4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Mar 24, 2026)

Technical corrections only. The diff between v3 and v4 primarily involves updating the attestation with the Clerk's name and adding information about the bill's referral to the Senate. There are no substantive policy changes to the text of the bill itself.

H.R. 5663119th CongressIntroduced Sep 30, 2025

ACPAC Modernization Act

Passed HouseTransportation and Public WorksSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
Committees: Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
Last action: Mar 25, 2026

Bottom line

The bill expands the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee's explicit focus to include ticket agents and removes any special carve-outs for them regarding the committee's termination.

What it actually does

This bill, titled the "ACPAC Modernization Act," amends Section 411 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. It specifically modifies the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC) by explicitly including "ticket agents" within the committee's scope or membership. Concurrently, it removes "ticket agents" from a provision in subsection (i) related to the committee's termination, thereby integrating them fully into the committee's general operational and termination framework.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this bill modernizes the ACPAC by ensuring that "ticket agents," a crucial part of the aviation consumer experience, are fully within the committee's advisory purview. This change is seen as enhancing consumer protection by allowing the committee to provide comprehensive advice on issues affecting passengers who interact with ticket agents, ensuring their concerns are addressed alongside those related to airlines and airports.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue that expanding the committee's scope without clear additional resources could dilute its effectiveness or overburden its existing members. Some ticket agents might also express concerns about increased regulatory scrutiny or the potential for new recommendations that could impose compliance burdens, especially if their specific operational models are not adequately understood by the committee.

The bill is extremely short and can be read and understood quickly by anyone familiar with legislative text.

Section 2(1) and (2)

Inclusion of Ticket Agents in ACPAC Scope and Termination Framework

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section amends existing law to explicitly include "ticket agents" as a stakeholder group or subject area for the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC). It also removes any specific exemptions or special treatment that "ticket agents" might have had regarding the committee's termination provisions. This means the ACPAC's advisory functions will now fully encompass issues related to ticket agents, and their involvement will follow the same termination schedule as the rest of the committee's work.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupAviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC)ImpactExpanded scope and clarified jurisdiction.MechanismStatutory amendment to committee's enabling act.ScaleModerate, impacts committee's operational focus.

GroupTicket Agents (e.g., online travel agencies, traditional travel agents)ImpactIncreased oversight, potential for new recommendations, greater representation in consumer protection discussions.MechanismDirect inclusion in committee's statutory mandate.ScaleModerate, affects business practices and regulatory environment.

GroupAir Travelers/ConsumersImpactPotential for improved consumer protections and clearer recourse mechanisms when dealing with ticket agents.MechanismCommittee advice leading to policy changes or best practices.ScaleBroad, affects all consumers interacting with ticket agents.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that explicitly including ticket agents ensures a holistic approach to aviation consumer protection, as ticket agents play a significant role in the travel booking process. This change closes a potential gap in oversight and allows the committee to address consumer issues comprehensively, from booking to flight completion.

Critics contend

Some in the ticket agent industry might argue that existing regulations are sufficient and that additional committee oversight could lead to redundant or overly burdensome recommendations. They might also contend that their business models differ significantly from airlines, requiring distinct regulatory approaches that a broad committee might not fully appreciate.

Tradeoffs

The bill balances the desire for comprehensive consumer protection with potential concerns from the regulated industry about increased compliance burdens. It aims to ensure all facets of the air travel experience, including interactions with third-party booking agents, are subject to advisory scrutiny, potentially at the cost of increased administrative complexity for those agents.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.