88R8915 JRR-D
By: Parker S.B. No. 2144
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to advanced air mobility technology.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 21, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 21.0045 to read as follows:
Sec. 21.0045. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) In this section, "advanced air mobility" has the meaning
assigned by Section 21.072.
(b) The commission shall appoint an advisory committee to:
(1) assess current state law and any potential changes
to state law that are needed to facilitate the implementation of
advanced air mobility technology in this state; and
(2) develop a statewide plan, including a proposed
timeline, for the implementation of advanced air mobility
technology in this state.
(c) The commission shall appoint to the advisory committee
members to represent:
(1) diverse geographic regions of the state;
(2) state and local law enforcement;
(3) the advanced air mobility industry;
(4) transportation experts;
(5) commercial airport representatives;
(6) vertiport operators;
(7) local governments; and
(8) the general public.
(d) The advisory committee shall:
(1) hold public hearings in locations across the state
or via electronic means; and
(2) receive comments through an Internet website, by
mail, and by other methods, if appropriate.
(e) Not later than September 1, 2024, the advisory committee
shall submit to the commission and the legislature a written report
that includes:
(1) the committee's findings and recommendations on
any changes to state law that are needed to facilitate the
implementation of advanced air mobility technology in this state;
and
(2) the statewide plan developed under Subsection
(b)(2).
(f) The advisory committee is abolished and this section
expires January 1, 2025.
SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Transportation Code,
is amended by adding Section 21.072 to read as follows:
Sec. 21.072. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY. (a) In this section,
"advanced air mobility" means an aviation transportation system
that uses highly automated aircraft, which may be manned or
unmanned, to operate and transport passengers or cargo at lower
altitudes for commercial, public service, private, or recreational
purposes.
(b) The department shall:
(1) review existing state aviation standards and
guidelines, airport facility planning, and compatibility guidance
to ensure that the standards, guidelines, planning, and guidance
are applicable to advanced air mobility;
(2) support the development of federal and industry
standards for advanced air mobility technology that prioritize
safety as the technology develops;
(3) designate a department employee as a liaison to
the Federal Aviation Administration for purposes of Subdivision
(2);
(4) develop a statewide plan, or an update to the Texas
Airport System Plan, that specifies potential locations for and
classifications of vertiports and other associated infrastructure
to guide the future operational environment of advanced air
mobility; and
(5) provide resources and assistance on the use of
advanced air mobility technology and infrastructure to local
governments, regional councils of government, transportation
planning organizations, the advanced air mobility industry, and
other entities for the purpose of identifying governmental methods
to integrate industry innovation and community vision and help
promote advanced air mobility technology.
(c) The department, Texas Education Agency, and Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board shall jointly collaborate with
school districts, institutions of higher education, and interested
public and private stakeholders on educational opportunities
related to advanced air mobility technology.
SECTION 3. The Texas Department of Transportation, Texas
Education Agency, and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board are
required to implement Section 21.072, Transportation Code, as added
by this Act, only if the legislature appropriates money
specifically for that purpose. If the legislature does not
appropriate money specifically for that purpose, the Texas
Department of Transportation, Texas Education Agency, and Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board may, but are not required to,
implement Section 21.072, Transportation Code, using other
appropriations available for that purpose.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.