Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 2591
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2591Aviation and airportsDepartment of Transportation
Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025
INTRO APR 2· LAST ACTION SEP 9
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
43BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it directly impacts the safety and well-being of the people responsible for safe air travel. When pilots and air traffic controllers fear losing their careers for disclosing mental health challenges, they might avoid seeking necessary help, which could pose a risk to aviation safety. This bill aims to create a culture where mental health is treated like physical health, encouraging early intervention and support.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to a more open, transparent system for managing mental health in aviation, potentially reducing the stigma that currently prevents many professionals from seeking care. This could mean a healthier workforce and, by extension, a safer flying experience for everyone. If it doesn't pass, the current system, which some argue discourages disclosure and treatment, would likely continue, leaving potential mental health issues unaddressed among critical aviation personnel.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
The FAA must update regulations within two years to encourage aviation professionals to seek help for and disclose mental health conditions.
This aims to reduce the fear of career repercussions, making it safer for professionals to get the care they need.
PROVISION 02
The FAA is required to conduct an annual review of policies related to mental health special clearances for pilots and air traffic controllers.
This ensures regulations stay current, allowing for the approval of more safe medications and improving the overall clearance process.
PROVISION 03
The bill sets aside $13,740,000 annually for fiscal years 2026-2028 to recruit, train, and expand the capacity of aviation medical examiners, including psychiatrists.
This funding will help address a backlog in special issuance requests and improve the quality of mental health evaluations.
PROVISION 04
The bill allocates $1,500,000 annually for fiscal years 2026-2028 for a public information campaign to destigmatize mental health care in the aviation industry.
This campaign aims to build trust and encourage aviation professionals to seek support without shame.
PROVISION 05
The FAA must implement, to the greatest extent possible, recommendations from a previous Aviation Rulemaking Committee on mental health and medical clearances.
This ensures that expert recommendations are put into practice to improve existing processes.
Voters should care about this bill because it directly impacts the safety and well-being of the people responsible for safe air travel. When pilots and air traffic controllers fear losing their careers for disclosing mental health challenges, they might avoid seeking necessary help, which could pose a risk to aviation safety. This bill aims to create a culture where mental health is treated like physical health, encouraging early intervention and support.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to a more open, transparent system for managing mental health in aviation, potentially reducing the stigma that currently prevents many professionals from seeking care. This could mean a healthier workforce and, by extension, a safer flying experience for everyone. If it doesn't pass, the current system, which some argue discourages disclosure and treatment, would likely continue, leaving potential mental health issues unaddressed among critical aviation personnel.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
The FAA must update regulations within two years to encourage aviation professionals to seek help for and disclose mental health conditions.
This aims to reduce the fear of career repercussions, making it safer for professionals to get the care they need.
med
The FAA is required to conduct an annual review of policies related to mental health special clearances for pilots and air traffic controllers.
This ensures regulations stay current, allowing for the approval of more safe medications and improving the overall clearance process.
high
The bill sets aside $13,740,000 annually for fiscal years 2026-2028 to recruit, train, and expand the capacity of aviation medical examiners, including psychiatrists.
This funding will help address a backlog in special issuance requests and improve the quality of mental health evaluations.
med
The bill allocates $1,500,000 annually for fiscal years 2026-2028 for a public information campaign to destigmatize mental health care in the aviation industry.
This campaign aims to build trust and encourage aviation professionals to seek support without shame.
high
The FAA must implement, to the greatest extent possible, recommendations from a previous Aviation Rulemaking Committee on mental health and medical clearances.
This ensures that expert recommendations are put into practice to improve existing processes.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act
FAA to update regulations to encourage mental health help and disclosure.
Not later than 180 days after the submission of the report
FAA to take actions to implement mental health-related recommendations from a required report.
Not later than 1 year after the Administrator creates the public information campaign
FAA to submit a report describing actions taken to develop the public information campaign and plans for implementation.
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act
FAA to implement, to the greatest extent practicable, recommendations of the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee.
Additional Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) and related capacity expansion
discretionary
Fiscal years 2026 through 2028 (each year)
$1,500,000
Public information campaign to destigmatize mental health in aviation
discretionary
Fiscal years 2026 through 2028 (each year)
GLOSSARY
AI-written
FAA Administrator
The head official of the Federal Aviation Administration, responsible for overseeing all aspects of U.S. civil aviation.
Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs)
Doctors authorized by the FAA to perform medical examinations for pilots and air traffic controllers to ensure they meet health standards for aviation duties.
Special Issuance
A process where the FAA grants medical certification to an individual who does not meet standard medical requirements, but can demonstrate that their condition will not jeopardize flight safety, often with specific limitations or follow-up requirements.
Part 67 of title 14 of Code of Federal Regulations
A section of federal law that outlines the medical standards and certification procedures for pilots and other airmen.
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
A previous law that authorizes funding and sets policies for the Federal Aviation Administration.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
An independent U.S. government agency that investigates civil aviation accidents and makes safety recommendations.
Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC)
ACTION TIMELINE
15 EVENTS
SEP 9, 25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
INTROREFERRAL
SEP 8, 25
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-242.
COMMITTEE
SEP 8, 25
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 199.
CALENDARS
SEP 8, 25
Mr. Barrett moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
A group of experts from the aviation industry and government convened by the FAA to provide recommendations on specific aviation safety issues or regulations.
Office of Aerospace Medicine
A division within the FAA responsible for the medical certification of airmen and air traffic controllers, and for conducting aerospace medical research.
