(Updated July 17, 2006)

H.R. 1871
Volunteer Pilot Organization Protection Act of 2006 

Floor Situation

The House is scheduled to consider H.R. 3729, under suspension of the rules, on Monday, July 17, 2006. The resolution is debatable for 40 minutes, may not be amended, and requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage.

Summary

The Volunteer Pilot Organization Protection Act of 2006 amends the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 to exempt a nonprofit volunteer pilot organization from liability that flies for public benefit, its staff members, and its volunteers for harm caused by a volunteer while flying, in furtherance of the purpose of the organization, an aircraft for which the volunteer was properly licensed and insured, unless the conduct constitutes a federal crime of terrorism, or an act of domestic terrorism, or the entity has been convicted of providing material support to terrorists. H.R. 1871 maintains the Act's current liability provisions for willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to rights or safety.

H.R. 1871 directs the Attorney General to study and report to Congress on the availability of insurance to nonprofit volunteer pilot organizations that fly for public benefit.

Background

Scores of public benefit nonprofit volunteer pilot organizations provide valuable services to communities and individuals. In calendar year 2001, nonprofit volunteer pilot organizations provided long-distance, no-cost transportation for over 30,000 people in times of special need. Such organizations are no longer able to reasonably purchase non-owned aircraft liability insurance to provide liability protection, and thus face a highly detrimental liability risk. Such organizations have supported the interests of homeland security by providing volunteer pilot services at times of national emergency.

Legislative History

H.R. 1871 was introduced by Rep. Drake (VA) on April 27, 2005. The bill was ordered to be reported as amended from the Judiciary Committee, by a voice vote, on March 2, 2006. House Report 109-394 was filed on March 15, 2006.

For additional information or questions, please contact the Judiciary Committee at 5-3951.