AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 42, relative to commercial airports.
Summary
SB0483 would prohibit public airports in Tennessee that offer commercial air service from entering into or renewing agreements that allow private third-party vendors providing expedited security screening to use standard security lanes or TSA PreCheck lanes. The restriction would apply to existing agreements when they expire after July 1, 2025. The bill creates an exception for vendors that have obtained dedicated TSA security lanes for their exclusive use at the airport.
The bill also clarifies that airlines certified under federal Part 121 are not considered private third-party vendors for purposes of this restriction. As a result, airline-operated priority lanes or similar services offered only to that airline’s passengers, and without a separate charge by a third-party vendor, would not be affected. The act takes effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
This bill would amend Tennessee Code Annotated Title 42 by adding a new section governing commercial airports and their agreements with private expedited-screening vendors. It would limit airport use of standard and TSA PreCheck lanes by private vendors unless those vendors have dedicated TSA security lanes, while preserving airline-operated passenger-only priority services. The practical effect is to constrain certain airport-vendor arrangements and potentially alter how expedited screening services are offered at Tennessee commercial airports.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of legislative debate or formal support/opposition in the supplied materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears regulatory and targeted rather than broadly controversial, but it likely reflects concern about the use of TSA PreCheck and standard security lanes by private paid screening services at public airports.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the role of private third-party expedited screening vendors at public airports, especially whether they should be allowed to use standard or TSA PreCheck lanes. Airports and vendors that rely on those arrangements may oppose the restriction, while supporters may argue that public and TSA lanes should be reserved for their intended purposes. The bill’s carve-out for airlines and for vendors with dedicated TSA lanes suggests an effort to distinguish airline services from private concierge-style screening services.