zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Lap Children Safety Research Act

This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure that research on child restraint devices for use during critical phases of flight on commercial passenger aircraft encourages the assessment and development of new and innovative technologies and devices that improve safety for children, parents, and other passengers.

The FAA shall require the Civil Aeromedical Institute to initiate a research program focused on improving the safety of such devices and report to Congress on the results, including recommended changes to federal laws and regulations to allow additional devices to be used to keep children, their parents, and other passengers safe.

Date: 2016-02-12
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Helicopter Fuel System Safety Act

This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration, in accordance with the safety recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board (A-15-12), to issue regulations to ensure that certain fuel system crash resistance requirements are met by requiring that all newly manufactured helicopters, regardless of the design's original certification date, have fuel systems that meet such crash-worthiness requirements.

Date: 2016-02-12
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on March 17, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2016

TITLE I--AIRPORT AND AIRWAY PROGRAMS

(Sec. 101) This bill reauthorizes for the period March 31, 2016, through July 15, 2016, the airport improvement program and specified related authorities, including:

 the competition disclosure requirement under a development project grant for a large hub airport or a medium hub airport; the eligibility for small airport grants of sponsors of airports in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau; the air traffic control contract program; state and local government compatible land use planning and projects; Department of Transportation authority to appropriate funds to acquire, establish, and improve air navigation facilities; civil aviation research and development; Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; and essential air service. (Sec. 102) The Vision 100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act is amended to extend through the same period:

 the authorization for airport development at Midway Island Airport, and the authority of any final order with respect to the eligibility for essential air service compensation. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 is amended to extend through:

 FY2016 the requirement for an Inspector General report on participation in FAA programs by disadvantaged small business concerns, July 15, 2016, the pilot program under which operators of up to four public-use airports may receive grants for activities related to the redevelopment of airport properties, and the same date the advisory committee for aviation consumer protection. TITLE II--REVENUE PROVISIONS

(Sec. 201) The Internal Revenue Code is amended to extend through July 15, 2017, expenditure authority from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, fuel and ticket taxes, as well as the exemption from ticket taxes for aircraft in fractional ownership aircraft programs.

Date: 2016-03-10
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Drone Operator Safety Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to operate an unmanned aircraft (i.e., drone) that knowingly or recklessly interferes with or disrupts the operation of an aircraft carrying one or more occupants in U.S. airspace.

The prohibition includes the operation of an unmanned aircraft within the runway exclusion zone (i.e., defined area of controlled airspace around an active runway) of an airport without approval.

A violator is subject to a fine, a prison term, or both.

Date: 2016-04-12
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Free Market Flights Act of 2016

This bill terminates on October 1, 2016, Department of Transportation authority to carry out the essential air service program.

The bill requires deposit in the Treasury for deficit reduction of any overflight fees collected by the Federal Aviation Administration for air traffic control and related services that would otherwise be made available for the program.

Date: 2016-04-12
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Transportation Security and Redress Act or TSARA

This bill grants to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and certain other U.S. courts of appeals exclusive jurisdiction to review any claims against the United States or a federal agency arising out of a decision to delay or prohibit a person from boarding a commercial aircraft because that person has been identified as a threat by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or the Terrorist Screening Center.

A petition for review may be filed by any person who challenges a final administrative redress decision by the TSA to delay or prohibit a person from boarding a commercial aircraft because identified as a threat. No petition may be filed until the person filing has exhausted the administrative redress process.

The court of appeals shall decide any petition for review based only on the administrative record submitted by the United States which shall consist of the information the United States relied upon in support of the final decision under review, as well as any information the petitioner has submitted pursuant to the administrative redress process.

The court shall uphold a final decision issued pursuant to such process by the TSA unless such decision was:

 arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law; contrary to constitutional right, power, privilege, or immunity; in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitation, or short of statutory right; lacking substantial support in the administrative record taken as a whole, including in the classified information submitted to the court; or not in accord with procedures required by law. A decision made by a court of appeals under this bill may be reviewed by the Supreme Court.

Date: 2016-04-13
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Airport Perimeter and Access Control Security Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration to update:

 the Transportation Sector Security Rick Assessment for the aviation sector, the Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Perimeter and Access Control Security for airports (as well as conduct a system-wide assessment of airport access control points and airport perimeter security), and the 2012 National Strategy for Airport Perimeter and Access Control Security.

