Senate Bill 390 Summary

• Establishes the office of the airline consumer advocate within the attorney general's office, effective January 1, 2011, to investigate air carrier violations and assist consumers in resolving disputes.

• Requires air carriers to provide electric generation service, waste removal service, and adequate drinking water and food to passengers delayed more than three hours on an aircraft before takeoff.

• Authorizes the office to investigate violations, reach settlement agreements with air carriers, and recover civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, with compensation to affected consumers and investigation costs included in settlements.

• Requires air carriers to post signs at service desks, ticket counters, boarding gates, and baggage claim areas in Indiana airports notifying passengers of their rights and providing the office's contact information.

• Creates the airline consumer advocate account within the state general fund, funded by civil penalties and legislative appropriations, with continuous appropriation to the office for administration and enforcement.