Senator Blackburn Unveils 2025 Act to Tighten Regulations on Transportation Traffickers
Senator Marsha Blackburn has introduced the Trafficker Restrictions for Aviation, Federal Freight, and Interstate Carriers Act of 2025, known as S. 3109. This legislation was presented on November 5, 2025, and currently has one cosponsor.
Key Provisions of the 2025 Act
The primary focus of this act is to permanently disqualify individuals convicted of human trafficking offenses from obtaining licenses related to various transportation sectors. This measure aims to prevent those with serious criminal backgrounds from operating within industries vulnerable to exploitation.
Disqualifications Under the Act
- Merchant Seamen Licenses: Bans individuals with human trafficking convictions from receiving applicable licenses under maritime regulations.
- Locomotive Operator Licenses: Prohibits certification for those seeking to operate locomotives if they have relevant criminal offenses.
- Train Conductor Certifications: Denies certifications to individuals with a history of human trafficking.
- Commercial Driver’s Licenses: Individuals found guilty of related human trafficking offenses will be permanently barred from obtaining these licenses.
- Pilot Certificates: The Federal Aviation Administration will not grant airman certificates to convicted individuals.
Scope and Regulatory Authority
The disqualifications apply to all defined offenses of human trafficking under federal law, as well as state and local laws. The bill empowers the Secretaries of Transportation and Homeland Security to enforce these disqualifications concerning any relevant licenses or certifications.
The appropriate federal regulatory agencies are tasked with drafting and enforcing regulations to ensure adherence to the provisions of this act.
Objective of the 2025 Act
The Trafficker Restrictions for Aviation, Federal Freight, and Interstate Carriers Act of 2025 aims to bolster oversight in transportation sectors. By preventing individuals with criminal pasts related to human trafficking from engaging in these fields, the legislation seeks to protect vulnerable communities from exploitation.
Senator Blackburn’s Legislative Track Record
Senator Marsha Blackburn has also proposed several other bills, showcasing her active role in shaping legislation. Recent proposals include:
- S. 3133: Juvenile transfer for criminal prosecution updates.
- S. 3118: Reporting compliance for Department of Defense leadership boards.
- S. 3038: Health Care Workforce Real-Time Data Dashboard Act.
- S. 3023: Safe Cloud Storage Act.
- S. 2907: Chloe Cole Act.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Trafficker Restrictions for Aviation, Federal Freight, and Interstate Carriers Act of 2025 signals a significant move towards tightening regulations in transportation sectors. By enforcing strict disqualifications based on human trafficking convictions, this act aims to enhance safety and reduce exploitation risks in the industry.
