1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Freedom to Breathe Act . 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Air carrier The term air carrier means an air carrier conducting passenger operations under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. (2) Applicable period The term applicable period means the period that begins on the date of enactment of this Act and ends on December 31, 2024. (3) Commuter rail passenger transportation The term commuter rail passenger transportation has the meaning given the term in section 24102 of title 49, United States Code. (4) ESEA definitions The terms elementary school and secondary school have the meanings given the terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 et seq. ). (5) Covered educational institution The term covered educational institution means an elementary school, secondary school, or institution of higher education, that receives Federal funds. (6) Institution of higher education The term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1002 ). (7) Mask The term mask means a material covering the nose and mouth of the wearer, excluding face shields. (8) Mask mandate The term mask mandate means an order, directive, or ordinance which requires an individual to wear a mask to travel on any conveyance, or to enter or remain in any place within the United States, in response to a public health emergency. (9) National airspace system The term national airspace system has the meaning given such term in section 245.5 of title 32, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (10) Public transit The term public transit — (A) means a regular, continuing shared-ride surface transportation service that is open to the general public or open to a segment of the general public defined by age, disability, or low income