Date: 2016-04-26
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 20, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to:

 notify air carriers, TSA security screening personnel, and private security screening personnel of TSA's 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption guidelines allowing baby formula, breast milk, purified deionized water for infants, and juice on airlines; and include training on all special screening procedures for TSA security screening personnel and private security screening personnel.

Date: 2016-04-26
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Insourcing American Airport Jobs Act of 2016

This bill prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting the provision of technical services in the United States for aircraft of a foreign carrier en route to or from another country that are otherwise permitted under an international air transportation agreement.

The requirement shall not apply if:

 the country is a state sponsor of terrorism, or the United States is at war with the country or there is imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of travelers to the country.

Date: 2016-04-26
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
This bill bars the Department of Transportation (DOT) from issuing a foreign air carrier permit, or an exemption from certain economic regulations, to furnish foreign air transportation under the United States-European Union-Norway-Iceland Air Transport Agreement of June 21, 2011, unless DOT:

 finds that issuing the permit or exemption would be consistent with the intent of the parties, set forth in article 17 bis of the agreement, that opportunities created by the agreement do not undermine labor standards or the labor-related rights and principles contained in the parties' respective laws; and imposes conditions on the permit or exemption necessary to ensure that the foreign air transportation furnished complies with the intent of article 17 bis.

Date: 2016-04-28
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
This bill declares that the prohibition against overflights of national parks or tribal lands shall not apply to overflights of national recreational areas where the primary recreational activities involve motorized watercraft.

Date: 2016-05-11
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Airline Consumer Protection Act of 2016

This bill prescribes certain consumer protection requirements for air passengers with respect to:

 airline delays or cancellations, whether changes to passenger itineraries are unfair or deceptive practices, refunds for delayed checked baggage, disclosure of checked baggage fees, seat assignments, filing of consumer complaints with the Aviation Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Transportation (DOT), and online and mobile access to aviation consumer protection information. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 is amended to extend through FY2017 DOT's Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection.

DOT shall establish an advisory committee for the air travel needs of passengers with disabilities.

The Federal Aviation Administration shall prohibit air carriers from reducing the seat size on its aircraft.

Date: 2016-05-19
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Air Traffic Controller Hiring Improvement Act of 2016

This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in appointing air traffic controllers, to give preferential consideration to qualified individuals maintaining 52 consecutive weeks of experience involving the active separation of air traffic after receipt of an air traffic certification or facility rating within 5 years of application while serving at an FAA air traffic control facility, a civilian or military air traffic control facility of the Department of Defense, or a tower operating under contract with the FAA.

The FAA shall consider additional applicants by referring an approximately equal number of employees for appointment among two applicant pools. The number referred from each group shall not differ by more than 10%.

Pool one shall consist of applicants who:

 have successfully completed air traffic controller training and graduated from an institution participating in the Collegiate Training Initiative program and have received an appropriate recommendation or endorsement from such institution, are eligible for a veterans recruitment appointment and provide a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty within 120 days of the announcement closing, are veterans eligible for veterans' benefits who maintain aviation experience obtained in the course of the individual's military experience, or are preference eligible veterans. Pool two shall consist of applicants who apply under a vacancy announcement recruiting from all U.S. citizens.

The FAA: (1) may not use a biographical assessment when hiring, (2) must provide an individual who applied in response to a specified 2014 vacancy announcement and was disqualified as the result of a biographical assessment an opportunity to reapply under the revised hiring practices, and (3) must waive any maximum age limit for such reapplying applicants who met such requirement when they applied under such announcement.

Otherwise, the maximum age limit for an original appointment as an air traffic controller under this bill shall be 35 years of age.

The FAA shall consider directly notifying secondary schools and institutes of higher learning of a vacancy announcement for pool one applicants.

Date: 2016-05-19
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration Act or the FASTER Act

This bill repeals the requirement that a portion of aviation security service fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited into the general fund of the Treasury.

Date: 2016-05-26
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

(Sec. 1) This bill: (1) provides that calculation of the basic annuity benefits for an air traffic controller with at least five years of service actively engaged in the separation and control of air traffic shall include service as a first or second level supervisor of such a controller, (2) makes such change effective retroactive to December 12, 2003, and (3) provides for a lump sum payment to each affected annuitant equal to the additional total benefit amount such annuitant would have received had such change been in effect on such date.

