John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act
Latest action (24 Sep 2026): Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
What this bill does
The John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act, S. 3257, would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator to update regulations to encourage individuals in aviation to seek and disclose mental health conditions. This includes revising rules and issuing guidance to support these efforts. The bill also mandates a review of the special issuance process for mental health-related certifications for pilots and air traffic controllers, aiming to improve how these cases are handled.
The legislation directly affects individuals who hold or seek FAA medical certificates, including pilots and air traffic controllers. It also impacts aviation medical examiners by potentially enhancing their training in mental health evaluations. The FAA would be tasked with implementing these changes, including potentially allocating up to $15 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2028 to support these initiatives. Furthermore, the bill calls for a public information campaign to destigmatize mental health care within the aviation industry.
S. 3257 has passed the Senate and is now before the House of Representatives for consideration. If passed by the House, it would go to the President. The bill outlines specific timelines for the FAA Administrator to update regulations and implement recommendations, generally within 180 days to two years of enactment.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill passed in the Senate on September 24, 2026 and goes to the House next for consideration.
Timeline
24 Sep 2026
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
14 Apr 2026
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 3257 do?
- The John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act, S. 3257, would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator to update regulations to encourage individuals in aviation to seek and disclose mental health conditions. This includes revising rules and issuing guidance to support these efforts. The bill also mandates a review of the special issuance process for mental health-related certifications for pilots and air traffic controllers, aiming to improve how these cases are handled. The legislation directly affects individuals who hold or seek FAA medical certificates, including pilots and air traffic controllers. It also impacts aviation medical examiners by potentially enhancing their training in mental health evaluations. The FAA would be tasked with implementing these changes, including potentially allocating up to $15 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2028 to support these initiatives. Furthermore, the bill calls for a public information campaign to destigmatize mental health care within the aviation industry. S. 3257 has passed the Senate and is now before the House of Representatives for consideration. If passed by the House, it would go to the President. The bill outlines specific timelines for the FAA Administrator to update regulations and implement recommendations, generally within 180 days to two years of enactment.
- Has S. 3257 become law?
- Not yet. As of 24 Sep 2026, S. 3257 is passed senate (house next).
- Who sponsored S. 3257?
- S. 3257 was sponsored by Sen. John Hoeven [R-ND] (Republican-ND), with 33 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3257?
- Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (24 Sep 2026).
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