MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
December 2009

GREETINGS! First, Here is an update from Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate approves a final version of the FY-2010 spending bill that provides funding to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the fiscal year that began October 1st, sending the measure to President Obama. The final agreement includes more than $1 billion for airport baggage system upgrades and provides funding and congressional direction on the Large aircraft Security Program, TSA staffing, checkpoint screening technology, and air cargo security. Key provisions include:
o $2.76 billion for TSA screener personnel, with nearly $212 million provided for behavior detection officers.
o $1.028 billion for the purchase and installation of explosives detection equipment in airports.
o $1.28.7 billion for checkpoint technology.
o $123 million for air cargo security to help meet the August 2010 deadline for 100 percent screening of cargo on passenger aircraft.

Secondly, the U.S. House passes aviation safety legislation, H.R. 3371, the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009, with the intention of enhancing airline safety by significantly increasing the flight hours required for commercial first officers and strengthening pilot training.

Thirdly, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt announces that serious runway incursions were down 50 percent for the most recent 12-month period compared to the previous year. There were 12 serious incursions in FY2009, which ended September 30th, with only two involving commercial carriers, compared to 25 such events in fiscal year 2008, with nine involving commercial carriers.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session (2010)
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS

HB 1312 --- Sponsor: Talboy, Mike
Prohibits members of the General Assembly from jointly owning property with any registered lobbyist unless the member is the lobbyist's spouse or family member or is dating the lobbyist.

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Note: Here's your web site address for Texas Legislation: www.texas.gov.
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.

Note: Here's your web site address for Illinois Legislation: www.illinois.gov.
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.

All other states should follow this same format, to search your specific state's aviation and airport bills.

Remember, that as members of USPA, MPA, TPA, TXAA, NMPA, NPA, IPA, EAA, AOPA, or other pilot associations of which you may be a member, we have a powerful voice, in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, or whatever state you may represent. Every group of taxpayers and pilots carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C., as well as at the state and local level.
We need to learn how to use our voices, and speak up for general aviation.

So Let's not forget to exercise our privileges, and continue to make a "Difference for General Aviation."

SAFE FLYING!