Bill · H.R. 9695· House(119-HR-9695)
McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act
- Introduced
- 7/15/2026
- Last activity
- 7/15/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Sponsored by
- Cliff Bentz
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act. It requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator to review existing FAA policies and regulations related to low-altitude airspace safety within 6 months. The review must look at things like markings on slacklines, how obstacle data is shared, and penalties for safety violations. The Administrator must consult with various aviation stakeholders during this process. If the Administrator finds that current policies do not adequately identify marking or lighting requirements for slacklines or other temporary obstructions, updated regulations, guidance, or policies must be issued within 1 year. Finally, a briefing on the findings and updates must be given to specific Congressional Committees within 90 days of the review's completion.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill requires the FAA to brief relevant Congressional committees on its review findings and policy updates.
Would farmers be better off under this?+3
Agricultural aviation operators are specifically included as consulted stakeholders to improve low-altitude safety.
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
The bill directs the FAA Administrator to conduct reviews and update federal regulations concerning low-altitude airspace safety.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Under Section 2(a)(1) and Section 2(a)(2)(A), the Administrator must review existing policies to see if obstruction marking and lighting rules clearly identify when slacklines, tight ropes, highlines, wires, and similar temporary obstructions should be marked or lighted. This is a positive step to help reduce the risk of low-altitude aircraft strikes and protect pilots and passengers.
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Under Section 2(a)(2)(B), the Administrator must consider whether the FAA can improve Notices to Airmen and other aeronautical information products. This could benefit pilots by providing better and more consistent digital depiction in flight planning tools and electronic flight bags.
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Under Section 2(a)(2)(C), the bill looks at improving coordination with Federal, State, Tribal, and local land management agencies, including the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Forest Service. This is positive because it helps address activities that may create low-altitude aviation hazards in shared spaces.
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Under Section 2(a)(3), the Administrator is required to consult with various groups, including helicopter and powered-lift aircraft operators and pilots, air medical operators, and agricultural aviation operators. Giving these groups a voice ensures that practical, real-world safety concerns are heard by the officials we voted for.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based strictly on the provided text, there are no explicit negative consequences, burdens, or penalties placed directly on everyday individuals or groups of people by this bill. The text only directs a government Administrator to conduct reviews, consult stakeholders, update guidance if needed, and brief Congress.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Land Management+2
- 7/15/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Elijah CraneRepublican · Arizona
Val HoyleDemocrat · Oregon