Air Safety Bill Bars Tax Officials From Tracking Private Jets, Sparks Democrat Criticism -- Private Jets Def

A safety bill moving through the House would bar tax authorities from using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out data to locate privately owned jets, drawing Democratic criticism. Politico reported that the provision would make it harder to match aircraft seen in jurisdiction to ownership records, while supporters argue ADS-B data is intended for safety compliance and should not be repurposed for taxes. ADS-B Out transmits location and identification, a capability the FAA relies on for safety and revenue programs. Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang said his office has used the data since January to identify about 1,000 additional aircraft, totaling $3.5 billion in assessed value and $35 million in taxes. Separately, private-jet demand rose for events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix, despite higher fuel costs; jet-fuel near $3.20 per gallon and global private departures up about 4% per WINGX.