The Office of Personnel Management shall establish such procedures as necessary to provide for:

 notification to each annuitant affected by this bill; recalculation of the benefits of affected annuitants; an adjustment to applicable monthly benefit amounts pursuant to such recalculation, to begin as soon as practicable; and such lump sum payment.

Date: 2016-05-26
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Restoring Local Control of Airports Act of 2016

This bill reauthorizes through FY2021 and revises the Airport Improvement Program. Specifically, the bill: (1) eliminates the federal cap on passenger facility charges (local user fees) of $4.50 per enplanement; and (2) with respect to airports that increase such charges beyond $4.50 per enplanement, provides for corresponding reductions in program grant funding.

In addition, the bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the federal airline ticket tax.

Date: 2016-06-22
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
LAX Community Safety Act of 2016

This bill prohibits the Department of Transportation from approving any airport improvement program project for the relocation of Runway 24R, or for construction of a runway north of the location of Runway 24R, at Los Angeles International Airport.

Date: 2016-07-07
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Checkpoint Safety Act of 2016

This bill revises minimum requirements for the deployment of armed law enforcement personnel at security screening locations at certain airports.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), formerly the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security of the Department of Transportation, shall order the deployment of at least one armed law enforcement officer within 300 feet of the security screening location and within the terminal during operating hours of each airport having annual enplanements of eight million or more or international enplanements of one million or more. The TSA shall order the deployment of additional armed law enforcement officers at such airports if deemed necessary to ensure airport security.

The bill revises air transportation security program requirements to provide that such programs ensure:

 law enforcement presence at each airport is adequate to ensure the safety of passengers, as under current law, and their property; close cooperation between all relevant parties in ensuring airport security; high training standards for all security and law enforcement personnel; prompt notification of, and law enforcement response to, any security incidents at airports, including detention of persons who attempt to evade transportation security screening; and multiple means for TSA Officers or members of the public to request prompt law enforcement assistance in the airport. The bill repeals TSA authority for allowing deputized state and local law enforcement officers to be stationed other than at airport security screening locations.

Date: 2016-07-11
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Cuban Airport Security Act of 2016

This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to report to Congress on specified aspects of security measures at each of Cuba's 10 international airports. The Government Accountability Office shall submit to Congress an audit of the report.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall establish agreements with the Government of Cuba to allow:

 the Federal Air Marshal Service to conduct missions on regularly scheduled passenger air flights between the United States and Cuba, and TSA inspectors to access all areas of last point of departure airports in Cuba to assess security. No agreement, dated on or after January 1, 2016, to expand air flights between the United States and Cuba may be permitted until the report and audit have been submitted and the agreements have been established.

DHS (currently, the Department of Transportation [DOT]) shall assess the effectiveness of security standards at foreign airports and take other appropriate actions for those airports not maintaining effective security measures, including requesting DOT to suspend, without notice or a hearing, the right of an air carrier or foreign air carrier to provide foreign air transportation if passenger safety or security is threatened and the public interest requires an immediate suspension.

Date: 2016-07-12
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
NextGen Flight Path Review and Notification Act of 2016

This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as part of the process of applying a categorical exclusion to a new Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) flight path procedure at an Operational Evolution Partnership (OEP) airport (a commercial U.S. airport with significant activity), to:

 notify and consult with the operator of the airport, and consider consultations or other engagement with the community in which the airport is located to inform the public of the new procedure. The FAA shall review each decision that it made between February 14, 2012, and September 30, 2014, to grant a categorical exclusion with respect to a procedure to be implemented at an OEP airport that was a material change from procedures previously in effect to determine if implementation of the procedure had a significant effect on the human environment in the community in which the airport is located. If, in conducting such a review, the FAA determines that implementing the procedure had such a significant effect, it shall:

 consult with the operator of the airport to identify measures to mitigate the effect, and consider the use of alternative flight paths that do not substantially degrade the efficiencies of the new procedure.

Date: 2016-07-12
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

This bill exempts retired air traffic controllers from a reduction to their Federal Employees Retirement System annuity supplement (on account of their earnings for work performed while entitled to the annuity after their separation from federal service) during any period in which they are employed full time as air traffic control instructors under contract with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on September 21, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

(Sec. 1) This bill authorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enter into a reimbursable agreement with a state or local government agency for airport construction or alteration projects requiring notice to the FAA, if the agreement:

 includes cost-effective completion measures for such projects, and would not negatively affect the safety or efficiency of the national airspace system.

