foreign air carrier, 
or ticket agent under section 399.85 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor provi-
sion.’’.
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SEC. 406. INVOLUNTARILY BUMPING PASSENGERS AFTER 
AIRCRAFT BOARDED. 
Section 41712 of title 49, United States Code, as 
amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the 
end the following: 
‘‘(f) INVOLUNTARILY DENIED BOARDING AFTER 
AIRCRAFT BOARDED.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—It shall be an unfair or de-
ceptive practice under subsection (a) for an air car-
rier or foreign air carrier subject to part 250 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations, to involuntarily 
deplane a revenue passenger onboard an aircraft, if 
the revenue passenger— 
‘‘(A) is traveling on a confirmed reserva-
tion; and 
‘‘(B) checked-in for the relevant flight 
prior to the check-in deadline. 
‘‘(2) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this sub-
section may be construed to limit the authority of an 
air carrier, foreign air carrier, or airman to remove 
a passenger in accordance with— 
‘‘(A) section 91.3, 121.533(d), or 121.580 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or any 
successor provision; or 
‘‘(B) any other applicable Federal, State, 
or local law.’’.
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SEC. 407. AVAILABILITY OF CONSUMER RIGHTS INFORMA-
TION. 
Section 42302(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by 
striking ‘‘on the’’ and inserting ‘‘in a prominent 
place on the homepage of the primary’’; 
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the 
end; 
(3) in paragraph (3) by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(4) the air carrier’s customer service plan.’’. 
SEC. 408. CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HOTLINE. 
Section 42302 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(d) USE OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES.—The Secretary 
shall periodically evaluate the benefits of using mobile 
phone applications or other widely used technologies to 
provide new means for air passengers to communicate 
complaints in addition to the telephone number estab-
lished under subsection (a) and shall provide such new 
means as the Secretary determines appropriate.’’.
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•HR 4 EH1S 
SEC. 409. WIDESPREAD DISRUPTIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 423 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘§ 42304. Widespread disruptions 
‘‘(a) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.—In the event of a 
widespread disruption, a covered air carrier shall imme-
diately publish, via a prominent link on the air carrier’s 
public internet website, a clear statement indicating 
whether, with respect to a passenger of the air carrier 
whose travel is interrupted as a result of the widespread 
disruption, the air carrier will— 
‘‘(1) provide for hotel accommodations; 
‘‘(2) arrange for ground transportation; 
‘‘(3) provide meal vouchers; 
‘‘(4) arrange for air transportation on another 
air carrier or foreign air carrier to the passenger’s 
destination; and 
‘‘(5) provide for sleeping facilities inside the air-
port terminal. 
‘‘(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the following 
definitions apply: 
‘‘(1) WIDESPREAD
DISRUPTION.—The term 
‘widespread disruption’ means, with respect to a cov-
ered air carrier, the interruption of all or the over-
whelming majority of the air carrier’s systemwide
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flight operations, including flight delays and can-
cellations, as the result of the failure of 1 or more 
computer systems or computer networks of the air 
carrier. 
‘‘(2) COVERED AIR CARRIER.—The term ‘cov-
ered air carrier’ means an air carrier that provides 
scheduled passenger air transportation by operating 
an aircraft that as originally designed has a pas-
senger capacity of 30 or more seats. 
‘‘(c) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this section 
may be construed to modify, abridge, or repeal any obliga-
tion of an air carrier under section 42301.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The analysis for 
chapter 423 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘42304. Widespread disruptions.’’. 
SEC. 410. INVOLUNTARILY DENIED BOARDING COMPENSA-
TION. 
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a 
final rule to revise part 250 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, to clarify that— 
(1) there is not a maximum level of compensa-
tion an air carrier or foreign air carrier may pay to 
a passenger who is involuntarily denied boarding as 
the result of an oversold flight;
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•HR 4 EH1S 
(2) the compensation levels set forth in that 
part are the minimum levels of compensation an air 
carrier or foreign air carrier must pay to a pas-
senger who is involuntarily denied boarding as the 
result of an oversold flight; and 
(3) an air carrier or foreign air carrier must 
proactively offer to pay compensation to a passenger 
who is voluntarily or involuntarily denied boarding 
on an oversold flight, rather than waiting until the 
passenger requests the compensation. 
