This legislation amends title 49, United States Code, to establish the "Expanding Private Airport Security Screening Act," allowing airport operators to contract with qualified private screening companies for passenger and property security screening. Airport operators wishing to utilize this program must notify the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and develop a plan to transition screening services to the private entity. This expands the existing Screening Partnership Program, offering airports more flexibility in their security operations. The bill mandates that the TSA maintain a public list of eligible private screening companies. To be included, these companies must ensure their employees meet all federal security requirements and demonstrate the capability to provide screening services at the same level as federal government personnel. The TSA Administrator will also provide Federal Government supervisors to oversee all screening operations and conduct covert testing and remedial training support for private company employees, ensuring continued adherence to security standards. A key provision limits the liability of airport operators for claims related to negligence, gross negligence, or intentional wrongdoing by the contracted private screening companies or federal supervisory personnel. However, this protection does not absolve airport operators of liability for their own acts or omissions. Finally, the bill requires the TSA to submit annual reports to Congress comparing the performance and costs of private screening companies versus federal screening services, providing transparency and data for future evaluations.
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Transportation and Public Works
Expanding Private Airport Security Screening Act
USA119th CongressHR-8151| House
| Updated: 3/27/2026
This legislation amends title 49, United States Code, to establish the "Expanding Private Airport Security Screening Act," allowing airport operators to contract with qualified private screening companies for passenger and property security screening. Airport operators wishing to utilize this program must notify the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and develop a plan to transition screening services to the private entity. This expands the existing Screening Partnership Program, offering airports more flexibility in their security operations. The bill mandates that the TSA maintain a public list of eligible private screening companies. To be included, these companies must ensure their employees meet all federal security requirements and demonstrate the capability to provide screening services at the same level as federal government personnel. The TSA Administrator will also provide Federal Government supervisors to oversee all screening operations and conduct covert testing and remedial training support for private company employees, ensuring continued adherence to security standards. A key provision limits the liability of airport operators for claims related to negligence, gross negligence, or intentional wrongdoing by the contracted private screening companies or federal supervisory personnel. However, this protection does not absolve airport operators of liability for their own acts or omissions. Finally, the bill requires the TSA to submit annual reports to Congress comparing the performance and costs of private screening companies versus federal screening services, providing transparency and data for future evaluations.