Sponsors (21)
The bill prioritizes passenger safety and biosecurity by broadly restricting air transport of adult roosters and giving federal agencies enforcement authority, at the cost of reduced market access for small shippers, added compliance and enforcement costs for carriers and regulators, and potential complexity from exemptions and state-level variation.
Airline passengers, crew, and travelers face fewer in-flight disturbances and lower biosecurity risk because adult roosters are largely prohibited from air cargo except for certified agricultural shipments.
Farmers and commercial poultry operations meeting the exemption requirements can continue necessary air transport for legitimate egg/meat supply chains because the bill preserves an agricultural exemption with documentation standards.
Federal transportation agencies (DOT/FAA) gain clearer enforcement and rulemaking authority, enabling consistent oversight and the creation of detailed standards to improve safety and compliance for travelers and operators.
Small shippers, hobbyists, small farms, breeders, and niche producers may lose air-shipping options or face restricted market access because non-essential shipments of adult roosters are banned and the agricultural exemption excludes smaller operations.
Airlines, carriers, and regulators will face increased enforcement and compliance burdens (screening, paperwork, liability, potential civil penalties) that can raise operating costs and may be passed on to customers.
Ambiguous terms (e.g., "non-essential") and a firm $350,000 income cutoff for exemptions create compliance uncertainty and incentives to restructure or misreport income, increasing legal and administrative complexity for shippers and carriers.
Based on analysis of 7 sections of legislative text.
Bans air transport of adult roosters except certified shipments to/from large commercial farms; requires carrier verification and authorizes DOT/FAA enforcement and penalties.
Introduced February 4, 2026 by Troy E. Nehls · Last progress February 4, 2026
Prohibits knowingly transporting adult roosters on commercial flights except when the birds are being moved to or from large commercial farms for legitimate agricultural purposes. Air carriers must get documentation showing the shipment qualifies for the commercial-farm exemption; the Department of Transportation and FAA will enforce the rule and may issue civil penalties. The ban and related changes take effect 180 days after enactment.