SEC. 411. CONSUMER INFORMATION ON ACTUAL FLIGHT 
TIMES. 
(a) STUDY.—The Secretary of Transportation shall 
conduct a study on the feasibility and advisability of modi-
fying regulations contained in section 234.11 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, to ensure that— 
(1) a reporting carrier (including its contrac-
tors), during the course of a reservation or ticketing 
discussion or other inquiry, discloses to a consumer 
upon reasonable request the projected period be-
tween the actual wheels-off and wheels-on times for 
a reportable flight; and 
(2) a reporting carrier displays, on the public 
internet website of the carrier, information on the
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•HR 4 EH1S 
actual wheels-off and wheels-on times during the 
most recent calendar month for a reportable flight. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘‘re-
porting carrier’’ and ‘‘reportable flight’’ have the mean-
ings given those terms in section 234.2 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enact-
ment of this Act). 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
on the results of the study. 
SEC. 412. ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TRANSPARENCY IN 
AIR AMBULANCE INDUSTRY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall establish an advisory committee to make rec-
ommendations for a rulemaking— 
(1) to require air ambulance operators to clear-
ly disclose charges for air transportation services 
separately from charges for non-air transportation 
services within any invoice or bill; and 
(2) to provide other consumer protections for 
customers of air ambulance operators.
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(b) COMPOSITION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— 
The advisory committee shall be composed of the following 
members: 
(1) The Secretary of Transportation. 
(2) One representative, to be appointed by the 
Secretary, of each of the following: 
(A) Each relevant Federal agency, as de-
termined by the Secretary. 
(B) State insurance regulators. 
(C) Health insurance providers. 
(D) Consumer groups. 
(3) Three representatives, to be appointed by 
the Secretary, to represent the various segments of 
the air ambulance industry. 
(c) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The advisory committee 
shall make recommendations with respect to each of the 
following: 
(1) Cost-allocation methodologies needed to en-
sure that charges for air transportation services are 
separated from charges for non-air transportation 
services. 
(2) Cost- or price-allocation methodologies to 
prevent commingling of charges for air transpor-
tation services and charges for non-air transpor-
tation services in bills and invoices.
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•HR 4 EH1S 
(3) Formats for bills and invoices to ensure 
that customers and State insurance regulators can 
clearly distinguish between charges for air transpor-
tation services and charges for non-air transpor-
tation services. 
(4) Data or industry references related to air-
craft operating costs to be used in determining the 
proper allocation of charges for air transportation 
services and charges for non-air transportation serv-
ices. 
(5) Guidance materials to instruct States, polit-
ical subdivisions of States, and political authorities 
of 2 or more States on referring to the Secretary al-
legations of unfair or deceptive practices or unfair 
methods of competition by air ambulance operators. 
(6) Protections for customers of air ambulance 
operators, after consideration of the circumstances 
in which the services of air ambulance operators are 
used. 
(7) Protections of proprietary cost data from 
inappropriate public disclosure. 
(8) Such other matters as the Secretary deter-
mines necessary or appropriate. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the first meeting of the advisory committee, the advi-
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•HR 4 EH1S 
sory committee shall submit to the Secretary, the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report con-
taining the recommendations made under subsection (c). 
(e) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of receipt of the report under subsection (d), the Sec-
retary shall consider the recommendations of the advisory 
committee and issue a final rule— 
(1) to require air ambulance operators to clear-
ly disclose charges for air transportation services 
separately from charges for non-air transportation 
services within any invoice or bill; and 
(2) to provide other consumer protections for 
customers of air ambulance operators. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the following defi-
nitions apply: 
(1) AIR
AMBULANCE
OPERATOR.—The term 
‘‘air ambulance operator’’ means an air carrier oper-
ating pursuant to part 135 of title 14, Code of Fed-
eral Regulations, that provides medical, ambulance, 
or related services. 
(2) NON-AIR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.—The 
term ‘‘non-air transportation services’’ means those 
services provided by air ambulance operators but not
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other air carriers operating pursuant to part 135 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. 
(g) TERMINATION.—The advisory committee shall 
terminate on the date of submission of the report under 
subsection (d). 
(h) NATURE OF AIR AMBULANCE SERVICES.—The 
non-air transportation services of air ambulance operators 
and prices thereof are neither services nor prices of an 
air carrier for purposes of section 41713 of title 49, 
United States Code. 