Date: 2016-09-13
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
TSA Screening Transparency and Accountability Act

This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), consistent with the General Accountability Office's November 2015 report on the Screening Partnership Program (SPP), to update its cost estimating methodology for federal cost estimates and cost comparisons to conform to certain minimum leading cost estimating best practices, including by:

 incorporating a cost estimate that reflects the total cost to the federal government, including costs incurred by federal agencies other than TSA; ensuring all TSA cost estimates are adjusted for inflation over the duration of the contract; updating all cost estimates when circumstances at a SPP airport result in a significant change to a contract's value; including an analysis that identifies which variables have the greatest effect on cost estimates; and reflecting the inherent uncertainty associated with the cost estimate and identifying the elements of the estimate that present the most risk. TSA shall make the update available to the public.

 TSA shall develop a streamlined method and standard protocol for documenting, tracking, and resolving customer complaints for both federal and SPP airport checkpoints.

TSA shall make available to airport directors, managers, and other individuals in similar positions cleared to handle sensitive security information an assessment of each airport's security screening performance compared to the mean average performance for all equivalent airports.

Date: 2016-12-08
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Small Airport Regulation Relief Act of 2015

 Prescribes a special rule to require the Secretary of Transportation for FY2015-FY2017 to apportion amounts for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning and programs to sponsors of primary airports based on the number of passenger boardings at the airport during calendar year 2012 if it had: (1) fewer than 10,000 passenger boardings during the calendar year used to calculate the apportionment for FY2015-FY2017, and (2) 10,000 or more passenger boardings during calendar year 2012.

Date: 2015-01-22
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe Skies for Unmanned Aircraft Act of 2015

This bill requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, for purposes of determining whether an unmanned aircraft (drone) used for aeronautical research qualifies as a public aircraft, to use definitions under federal aviation safety law for determining whether the aircraft is used for:

 a commercial purpose, and aeronautical research and platform-based research. The Administrator must also develop procedures for the safe, beyond-line-of-sight operation of aeronautical research drones in the national airspace system.

Date: 2015-02-05
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Passenger Fee Restructuring Exemptions Act of 2015

 Revises aviation security service fee requirements.

Makes an exception to the $5.60 per one-way trip fee for certain passengers for domestic flights that originate at a U.S. airport.

Limits such fees to $2.50 per enplanement, with the total not to exceed $5.00 per one-way trip, for any passengers: (1) boarding to an eligible small community for which essential air service compensation is paid; or (2) on flights, including flight segments, between two or more points in Hawaii or two or more points in Alaska.

Date: 2015-03-11
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Saracini Aviation Safety Act of 2015

 Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to issue an order to require: (1) the installation of secondary barriers, other than the cockpit door, to prevent access to the flight deck of each covered aircraft; (2) such barriers on the aircraft with a cockpit door to remain locked while the aircraft is in flight and the cockpit door separating the flight deck and the passenger area is open; and (3) such barriers on the aircraft without a cockpit door to remain locked as determined by the pilot in command.

Defines "covered aircraft" to mean a commercial aircraft: (1) equipped with more than 75 passenger seats, and (2) with a maximum gross takeoff weight of more than 75,000 pounds.

Date: 2015-04-14
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Congress affirms that, for the purposes of modernizing the C-130 aircraft fleet, the Air Force has authority to undertake safety and compliance upgrades in lieu of the C-130 aircraft avionics modernization program of record to meet applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations by 2020.

The Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 is amended to declare that, if the Secretary of the Air Force implements the alternative communication, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management program, that implementation shall be coordinated with the FAA in order to satisfy applicable safety and compliance airspace regulations.

Date: 2015-04-29
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Commercial UAS Modernization Act

This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to permit a person to operate a small commercial unmanned aircraft (drone) without an airworthiness certificate within the United States for the period beginning on enactment of this Act and ending on the effective date of a final rule based on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking "Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems" dated February 23, 2015, subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive proof that the drone owner has liability insurance for the drone; the owner must register the drone; the operator must pass a test developed to assess initial aeronautical knowledge and a proficiency test administered by a drone test site; and the operator must demonstrate the ability to fly the drone in accordance with certain operating restrictions concerning visibility, time of day, air traffic control, airspace, preflight inspection, and operator health. A drone may not be operated until the operator of a test site certifies that it meets the requirements in the rulemaking notice and can operate within the restrictions.

