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Safer Skies Act of 2025
4/4/2025, 4:56 PM
Summary of Bill HR 2353
The bill specifically targets air carriers that operate flights to or from airports that have a high volume of passengers or are considered high-risk. The goal is to enhance security measures and ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.
The TSA Administrator is tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of current security screening procedures and implementing any necessary updates to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This includes utilizing advanced technologies and methods to enhance security while also minimizing disruptions to passengers. Additionally, the bill requires the TSA Administrator to consult with relevant stakeholders, including air carriers, airport operators, and security experts, to ensure that the updated security screening requirements are practical and feasible. Overall, Bill 119 HR 2353 seeks to modernize security screening procedures for certain air carrier operations in order to enhance security measures and improve the overall safety of air travel.
Congressional Summary of HR 2353
Safer Skies Act of 2025
This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to require that certain small public charter air carrier operations comply with the Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program (AOSSP).
As background, the TSA has different types of security programs based on the nature of the air carrier’s operations. Currently, the AOSSP requirements apply to all scheduled passenger service with a seating capacity of 61 or more seats that operate into or out of a TSA-controlled sterile area.
The TSA also has other security programs that have less stringent security requirements than the AOSSP. These programs are designed for different types of aircraft operators, including operations under Part 135 (e.g., scheduled commuter flights in smaller aircraft) and Part 380 (e.g., public charter flights) of the Department of Transportation’s regulations.
This bill applies the AOSSP requirements to air carriers operating under Part 135 and Part 380 that (1) operate scheduled public charter service, (2) operate airplanes configured with 10 or more passenger seats, and (3) do not enplane or deplane in a TSA-managed checkpoint.
