To amend title 49, United States Code, to allow airport operators to enter into contracts with qualified private screening companies to carry out the screening of passengers and property at airports, and for other purposes.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would change federal law to give airport operators more flexibility in how they handle security screening at their airports. Currently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) — a federal agency — manages passenger and baggage screening at most U.S. airports. This legislation would allow airport operators to enter into contracts with qualified private security companies to take over that screening work instead.

The bill appears to expand or modify an existing program — known as the Screening Partnership Program — that already allows some airports to opt for private screeners under TSA oversight. Under this kind of arrangement, private companies would handle the day-to-day work of checking passengers and their belongings, though federal standards and oversight would typically still apply. Airports that choose to participate would work directly with approved private firms rather than relying solely on TSA employees.

This bill would most directly affect airport operators, TSA employees who currently work as screeners, and the private security industry. Travelers passing through airports that choose private screening could experience changes in how their screening is conducted, though federal safety standards would likely still govern the process. TSA workers at affected airports could potentially see their jobs shifted to private sector employment. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security, which is the next step before any further congressional action.