Legislation Needed to Clarify Future of Consumer Protection and Federal Preemption after the Civil Aeronautics Board Sunsets

摘要

GAO reviewed the future of CAB's consumer protection functions and regulations upon CAB's sunset and this report summaries the results of that work. GAO found that the act leaves uncertain the disposition of CAB's consumer protection functions and regulations as some functions will lapse and others may continue to exist but without an agency with authority to enforce them. Also, the act is unclear as to whether federal preemption, the prohibition which prevents states from regulating air carrier services, continues upon CAB's sunset. GAO believes that legislation is needed to clarify the disposition of CAB's consumer protection functions and regulations and the status of federal preemption. Legislation was passed in the House in early June 1984 which accomplishes these objectives.