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.