The owner or operator of a drone involved in an accident causing personal injury or property damage must report it to the FAA within two days after the accident.

The FAA shall:

 appoint a Deputy Associate Administrator for Unmanned Aircraft, establish a joint aircraft system research and development data collection and analysis program at the William J. Hughes Technical Center, and implement an air traffic management pilot program to research and test a new regulatory structure for drone operations in airspace below 1,200 feet.

Date: 2015-05-13
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Consumer Drone Safety Act

This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to publish a final rule containing safety requirements for the operation of consumer drones.

The final rule shall apply to consumer drones that are:

 flown for hobby or recreational use, and not operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization. The final rule shall also contain requirements that include:

 a maximum altitude for flight of consumer drones, circumstances or areas where flights are restricted because of risk of unsafe interactions with manned aircraft and to persons or property on the ground, and conditions that may require limitations on flight (such as weather or time of day). The FAA must also publish a final rule applicable to the manufacturing of consumer drones. This rule shall require modification, at the manufacturer's expense, of existing consumer drones so that they meet the rule's requirements.

The FAA may exempt from the rule applicable to manufacturers certain types of consumer drones if certain conditions concerning feasibility, cost, and safety are met.

No person may operate a consumer drone in the national airspace system without specific authority from the FAA.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection may use existing authority to enforce restrictions on the importation of consumer drones into the United States.

Date: 2015-06-18
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe Skies Act of 2015 

 Directs the Department of Transportation (DOT), not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, to modify a specified DOT final rule relating to flightcrew member duty and rest requirements so that the requirements under that rule apply to all-cargo flightcrew members to the same extent they apply to air passenger flightcrew members.

Date: 2015-06-18
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Airline Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act of 2015

This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to clarify, and to require air carriers (including foreign carriers) to clarify, that 1:1,000 epinephrine ampules included in emergency medical kits carried on aircraft are to be used for the treatment of anaphylaxis.

The FAA shall require an air carrier to:

 carry on each aircraft at least two packs of epinephrine auto-injectors for use as the initial treatment for anaphylaxis, replace them upon expiration or use, and train air crewmembers on how to recognize the symptoms of an acute allergic reaction and administer auto-injectable epinephrine. The Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress on air carrier policies relating to passengers with food allergies.

Date: 2015-08-05
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the excise tax on transportation of persons by air amounts paid by an aircraft owner or lessee for aircraft management services related to maintenance and support of the aircraft or flights on such aircraft.

Date: 2015-09-29
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Taxation
Wildfire and Emergency Airspace Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly launch a drone for recreational purposes that recklessly interferes with disaster response or firefighting efforts.

The legislation does not affect the use of drones launched for agricultural purposes.

Violators are subject to a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.

Date: 2015-10-07
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Safety for Airports and Firefighters by Ensuring Drones Refrain from Obstructing Necessary Equipment Act of 2015 or the SAFE DRONE Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly operate a drone in a restricted area. A "restricted area" is an area that is:

 within a two-mile radius of a hub airport or an ongoing firefighting operation, or subject to a temporary flight restriction issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. The prohibition does not apply to government operations in response to a fire or emergency.

Violators are subject to fines, up to one year in prison, or both.

Date: 2015-10-07
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Drone Operator Safety Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to operate an unmanned aircraft (i.e., drone) that interferes with or disrupts the operation of an aircraft carrying one or more occupants in U.S. airspace.

The prohibition includes the operation of an unmanned aircraft in the arrival or departure flight path of an airport without permission.

A violator is subject to a fine, a prison term, or both.

Date: 2015-11-05
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), at least 90 days before applying a categorical exclusion to a new navigation procedure at an Operational Evolution Partnership (OEP) airport (a commercial U.S. airport with significant activity), to: (1) notify and consult with the operator of the airport, and (2) consider consultations or other engagement with the community in which the airport is located to inform the public of the procedure.

