Expanding Private Airport Security Screening Act

Bill Number

H.R. 8151

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-30: Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.

Last Updated

2026-05-16T08:07:26Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Expanding Private Airport Security Screening Act (H.R. 8151) aims to expand options for airport security by allowing airport operators to contract with approved private companies to screen passengers and property, while maintaining federal oversight through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This builds on the existing Screening Partnership Program.

Key Provisions

• Contracts with Private Companies: Airport operators can sign contracts with "qualified private screening companies" listed publicly by the TSA Administrator. Companies must:
• Hire only individuals meeting the same standards as federal screeners.
• Provide screening at the same quality level as federal personnel.
• Be owned and controlled by U.S. citizens (if such companies exist).
• Notification and Transition: Airports must notify TSA within 7 days of signing a contract and create a transition plan within 30 days.
• Federal Oversight: TSA must supply supervisors, law enforcement officers, covert testing (secret checks on screening effectiveness), and training support at privatized airports.
• Liability Protection: Airport operators are shielded from lawsuits over negligence by private screeners or federal supervisors (but remain liable for their own actions). Private companies retain liability for their own misconduct.
• Annual Reporting: TSA must submit yearly reports to Congress comparing:
• Screening performance of private vs. federal screeners.
• Costs of private contracts vs. federal screening (broken down by airport size and total federal costs).
• Reports are published online.
• Cost Comparison Amendment: Updates the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 to require TSA to provide airports with cost estimates comparing private contracts to federal screening.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Overhauls Section 44920 of Title 49, U.S. Code: Replaces the prior Screening Partnership Program rules to make private contracting more accessible, including a public list of qualified companies and mandatory federal supervision.
• Adds Liability Shields: New protections for airports not in prior law.
• Enhances Transparency: Introduces public lists, detailed cost reports, and performance comparisons absent before.
• Expands Cost Data: Modifies FAA law to include private screening costs in comparisons provided to airports.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies (TSA/Federal): Increased oversight role (supervisors, testing); potential cost shifts if airports privatize, with full federal costs disclosed in reports.
• Citizens (Passengers): Screening quality must match federal standards; possible efficiency gains or changes in wait times/costs passed to travelers.
• Airport Operators: Greater flexibility to choose providers, reduced lawsuit risks, and better cost data for decisions.
• No Direct International Relations Impact: Focuses on domestic U.S. airport operations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Airport operators: Gain contracting options and liability protection.
• TSA and federal employees: Retain supervision, testing, and reporting duties.
• Private screening companies: Eligible for contracts if qualified.
• Passengers and airlines: Affected by screening processes and potential costs.
• Congress: Receives performance and cost data for oversight.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Introduces targeted liability limits (e.g., airports immune from private screener claims), with a "rule of construction" preserving other liabilities; ensures compliance with existing anti-terrorism tech laws.
• Constitutional: No apparent challenges; maintains federal authority over aviation security.
• Political: Promotes privatization to potentially cut costs and improve efficiency, requiring data-driven congressional review; could spark debates on security quality vs. private involvement.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7], Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21], Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-30: Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
• 2026-03-27: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
• 2026-03-27: Introduced in House
• 2026-03-27: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Expanding Private Airport Security Screening Act — issued 2026-03-27 — PDF (7 pages)