HR 9373 — Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2026

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in House Current html June 18, 2026

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill adds provisions for civil penalties and a private right of action for individuals discriminated against by air carriers based on disability.

• 49 U.S.C. § 41705(c)(1)

  not later than 120 days after the receipt of any complaint of a violation of this section or a regulation prescribed under this section, investigate such complaint; → assess a civil penalty under section 46301 for, at a minimum, each of the following violations: Delay of, loss of, or significant damage to a wheelchair or scooter. Physical harm to or fatal injury of a passenger in the provision of a service related to the requirements of this section. Failure to provide proper assistance in boarding or deplaning a passenger with disabilities in a case in which aisle chair assistance is required. Denial of boarding for a passenger with disabilities or denial of access for a service animal in a manner not in compliance with requirements enforced by the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, or applicable foreign aviation authorities. An act of gross negligence with respect to a passenger with disabilities in air transportation.

  This change introduces civil penalties for specific forms of discrimination against passengers with disabilities.

• 49 U.S.C. § 41705(c)(1)

  If the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that any air carrier or foreign air carrier or group of air carriers or foreign air carriers is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination under this section, or any person or group of persons has been discriminated against under this section and such discrimination raises an issue of general public importance, the Secretary shall, after the assessment of the civil penalty under section 46301, refer the matter to the Attorney General for further action.

  This addition allows the Secretary to refer cases of systemic discrimination to the Attorney General for further action.

• 49 U.S.C. § 41705

  Any person aggrieved by an air carrier or foreign air carrier's violation of this section or a regulation prescribed under this section may, during the 2-year period beginning on the date of the violation, bring a civil action against such air carrier or foreign carrier in an appropriate district court of the United States for appropriate relief, including compensatory and punitive damages.

  This grants individuals the right to sue air carriers for violations related to disability discrimination.

• 49 U.S.C. § 41705

  A court shall award reasonable attorney's fees, reasonable expert fees, and court costs to the prevailing party in any action brought under subparagraph (A).

  This ensures that prevailing plaintiffs can recover attorney's fees and costs in disability discrimination lawsuits.

• 49 U.S.C. § 41705

  Any person aggrieved by an air carrier or foreign air carrier's violation of this section or a regulation prescribed under this section shall not be required to exhaust administrative remedies before bringing a civil action under subparagraph (A).

  This eliminates the requirement for aggrieved individuals to exhaust administrative remedies before filing a lawsuit.

• 49 U.S.C. § 41705

  The Attorney General may bring a civil action on behalf of individuals aggrieved by an air carrier or foreign air carrier's violation of this section or a regulation prescribed under this section against such air carrier or foreign air carrier in any appropriate district court of the United States.

  This empowers the Attorney General to take legal action on behalf of individuals affected by discrimination.

• 49 U.S.C. § 41705

  In a civil action under subparagraph (A), the court may grant any equitable relief that the court considers to be appropriate; when requested by the Attorney General, award such other relief as the court considers to be appropriate, including damages to individuals described in subparagraph (A); and assess a civil penalty against the air carrier or foreign air carrier.

  This allows courts to provide various forms of relief and penalties in discrimination cases.

Action History

1. June 18, 2026

   Introduced in House

2. June 18, 2026

   Introduced in House

3. June 18, 2026

   Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Sponsors

• Dina Titus · Primary
• Steve Cohen · Cosponsor
• Julia Brownley · Cosponsor
• Eleanor Holmes Norton · Cosponsor
• André Carson · Cosponsor
• Robert Garcia · Cosponsor
• Jesús G. "Chuy" García · Cosponsor

Subjects