SEC. 413. AIR AMBULANCE COMPLAINTS. 
(a) CONSUMER COMPLAINTS.—Section 42302 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a) by inserting ‘‘(including 
transportation by air ambulance)’’ after ‘‘air trans-
portation’’; 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph 
(1)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘, and an air ambu-
lance operator,’’ after ‘‘passenger seats’’; 
and 
(ii) by inserting ‘‘or operator’’ after 
‘‘Internet Web site of the carrier’’; and
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(B) in paragraph (2) by inserting ‘‘or op-
erator’’ after ‘‘mailing address of the air car-
rier’’; and 
(3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(c) NOTICE
TO PASSENGERS
ON BOARDING
OR 
BILLING DOCUMENTATION.— 
‘‘(1) AIR
CARRIERS
AND
FOREIGN
AIR
CAR-
RIERS.—An air carrier or foreign air carrier pro-
viding scheduled air transportation using any air-
craft that as originally designed has a passenger ca-
pacity of 30 or more passenger seats shall include 
the hotline telephone number established under sub-
section (a) on— 
‘‘(A) prominently displayed signs of the 
carrier at the airport ticket counters in the 
United States where the air carrier operates; 
and 
‘‘(B) any electronic confirmation of the 
purchase of a passenger ticket for air transpor-
tation issued by the air carrier. 
‘‘(2) AIR AMBULANCE OPERATORS.—An air am-
bulance operator shall include the hotline telephone 
number established under subsection (a) on any in-
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(D) identify and recommend regulations 
and policies that can be amended to more effec-
tively resolve carrier service complaints. 
(d) ANNUAL
REPORTS.—The Secretary, acting 
through the Aviation Consumer Advocate, shall submit to 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives an annual 
report summarizing the following: 
(1) The total number of annual complaints re-
ceived by the Secretary, including the number of 
complaints by the name of each air carrier and for-
eign air carrier. 
(2) The total number of annual complaints by 
category of complaint. 
(3) The number of complaints referred in the 
preceding year for enforcement or correction action 
by the Secretary. 
(4) Any recommendations under subparagraphs 
(C) and (D) of subsection (c)(2). 
(5) Such other data as the Aviation Consumer 
Advocate considers appropriate.
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‘‘(5) the right of passengers with disabilities to 
speak with a complaint resolution officer or to file 
a complaint with a covered carrier or the Depart-
ment of Transportation; and 
‘‘(6) the right of passengers with disabilities to 
communications in an accessible format as required 
under Federal regulations. 
‘‘(c) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—The development of 
the Bill of Rights may not be construed as expanding or 
restricting the rights available to passengers with disabil-
ities on the day before the date of enactment of this sec-
tion pursuant to any statute or regulation. 
‘‘(d) CONSULTATIONS.—In developing the Bill of 
Rights, the Secretary shall consult with appropriate stake-
holders, including disability organizations and covered car-
riers. 
‘‘(e) DISPLAY.—Each covered carrier shall include 
the Bill of Rights— 
‘‘(1) on a publicly available internet website of 
the covered carrier; and 
‘‘(2) in any pre-flight notification or commu-
nication provided to a passenger who alerts the cov-
ered carrier in advance of the need for accommoda-
tions relating to a disability.
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‘‘(f) TRAINING.—Covered carriers shall submit to the 
Secretary plans to ensure that their employees and con-
tractors receive training on the responsibilities and protec-
tions described in the Bill of Rights. The Secretary shall 
review such plans to ensure the plans address the matters 
described in subsection (b). 
‘‘(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the following 
definitions apply: 
‘‘(1) BILL
OF
RIGHTS.—The term ‘Bill of 
Rights’ means the ‘Airline Passengers With Disabil-
ities Bill of Rights’ developed under subsection (a). 
‘‘(2) COVERED
CARRIER.—The term ‘covered 
carrier’ means an air carrier or foreign air carrier, 
as those terms are defined in section 40102(a).’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chap-
ter 423 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by 
this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘42305. Airline Passengers With Disabilities Bill of Rights.’’. 
SEC. 445. CIVIL PENALTIES RELATING TO HARM TO PAS-
SENGERS WITH DISABILITIES. 
Section 46301(a) of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(7) PENALTIES RELATING
TO HARM
TO PAS-
SENGERS WITH DISABILITIES.—