S.B. No. 2144
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
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.
(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) vertical takeoff and landing operators and
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 November 1, 2024, the advisory committee
shall submit to the commission and the legislature a written report
that includes 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.
(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, Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board, and Texas State Technical College
System 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, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and
Texas State Technical College System 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, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Texas State
Technical College System 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.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 2144 passed the Senate on
April 17, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 2144 passed the House on
April 28, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 126, Nays 20, one
present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor