Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB468

Introduced
3/18/25  
Refer
3/18/25  
Refer
6/9/25  
Report Pass
6/10/25  
Engrossed
6/23/25  

Caption

Providing for interstate agreements for research and deployment of unmanned aircraft systems.

Impact

If enacted, SB468 will formalize procedures that allow collaboration with other states and educational institutions for the advancement of UAS capabilities. The bill outlines the requirement for the Governor's approval on any negotiated agreements, ensuring oversight at the state level. Additionally, it allows for the temporary promulgation of regulations to manage the implementation of these interstate agreements. This regulatory flexibility may enable quicker adaptation to evolving technologies and industry standards, providing a structured yet adaptable approach to UAS deployment in Pennsylvania.

Summary

Senate Bill 468 aims to amend Title 74 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by establishing a framework for interstate agreements regarding unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The bill provides authority for the Department of Transportation to negotiate agreements with various educational partners and agencies recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration for research, testing, and deployment of UAS. This initiative reflects a growing national interest in the safe and effective use of unmanned technology in aviation, signaling Pennsylvania's intent to stay competitive in this field.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB468 appears to be predominantly positive, particularly among stakeholders in the aviation industry and educational sectors. The bill is seen as a progressive step towards harnessing the potential of unmanned aircraft technology, which is expected to enhance not only research capabilities but also training and job creation within the state. However, there may be concerns among local regulators and communities regarding safety and local governance which have yet to be fully addressed in public discourse.

Contention

While the bill presents opportunities for economic and technological advancement, it also raises questions about the implications of broader UAS operations within state airspace and regulations governing local jurisdictions. Critics may argue that introducing UAS without sufficient regulations could lead to safety hazards or privacy concerns. Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws will be critical to mitigating such issues as the bill proceeds through the legislative process. The extent of public awareness and understanding of UAS operations will also play a role in shaping its reception.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1338

In aviation, authorizing the Department of Transportation to enter into interstate agreements for research and deployment relating to unmanned aircraft systems.

PA HB409

In mental health: departmental powers and duties, commissioner of mental health, interstate compact, reciprocal agreements and research foundation, providing for mental health care services clearinghouse; and making an editorial change.

PA SB843

In preliminary provisions, further providing for Special Education Funding Commission, for Basic Education Funding Commission and for Commission on Education and Economic Competitiveness and providing for public job posting database, for instructional vacancy data and for data transparency; providing for Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact; in drug and alcohol recovery high school program, further providing for scope of program and selection of students, providing for enrollment of students and further providing for academic programs; in terms and courses of study, further providing for Economic Education and Personal Financial Literacy Programs; in early learning programs, providing for quarterly reporting; in high schools, further providing for attendance in other districts; in educational tax credits, further providing for definitions; in credit card marketing, further providing for regulation of on-campus credit card marketing; in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for assistance to school districts declared to be in financial recovery status or identified for financial watch status; and abrogating regulations.

PA SB1150

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.

PA HB2299

Authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact; and providing for the form of the compact.

PA SB835

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in program, further providing for program established, for confidentiality and public disclosure, for lawful use of medical marijuana and for unlawful use of medical marijuana; in practitioners, further providing for practitioner registration, for practitioner restrictions, for issuance of certification and for duration; in patients, further providing for identification cards, for verification and for contents of identification card; in medical marijuana organizations, further providing for granting of permit, for relocation and for limitations on permits; in medical marijuana controls, further providing for electronic tracking, for grower/processors, for storage and transportation, for laboratory and for prices and providing for recalls; in dispensaries, further providing for dispensing to patients and caregivers and for facility requirements; in tax on medical marijuana, further providing for Medical Marijuana Program Fund; in Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, further providing for advisory board; in research program, further providing for establishment of medical marijuana research program, for medical marijuana research program administration and for approval; in academic clinical research centers and clinical registrants, further providing for legislative findings and declaration of policy, for definitions and for clinical registrants and providing for termination of contract; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for applicability.

PA SB334

In research and development tax credit, further providing for limitation on credits; and providing for Angel Investment Tax Credit.

PA HB1235

Authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact; and providing for the form of the compact.

PA HB843

In emergency management services, providing for counterterrorism planning, preparedness and response; in Emergency Management Assistance Compact, providing for construction; and making repeals.

PA HB1300

In emergency COVID-19 response, providing for

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