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Bill

Bill

HB 1550

CONCERNING EXPEDITED SECURITY SCREENINGS AT AN AIRPORT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wade Andrews and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1550 allows Arkansas airports to offer faster security screenings through vendor and airline agreements, improving travel efficiency for passengers.

Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION- HOUSE
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Bill Summary · HB 1550

Summary of House Bill 1550: Expedited Security Screenings at Airports

Bill Number: HB 1550
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Status: Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on Public Transportation - House
Authors: Representative Andrews, Senator M. Johnson

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1550 aims to enhance the efficiency of security screenings at public airports in Arkansas by allowing for expedited security screening services. The bill seeks to streamline the airport security process, thereby improving the travel experience for passengers.

Key Provisions

Definitions

The bill introduces several key definitions relevant to expedited security screenings:
- Airline: An organization providing commercial air transportation.
- Expedited Security Screening: A service allowing passengers to use a standard security lane or TSA PreCheck lane instead of the standard screening process.
- Public Airport: A tract of land or water owned by a governmental entity that includes facilities for aircraft operations.
- Public Airport Operator: An entity authorized to manage a public airport.
- Vendor: A private third-party vendor providing expedited security screening services.

Agreements and Implementation

  • Vendor Agreements: Public airport operators may enter into agreements with vendors to provide expedited security screenings, provided the vendor has a dedicated TSA security lane at the airport.
  • Airline Agreements: Public airport operators can also enter into agreements with airlines to offer expedited screening exclusively for the airline's passengers. Notably, passengers using this service will not incur additional fees from the vendor.

Retroactive Application

The provisions of this act apply retroactively to all agreements made by public airport operators on or after January 1, 2025.

Impact

Affected Parties

  • Passengers: Travelers using public airports in Arkansas will benefit from faster security screenings, potentially reducing wait times and improving overall travel efficiency.
  • Airlines: Airlines operating at public airports may enhance their service offerings by providing expedited screening options for their passengers.
  • Public Airport Operators: Airport operators will have the authority to negotiate agreements with vendors and airlines, which may lead to improved operational efficiency.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 20, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • April 3, 2025: The bill was withdrawn by the author and recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on Public Transportation - House.

Conclusion

House Bill 1550 represents an effort to modernize and expedite the security screening process at Arkansas public airports. By allowing for vendor and airline agreements, the bill aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers while maintaining security standards. The retroactive application of the bill ensures that existing agreements are also aligned with the new provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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