Rep.Ted Lieu (D-CA) criticized Republicans for including a provision in an air-safety bill that would prevent tax authorities from using aircraft tracking data to enforce property, sales, and use taxes on private jet owners.The measure, first reported by Politico, would bar officials from utilizing ADS-B Out signals required by the FAA since 2020 for safety purposes.

This technology broadcasts a plane's location, speed, and identification, which tax collectors have used to identify aircraft registered in low-tax states like Montana or Delaware to avoid local taxes.Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang noted that the data helped identify an additional 1,000 aircraft worth $3.5 billion, potentially recovering about $35 million in taxes.More than a dozen states rely on this data, with Alabama estimating an annual loss of $18 million if the ban is enacted.

Lieu highlighted everyday economic pressures like rising gas, grocery, and utility prices, contrasting them with what he sees as Republican priorities favoring wealthy private jet owners ahead of the 2026 midterms.Aviation groups and Republicans, including Sen.Ted Budd (R-NC), argue the technology is intended for safety, not tax collection, and that some states are misusing it.The Trump administration has also opposed using the data for enforcement.The House passed its version of the bill in April, while the Senate version omits the provision, with negotiations ongoing.The legislation stems from a deadly 2025 midair collision that prompted broader aviation safety reforms.Democrats maintain that wealthy owners should pay their fair share of taxes.