Senate Bill 223 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Josh CarnleySenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Aviation; restrict the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast data collected from aircraft

Summary

SB223 would ban using ADS-B data to identify aircraft for charging owners or operators with fees, while preserving safety and regulatory uses.

What This Bill Does

SB223 prohibits using ADS-B data to identify a specific aircraft for the purpose of assessing fees or charges on its owner or operator. It defines ADS-B data and clarifies what counts as a fee or charge. It allows ADS-B data to be used for safety, air traffic control, regulatory compliance, and voluntary operational services as long as those uses do not involve fee assessment. It also establishes enforcement options, including private civil actions and state enforcement, with damages and penalties, and sets an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Aircraft owners and operators would be protected from fees or charges based on ADS-B data identifying their aircraft.
• Government agencies and ADS-B data users/providers would be restricted from using ADS-B data to identify aircraft to impose fees, but may continue to use the data for safety, regulatory, or voluntary operational purposes.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits using ADS-B data to identify an aircraft for the purpose of assessing a fee or charging the owner/operator.
• Provides definitions for ADS-B data, ADS-B, fee/charge, government agency, and person.
• Preserves allowed uses for safety, regulatory compliance, and voluntary services, as long as fees are not based on ADS-B identification.
• Allows private civil actions with injunctive relief, actual or statutory damages up to $5,000 per violation, and attorney fees; the Attorney General may seek civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026, with language to avoid conflict with federal aviation law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Transportation