The FAA shall review a decision that it made on or after February 14, 2012, and before this Act's enactment to grant a categorical exclusion with respect to a procedure to be implemented at an OEP airport that was a material change from procedures previously in effect to determine if implementation of the procedure had a significant effect on the human environment in the community in which the airport is located, if the operator of that airport requests such a review and demonstrates that there is good cause to believe that the implementation had such effect. If, in conducting such a review, the FAA determines that implementing the procedure had such a significant effect, it shall: (1) consult with the operator of the airport to identify measures to mitigate the effect, and (2) consider the use of alternative flight paths.

Date: 2015-12-16
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
This bill permits the Department of Transportation to authorize the use of a passenger facility charge to finance an eligible airport-related project if: (1) the eligible agency seeking to impose the new charge controls an airport where a $2 passenger facility charge became effective on January 1, 2013; and (2) such airport and the airport at which the project will be carried out were under the control of the same eligible agency on October 1, 2015. Not more than $120 million in passenger facility charges so collected may be used to carry out such a project.

Date: 2016-01-12
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Small Aircraft Tax Modification Act of 2015 [sic]

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand eligibility for the exemption from the excise tax on the transportation of persons and property by air by: (1) increasing the limit on the maximum certified takeoff weight of eligible aircraft not operated on an established line from 6,000 pounds or less to 12,500 pounds or less; and (2) providing that an aircraft shall not be considered as operated on an established line if it is performing an on-demand operation, as defined by regulation.

Date: 2016-02-04
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Taxation
Small Aircraft Tax Modification Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand eligibility for the exemption from the excise tax on the transportation of persons and property by air by: (1) increasing the limit on the maximum certified takeoff weight of eligible aircraft not operated on an established line from 6,000 pounds or less to 12,500 pounds or less; and (2) providing that an aircraft shall not be considered as operated on an established line if it is performing an on-demand operation, as defined by regulation.

Date: 2016-02-10
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Taxation
Airplane Kids In Transit Safety Act of 2016 or the Airplane KITS Act of 2016

This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to require aircraft medical kits to include medications and equipment to meet the emergency medical needs of children, such as an epinephrine auto-injector.

Date: 2016-02-10
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Real Transparency in Airfares Act of 2016

 This bill sets at $55,000, or $2,500 for an individual or small business, the maximum civil penalty assessed on a person for an unfair or deceptive practice relating to unfair methods of competition in air transportation, the sale of air transportation, or specified regulations relating to price advertising and opt-out requirements.

Date: 2016-02-11
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Treating Small Airports with Fairness Act of 2016

This bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to conduct, and provide all necessary staff and equipment for, security screening at any airport that lost commercial air service on or after January 1, 2013, if the airport operator submits: (1) a request for the TSA to conduct such screening, and (2) written confirmation of a commitment from a commercial air carrier that it desires to resume service at the airport within one year.

The TSA shall ensure that the process of implementing security screening at such an airport is complete by the later of: (1) 90 days after the operator of the airport submits a request, or (2) the date on which the carrier intends to resume service.

Date: 2016-02-11
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Mission Protection Act of 2016

This bill bars the Department of Transportation from disapproving an airport development project grant application just because the airport enters into or renews a lease for the use, at a nominal rate, of airport property by a regular or reserve component of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard, without regard to whether that component operates aircraft at the airport.

Date: 2016-02-24
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Airspace Management Advisory Committee Act of 2016

This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish an advisory committee to review and comment on any proposed change in FAA regulations, policies, or guidance relating to airspace that affects airport operations, airport capacity, the environment, or communities in the vicinity of airports before any such proposal is made available for public comment and before it is implemented.

The advisory committee shall review FAA:

 practices and procedures for developing such proposals, assessing the consultation, or lack of it, among affected FAA elements and between the FAA and affected entities; and management of database systems used to evaluate data relating to obstructions to air navigation or navigational facilities.

Date: 2016-02-25
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Higher Education Unmanned Aircraft Systems Modernization Act

