August 10, 2026
Mr. Smith of Washington introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
To amend title 49 of the United States Code, to revise the qualifications for organization designation authorization holders, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Safety Starts at the Top Act of 2026
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Sec. 2. Qualifications for ODA holders
(a) In general
Section 44736(c)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(2) ODA holder
The term ODA holder means an entity that—
(A)
is authorized to perform functions pursuant to a delegation made by the Administrator of the FAA under section 44702(d); and
(B)
in the case of an entity with at least $15,000,000,000 in annual gross revenue, certifies to the Administrator, on an annual basis, that the board of directors of such entity includes—
(i)
two representatives from labor organizations, including 1 representative from each labor organization that represents the employees of such entity that are directly involved in the design and manufacturing of aircraft; and
(ii)
two representatives with proven experience in aerospace safety and demonstrable outcomes related to such experience.
(b) Review of existing ODA holders
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall rescind any delegation made under section 44702(d) of title 49, United States Code, to an entity that does not meet the requirements under paragraph (2) of such section 44736(c)(2), as amended by subsection (a).