89R2269 JCG-D
By: Guillen H.B. No. 1236
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a study on electric unmanned aircraft capable of or
designed for vertical take-off and landing and the facilities
needed to develop that technology in this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 437, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 437.120 to read as follows:
Sec. 437.120. STUDY ON eVTOL AIRCRAFT; EXPIRATION. (a) In
this section:
(1) "AFWERX" means the division of the United States
Department of the Air Force charged with researching, developing,
and implementing new technologies for military use.
(2) "eVTOL aircraft" means an unmanned aircraft that
is capable of or is designed for vertical take-off and landing using
electric power.
(b) The department shall conduct a study on the resources
available for the research, development, validation, and
implementation of eVTOL aircraft and similar technologies in this
state.
(c) The study must include recommendations for the creation
of an integrated network of facilities to research, develop, field
test, validate, and implement the use and manufacture of eVTOL
aircraft and similar technologies in this state. The
recommendations regarding an integrated network of facilities must
specify that the facilities meet or exceed the research and
development capabilities of AFWERX.
(d) Not later than June 1, 2026, the department shall submit
a written report to the governor and the legislature on the study
conducted under this section, including the recommendations
required by Subsection (c).
(e) This section expires September 1, 2027.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.