FAA would have to post a public list of medications allowed or barred for pilots and controllers
Passed one chamberS. 3258Latest action
Sponsor: Tammy Duckworth · Senator · IL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
The FAA would have one year to post a public list of medications pilots and air traffic controllers can or cannot take.
55-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill would require the FAA to publish a clear, easy-to-find list of medications for pilots and air traffic controllers within one year of becoming law. The list would cover prescription and over-the-counter drugs approved for people with a medical certificate or clearance, plus those marked "Do Not Issue" or "Do Not Fly." It would explain conditions of use, such as side effects, interactions, and whether the FAA must review a case first, and where possible how long someone must stay off or limit duty.
Who does it affect?
Pilots, air traffic controllers, people training for those jobs, and the doctors who treat them. The FAA would also consult pilot and controller unions, flight schools, aviation colleges, and general aviation groups before publishing.
Why does it matter?
Today this information is spread across FAA guidance documents that can be hard to navigate. The bill says publishing the list would not make the FAA legally responsible if someone relies on it and has a bad reaction, causes harm, or is still found medically ineligible to fly or work.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Engrossed in Senate” text of Sep 24, 2026.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedNov 20, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- HouseYou are here · Oct 1, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the Senate, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Held at the desk.