Enrolled Bill Summary

            House Bill 1620 adds a new chapter to the Transportation Code to provide for the regulation of aircraft that are capable of taking off and landing on water. It prohibits a governmental entity from regulating the operation of an aquatic aircraft on navigable bodies of water in its jurisdiction, including requiring a fee or permit for its operation, without applying for approval from the Texas Department of Transportation. The department is required to approve a prohibition or limitation if safety conditions justify such action. In making a determination, the department must consider several factors, including topography, depth, the amount of boat or individual traffic on the body of water, the interests of persons owning homes that are located on or around the body of water, and any other factors that relate to the safe operation of aquatic aircraft.