Bill Overview
Title: Securing Air Travel Act
Description: This bill addresses penalties for, and other matters pertaining to, carrying firearms beyond airport security checkpoints or on aircraft. Specifically, the bill establishes minimum civil monetary penalties for repeat or egregious violations of prohibitions against carrying unauthorized firearms at airports or on aircraft. It also makes individuals who violate the prohibitions ineligible for programs that expedite security screenings at airports. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must display signage and carry out a campaign to inform travelers of the prohibitions and of the penalties for violating them. The bill also requires the TSA and the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress about the bill's implementation and related issues.
Sponsors: Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Target Audience
Population: individuals traveling with the potential to carry unauthorized firearms in airports
Estimated Size: 15000000
- The bill targets individuals who travel by air, specifically those who might carry firearms, intentionally or unintentionally, past security checkpoints.
- A significant number of people travel through airports globally every year, and a small percentage of them carry firearms.
- In the U.S., over 760 million passengers board flights annually (2018 TSA data), suggesting millions might be relevant to the context of the bill.
- Changes to security protocols and penalties will affect travelers' experiences and eligibility for expedited screening programs.
Reasoning
- The policy is likely to have a significant impact on individuals who occasionally or frequently fly and own firearms. Given the high rate of gun ownership and the number of concealed carry permit holders, these are key recognizable groups in the policy's targeted population.
- This simulation aims to reflect a range of perspectives including those directly affected by the policy due to gun possession and those indirectly affected through changes in airport procedures.
- Cost considerations and program size mean we need to target awareness campaigns effectively for maximum compliance and effectiveness.
- The policy will likely see the greatest impact on individuals who have previously carried firearms past security, whether intentionally or by oversight, making them aware of blunt penalties might deter such behavior.
Simulated Interviews
Accountant (Texas)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy is a necessary step but might increase wait times for those of us who follow the rules.
- It's on us to ensure we're aware of what we can and cannot bring through security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Marketing Manager (New York)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't carry firearms, so I don't see how it impacts me directly, but if it improves security, I'm all for it.
- I hope it doesn't slow down the security lines.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Veteran and School Teacher (Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about my rights as a gun owner; any policies should ensure they aren't infringed.
- As long as it's about education and penalties for clear breaches, that's understandable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (California)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't carry firearms, but I appreciate the additional security measures if they make a difference.
- I just hope it doesn't complicate travel processes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Construction Manager (Minnesota)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial these policies differentiate between intentional and unintentional violations.
- Clear communication about penalties and regulations is important to prevent misunderstandings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Travel Blogger (Georgia)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Frequent travelers like me are used to the rules, but it's good to have reminders to prevent mistakes.
- The policy sounds better for safety, but I hope it streamlines the process rather than complicates it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Student (Colorado)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any policies that make flying safer sound positive. It's not something I think will affect me directly.
- Boosting awareness of rules and consequences is always a good approach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Corporate Lawyer (Illinois)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the idea but hope for clarity between penalizing innocent mistakes versus intentional misconduct.
- I benefit from TSA pre-check, so I hope it remains accessible to those of us following the law.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Police Officer (Nevada)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could help reinforce the importance of responsible gun ownership.
- Focusing on education and information campaigns should be a priority.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Small Business Owner (Ohio)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Traveling can already be stressful; understanding rules to avoid penalties is essential.
- Hopefully, this policy won't disproportionately affect those acting in good faith.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $60000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $45000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $55000000)
Year 3: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 5: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 10: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The primary costs stem from the implementation and enforcement of new penalties as well as the educational campaign undertaken by TSA.
- The savings largely depend on the degree to which penalties are effective in deterring firearms violations.
- The policy ensures increased safety and potentially reduces incidents, thereby improving operational efficiency at airports.
- Design, installation, and long-term maintenance of signs may require significant initial investments.