Senate Passes Bipartisan Aviation Mental Health and Medication Bills

Senate Approves Two Aviation Bills

On Sept. 28 the Senate unanimously approved the Mental Health in Aviation Act (S. 3257). The bill was co-sponsored by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and John Hoeven (R-ND). According to Safety+Health Magazine, the legislation directs the Federal Aviation Administration to revise regulations to promote early disclosure and treatment of mental health conditions.

The measure also requires the FAA to consult with mental health professionals and academic institutions conducting aviation training. It mandates annual reviews of the special issuance process for FAA medical certificates for pilots and air traffic controllers. Additional directives include reviews of medication classifications and improved mental health training for aviation medical examiners.

Medication Transparency Legislation

On Sept. 24 the Senate unanimously passed the Aviation Medication Transparency Act (S. 3258). The bill requires the FAA to compile, publish and annually update a list of medications that may be safely prescribed to pilots and air traffic controllers. Sen. Duckworth introduced the legislation in November.

Industry and House Action

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stated the bills represent meaningful progress toward ensuring a safer and healthier aviation workforce. Jason Ambrosi, president of Air Line Pilots Association, International, said the Mental Health in Aviation Act acknowledges that a pilot’s psychological well-being is just as important as physical health. According to Safety+Health Magazine, various industry groups back the legislation.

A bipartisan companion bill to the Mental Health in Aviation Act was introduced by Reps. Sean Casen (D-IL) and Pete Stauber (R-MN). That measure passed the House in September 2025. According to Safety+Health Magazine, the Senate actions occurred in the final week of September.