The legislation will specifically affect air carriers that operate under parts 135 and 380, which conduct common carriage passenger operations for hire. By reestablishing and updating security screening protocols, the bill intends to ensure that all air carrier operations are subject to consistent security measures. Additionally, it aims to bolster the federal oversight of aviation security, thus potentially increasing passenger safety during flights.
Summary
House Bill 2353, also known as the Safer Skies Act of 2025, seeks to enhance the security screening requirements for certain air carrier operations. The bill mandates that within 360 days of its enactment, all covered air carrier operations are required to adhere to the Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program as specified in section 1544.101(a) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. This aims to bring uniform security protocols in line with evolving safety standards in the aviation industry.
Contention
While the bill received bipartisan support in its introduction, there remain concerns regarding the implications of increased federal regulations on smaller air carriers that may be financially strained by the associated compliance costs. Some stakeholders argue that implementing stricter security measures howsoever necessary could burden smaller operators, potentially affecting competition within the airline industry. The balance between enhancing security measures and ensuring the viability of smaller air carriers remains a point of contention.