Sponsors (32)
The bill reduces safety and biosecurity risks from transporting adult roosters by giving federal regulators authority and limiting non-essential shipments, but it imposes costs and access restrictions on small shippers and carriers and could create regulatory complexity across states and businesses.
Airline passengers, crew, and transportation workers face fewer in-flight disturbances and lower biosecurity risk because the bill restricts non-essential air transport of adult roosters and gives regulators authority to set safety standards.
Commercial egg and meat supply chains and larger farms can continue necessary air transport under documented agricultural exemptions, helping preserve legitimate agricultural commerce and market continuity.
Federal regulators (DOT/FAA) and carriers get clearer legal authority and a documentation standard for exemptions, which should streamline enforcement, reduce misuse of exemptions, and create more consistent implementation.
Small shippers, hobbyists, small farms, breeders, and niche producers will lose or face more expensive air shipping options because non-essential shipments and operations below the $350,000 threshold are effectively restricted.
Airlines, carriers, and regulators will face added screening, paperwork, verification duties, and potential civil penalties, increasing operational and compliance costs that are likely to be passed on to customers and taxpayers.
Allowing states to adopt their own stricter rules risks a patchwork of differing state standards that complicates interstate and international airline operations and creates inconsistent practices for shippers and travelers.
Based on analysis of 7 sections of legislative text.
Bans interstate/foreign air transport of adult roosters except for certified shipments to/from commercial farms, with FAA/Transportation enforcement and penalties.
Official title: To restrict the air transportation of certain live animals in interstate and foreign commerce to enhance aviation safety, biosecurity, and operational efficiency in civil aviation, and for other purposes.
Introduced February 4, 2026 by Troy E. Nehls · Last progress February 4, 2026
Prohibits knowingly transporting adult roosters on interstate or foreign commercial flights except when the shipment originates from or is destined for a commercial farm for legitimate agricultural purposes, with required documentation to claim that exemption. Directs the Secretary of Transportation and the FAA to enforce the rule, authorizes implementing regulations, makes violations subject to existing civil penalties, preserves state laws that are stricter, and takes effect 180 days after enactment.