Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1976

Introduced
4/2/25  
Refer
4/2/25  
Report Pass
4/7/25  
Engrossed
4/8/25  
Refer
4/8/25  
Report Pass
4/10/25  
Enrolled
4/15/25  
Chaptered
4/17/25  

Caption

Concerning Vertiports; And To Create The Open Access To Public-use Vertiports Act.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1976 could significantly influence state laws surrounding transportation logistics and infrastructure development. By mandating that public-use vertiports remain accessible to multiple operators, the bill seeks to foster competition in the air mobility sector. Moreover, local governments are required to promote reasonable access via their zoning powers, thus balancing state and local interests in air transportation. This shift in policy is anticipated to enhance the overall efficiency of transport services and could pave the way for innovative transportation models.

Summary

House Bill 1976, titled the 'Open Access to Public-Use Vertiports Act', aims to establish a regulatory framework for the development of public-use vertiports in Arkansas. The bill's primary goal is to facilitate advanced air mobility operations, ensuring equitable access for citizens while preventing monopolization of vertiport services. It emphasizes the integration of public-use vertiports into the state's transportation infrastructure, with provisions for state funding to support planning and construction.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HB 1976 appears to be largely positive among proponents of advanced air mobility and those anticipating innovations in transportation. Supporters argue that the bill is crucial for Arkansas's economic development and modernization of transport services. However, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing such infrastructure and the potential oversight requirements tied to FAA regulations.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns over environmental impacts and the balance of regulatory authority between state and local governments. Critics may worry that while the bill aims to prevent monopolies, it could inadvertently pressure local authorities to accommodate infrastructure that may not fit their community needs. The requirement for compliance with FAA safety and operational standards raises additional concerns about increased regulatory burdens on local entities managing vertiports.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1234

To Amend The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Act; To Commercialize The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Program; To Create The Arkansas Commerce Tire Program Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1616

To Amend The Law Concerning Publication Of Notice; To Allow The Publication Of Notice On A Website; To Amend The Law Concerning Counties And Municipalities And Publication; And To Amend The Law Concerning Elections.

AR HB1369

To Require Public Entities To Create A Policy Concerning The Authorized Use Of Technology Resources And A Cyber Security Policy; And To Amend The Duties Of The State Cyber Security Office.

AR SB206

To Amend The Law Concerning School Elections; And To Amend The Law Concerning Members Of Local School Boards Of Directors.

AR HB1428

To Create The Equal Access To College And Career Readiness Assessments Act.

AR HB1689

To Amend The Public School Funding Act Of 2003; And To Create The Comprehensive Investment In Student Achievement Act.

AR SB495

To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.

AR HB1019

To Amend The Law Concerning The Creation Of A Spendthrift Trust; To Create The Arkansas Spendthrift Trust Act; And To Amend The Uniform Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities.

AR HB1156

Concerning A Public School District Or Open-enrollment Public Charter School Policy Relating To A Public School Student's Sex.

AR SB575

To Amend The Law Concerning Records To Be Posted On A Website By The Parole Board; To Permit The Use Of A Mobile Application For Posting Information Concerning Parole; And To Create The "safe Arkansas App".

Similar Bills

TX HB2521

Relating to the regulation of vertiports.

WV HB4827

Relating to the promotion and development of public-use vertiports

WV SB5

Creating WV Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advisory Council

IA HF87

A bill for an act relating to public access to vertiports.

FL H0349

Vertiports

WI SB867

Operation of vertiports.

WI AB941

Operation of vertiports.

MI HB5349

Aeronautics: other; regulation of air mobility; establish. Amends 1945 PA 327 (MCL 259.1 - 259.208) by adding sec. 206a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5352'23