If this proposed law does apply to regionals (I haven't read it yet) I don't think that is how it would happen.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the law is changed and a contract no longer deals in legal activity, those contracts are null and void. Congress could phase in the new law, but I doubt they would make it apply to new contracts only.

As far as this creating rifts within ALPA, yes I see that happening, but not between majors and regionals as much as between wholly-owned regionals and independents. The wholly-owns would obviously want growth and the staple, and they'd be in a better place than they've ever been in to try and get it.