ACPAC Modernization Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5663

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2026-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Last Updated

2026-06-11T23:41:28Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The ACPAC Modernization Act (H.R. 5663) aims to update the structure and duration of the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC), a group that advises the U.S. Department of Transportation on protecting airline passengers. It expands the committee's membership to include ticket agents (such as online travel sellers) and adjusts rules about when the committee ends.

Key Provisions

• Membership Expansion: Adds "ticket agents" as a new category of members to the committee, listed under subsection (b) as paragraph (5). This ensures representatives from companies that sell airline tickets are included alongside existing groups like airlines, airports, and consumer advocates.
• Modification to Termination: Removes the phrase "ticket agents" from subsection (i) of the law, which likely changes how or when the committee's operations end for these newly added members, preventing their exclusion from ongoing committee activities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Section 411 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (a law focused on updating Federal Aviation Administration rules).
• Previously, the committee's membership categories (under subsection (b)) did not explicitly include ticket agents, limiting input from ticket sellers.
• The change to subsection (i) alters termination provisions—originally, it may have specified ending certain aspects for ticket agents, but striking this text integrates them fully into the committee's indefinite or extended operations.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will receive advice from a more diverse group, potentially improving regulations on ticketing practices, refunds, and consumer rights in air travel.
• On Citizens: Airline passengers may benefit from policies addressing issues like hidden fees or cancellations, as ticket agent input could highlight problems in online booking.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could indirectly affect U.S. airlines' global competitiveness by standardizing consumer protections that align with international standards.
• No broad economic or societal disruptions expected, as this is a targeted update to an advisory body.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Aviation Industry: Airlines, airports, and labor groups already on the committee may see diluted influence due to new voices.
• Ticket Agents: Online platforms and travel agencies (e.g., companies like Expedia or Kayak) gain formal representation, allowing them to shape DOT policies on sales practices.
• Consumers: Passengers and advocacy groups benefit from broader expertise in addressing travel complaints.
• Government: DOT/FAA as the primary overseer, with the committee providing non-binding recommendations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens the committee's role under existing aviation law without creating new enforcement powers; ensures compliance with federal advisory committee rules (e.g., balanced representation under the Federal Advisory Committee Act).
• Constitutional: No major issues, as it involves administrative advisory functions rather than rights or powers reserved to states or individuals.
• Political: Promotes bipartisanship in consumer protection by including modern industry players like digital ticket sellers, potentially reducing complaints about outdated regulations. The bill's passage in the House and Senate referral suggest low controversy, focusing on routine modernization rather than divisive reforms.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• 2026-03-24: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2026-03-24: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2657)
• 2026-03-24: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
• 2026-03-24: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5663.
• 2026-03-24: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2657-2658)
• 2026-03-24: Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
• 2026-03-16: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 470.
• 2026-03-16: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-547.
• 2026-03-16: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-547.
• 2025-12-18: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
• 2025-12-18: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-12-18: Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
• 2025-12-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
• 2025-09-30: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Bill Versions

• ACPAC Modernization Act — issued 2026-03-24 — PDF (4 pages)
• ACPAC Modernization Act — issued 2025-09-30 — PDF (2 pages)
• ACPAC Modernization Act — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (2 pages)
• ACPAC Modernization Act — issued 2026-03-16 — PDF (4 pages)