This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to authorize an institution of higher education to operate an unmanned aircraft system within the United States without the specific approval of, and without registering the system with, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if:

 the institution has adopted a policy to ensure safe operation of such systems, which shall include the designation of a point of contact at the institution for review and approval of such operation and the requirement that such operation be conducted under the supervision of an operator in command; the point of contact has confirmed that the proposed operation is for educational or research purposes, is in accordance with applicable policies of the institution regarding safety, training or supervision requirements, privacy, and prior notice and permission, and will occur under the supervision of an operator in command; the system is operated not higher than 400 feet above ground level and in a manner that will not create a hazard to persons or property, is marked with the identification and contact information of the owner, does not survey, create a nuisance on, or overfly private property without the permission of the property owner, gives right of way to, and avoids flying in the proximity of, full-scale aircraft, and is operated at a site that is of sufficient distance from populated areas to protect the safety of persons and property; and the institution notifies and obtains permission, at least annually, from air traffic control or the airport manager (for small facilities) when the system will be operated within five statute miles of an airport around which the airspace is designated as class B or class C airspace, within two statute miles of any other airport or heliport, or within airspace designated as restricted or prohibited. If an unmanned aircraft system operated by an institution of higher education is involved in any incident resulting in personal injury or property damage (other than to the system, to property of the institution, or to individuals directly involved in the system's operation), the point of contact shall report the incident to the FAA within 10 days.

Date: 2016-03-03
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Stop Trafficking on Planes (STOP) Act of 2016

This bill requires each air carrier providing passenger air transportation to train flight attendants and pilots who are employees or contractors of the carrier to combat human trafficking in the course of carrying out their duties. Such training shall cover: (1) common indicators of human trafficking, and (2) best practices for reporting suspected human trafficking to law enforcement officers.

An air carrier may provide such training using modules and materials developed by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the training modules and associated materials of the Blue Lightning Initiative of the DHS U.S. Customs and Border Protection and subsequent modules and materials developed and recommended by such Departments with respect to combating human trafficking.

The Federal Aviation Administration shall report recommendations for improving the identification and reporting of human trafficking by air carrier personnel while protecting the civil liberties of passengers.

The bill grants immunity to an air carrier for reporting any suspicious transaction relevant to a possible violation of law or regulation relating to human trafficking.

Date: 2016-03-03
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Forbid Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous Fees Act of 2016 or the FAIR Fees Act

This bill directs the Department of Transportation to prescribe regulations: (1) prohibiting an air carrier from imposing any specified fees relating to a flight in interstate air transportation that are unreasonable or disproportional to the costs it incurs, and (2) establishing standards for assessing whether such fees are reasonable and proportional to those costs.

Date: 2016-03-09
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Micro Drone Safety and Innovation Act of 2016

This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to make a special rule for any micro unmanned aircraft system whose aircraft component, including payload, weighs at most 4.4 pounds (micro drone).

A micro drone and its operator shall qualify for exemptions from certain airman certification, airworthiness, and operational regulations if the system is operated:

 at an altitude under 400 feet above ground level, at an airspeed under 40 knots, within the operator's visual line of sight, between sunrise and sunset, and at least five statute miles from the geographic center of an airport that either has an operational air traffic control tower or is denoted on a current aeronautical chart published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A micro drone may also be operated within five statute miles of such an airport if, beforehand, the operator notifies the airport operator and receives approval from the air traffic control tower, if the airport has one.

Under the exemptions of this bill, any person may operate a micro drone without being required to:

 pass any aeronautical knowledge test, meet any age or experience requirement, or obtain an airman certificate or medical certificate. In an alternative to the requirements of this bill, a micro drone may be operated pursuant to any form of FAA-prescribed authorization, operational rules, or exemptions pertaining to unmanned aircraft systems; but both the aircraft and its operator shall remain exempt from any requirement for an airman certificate or medical certificate.

Date: 2016-03-10
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
UAVs for Energy Infrastructure Act

This bill amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to direct the Department of Transportation to establish a process by which a covered person may operate an unmanned aircraft system to conduct the following activities beyond the visual line of sight of the individual operating the system without any restriction on the time of the operation:

 activities for which compliance with current law can be accomplished by the use of manned aircraft, including activities to ensure compliance with federal or state regulatory, permit, or other requirements (including surveys for permits for construction or maintenance of pipelines) and activities relating to ensuring compliance with federal requirements for the transportation of natural gas, other gas, or hazardous substances by pipeline; activities to inspect, repair, or respond to critical infrastructure, including to respond to a pipeline incident, natural or man-made disaster, severe weather event, or other incident beyond the control of such person that may cause material damage to such infrastructure; and other activities if the covered person notifies the local Flight Standards District Office before the operation of the unmanned aircraft system. A "covered person" is a person who owns or operates a pipeline or other critical infrastructure, is an agent of such person, or is the sponsor of a pipeline project.

Date: 2016-03-15
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works