Overview

• Amends existing law to require hygienic handling standards for breast milk, baby formula, purified water for infants, and juice during TSA screening
• TSA must issue new guidance within 90 days and update it every five years
• Bill has passed both House and Senate, currently awaiting President's signature

Who does this affect?

Teen impact score: 2/10 (minimal teen connection—affects traveling parents with infants)

• Main groups: Parents traveling with infants and young children, breastfeeding mothers, TSA screeners at all U.S. airports
• Who benefits: Families traveling with babies gain protection against contaminated formula or breast milk during security screening
• Who loses: No groups face restrictions or losses from this bill

What This Bill Does

• TSA Administrator must issue guidance within 90 days of enactment to minimize contamination risk for breast milk, formula, infant water, juice, and cooling accessories (ice packs, gel packs) during re-screening or additional screening
• Guidance must be developed with nationally recognized maternal health organizations and establish hygienic standards for testing procedures
• Requirements apply to both TSA security personnel and private security companies providing screening under 49 U.S.C. § 44920
• Department of Homeland Security Inspector General must audit compliance within one year and report to House Homeland Security Committee and Senate Commerce Committee
• Audit must evaluate screening technology effects (including bottled liquid scanners) and track denial rates for these items entering sterile airport areas

Legislative Status

• Passed Senate and House, presented to President on November 25, 2025
• Awaits presidential signature to become law

In short

• TSA screeners must follow hygienic standards when handling breast milk and baby formula at airport checkpoints
• New rules aim to prevent contamination when items need extra screening or testing
• Standards apply at all U.S. airports, whether screened by TSA or private contractors
• Inspector General will audit compliance and evaluate how different screening technologies affect these items
• Bill updates a 2016 law that already addressed screening procedures for bottles and breastfeeding equipment

Why should I care?

This bill addresses a specific problem families face when traveling with infants. When breast milk or formula triggers additional screening at airports, improper handling can contaminate the only food source for a baby on a long flight. The new hygienic standards protect infant health during travel. While most teens don't travel with babies, understanding how laws address practical problems shows how government responds to citizen concerns. The bill also demonstrates how existing laws get updated when gaps appear—the original 2016 law covered screening procedures but didn't specify hygiene requirements. This matters for anyone who values responsive government that fixes problems as they're identified.