Airport Technology and Efficiency Improvement Act of 2023

This bill updates airport security technology standards and creates new pilot programs to improve airport efficiency. It expands the definition of eligible security sensors to include LiDAR and other detection systems (replacing "cameras"), and increases the number of airports eligible for a surveillance pilot program from 5 to 10, prioritizing low-light sensor projects. A new "Smart Airports" pilot program authorizes up to $5 million annually (2024-2029) to fund competitive grants for airports installing internet-connected technologies - like sensors and software - to shorten security lines, improve Wi-Fi/GPS, and streamline passenger flow, while explicitly prohibiting grants that collect facial or biometric data from non-threat passengers. The bill directly affects airports seeking FAA grants for these specific tech upgrades, with all pilot programs set to expire by 2029.