Bad assumption. If it's not spelled out in the law, then that will be up to the airline to decide.

Hopefully most will pony up since it should just be a PC + extra maneuvers + 8710.

True, but the precedence of the Radio Telephone permit, a Passport etc are there. When those became required the companies that I know of footed the bill.

so does that allow places like gulfstream acadamey to still operate and place students in the right seat of 121 ops?

This was my point, albeit poorly worded. :)

My point was that if they do not grandfather in current non-atp pilots the airlines will have to foot the bill. New applicants will have to meet the ATP mins and hold the certificate.

Good luck with that. I can't even get a replacement for my faded epaullettes!!!

Unless you work for UPS (where all items are paid for) em second ones are on you. :D

This bill will be a boon for military flying, which is a good thing for the nation. Get more time and better training at government expense, get your ATP on your own time, and show up ready to go with an airline. That "used" to be the way it was done before the regionals became a player and grew exponentially in the early 2000s.

PS. The pay is better but be prepared for some "interesting" lay overs. ;)