Sen. Baldwin Introduces Bill Allowing Passengers with Disabilities to Sue Airlines for Discrimination
A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for certain remedies for air transportation passengers with disabilities who are discriminated against, and for other purposes.
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been sent to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for review. No further actions are scheduled at this time.
While the bill addresses popular concerns about wheelchair damage, giving people the right to sue airlines is a major change that usually faces strong opposition from the travel industry.
Congress specifically notes that veterans with disabilities continue to face barriers flying, and this bill's new lawsuit rights and mandatory penalties would apply to the discrimination many veterans with service-related disabilities experience.
“individuals, including veterans, with disabilities continue to experience significant barriers to and with traveling by air”
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Rep. Dina Titus introduced the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act on June 18. The bill would allow individuals with disabilities to file suit in civil court and require the DOT to levy civil penalties for mishandled wheelchairs and physical harm to passengers.
New federal safety rules went into effect on June 17 mandating hands-on training for airline personnel who support people with disabilities. The rules aim to prevent injuries during transfers and reduce the frequency of damaged wheelchairs and mobility scooters during transport.
Major airlines are challenging a new federal rule requiring 'hands-on training' for staff assisting passengers with disabilities, set to begin June 17. The rule also makes it an automatic violation of the Air Carrier Access Act if airlines damage or delay the return of a wheelchair.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for certain remedies for air transportation passengers with disabilities who are discriminated against, and for other purposes.
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