H.R. 4146 Introduced Transportation and Public Works

PAPA Act of 2025

To limit the use of data from automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast systems, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3] Introduced June 25, 2025 Cosponsors 9 (9 R) Latest action June 26, 2025

Summary

Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act or the PAPA Act of 2025
This bill limits how Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data may be used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other government agencies. The bill also establishes disclosure requirements for certain user fees imposed on general aviation aircraft at public-use airports and limits the purposes for which the fees may be used.
As background, ADS-B transmits information (e.g., location and weather information) between aircraft and air traffic control.
The bill prohibits a person or government agency from using ADS-B data to identify an aircraft in order to impose a charge on the aircraft owner or operator.
The bill also specifies that air traffic controllers may only use ADS-B data to assist in tracking aircraft and improving air traffic safety and efficiency, or for other purposes determined appropriate by the Department of Transportation after notice and public comment.
Further, the bill prohibits any federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal official from initiating an investigation (excluding a criminal investigation) of a person based exclusively on ADS-B data. Under current law, this prohibition only applies to the FAA. 
In addition, owners and operators of public-use airports must publicly disclose financial information about certain expenses and cost estimates for airside safety projects (e.g., runway or taxiway safety improvements) prior to charging landing or takeoff fees for general aviation aircraft (e.g., aircraft used for personal, recreational, or flight training purposes). Further, any revenue from these fees may only be used for airside safety projects.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Jun 26, 2025 Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
  2. Jun 25, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
  3. Jun 25, 2025 Introduced in House

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