No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Education Agency, and Higher Education Coordinating Board are required to implement certain provisions of the bill only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for those purposes. If the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for those purposes, these agencies may, but are not required to, implement these provisions of the bill using other appropriations available for those purposes.
The bill would amend Transportation Code, Chapter 21, to require the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) to appoint an advisory committee to (1) assess current state law and potential changes to state law that are needed to facilitate the implementation of advanced air mobility (AAM) technology in Texas; and (2) develop a statewide plan, including a proposed timeline, for the implementation of AAM technology in Texas. The bill would require the advisory committee to submit a report on its findings, recommendations, and the statewide plan to the TTC and the legislature by September 1, 2024. The advisory committee would be abolished on January 1, 2025.
The bill would require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to support the development of federal and industry standards for AAM technology and designate a department employee as a liaison to the Federal Aviation Administration for that purpose. The bill would require TxDOT to develop a statewide plan that specifies potential locations for and classifications for vertiports and associated infrastructure to guide the future operations of AAM and provide resources and assistance on the use of AAM to local government entities and the AAM industry. The bill would require TxDOT, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to collaborate with school districts, higher education institutions, and other stakeholders on educational opportunities for AAM. The bill would stipulate that TxDOT, TEA, and THECB are required to implement these provisions of the bill only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for those purposes. If the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for those purposes, these agencies may, but are not required to, implement these provisions of the bill using other appropriations available for those purposes.
Based on the information and analysis provided by TxDOT, TEA, and THECB, it is assumed the agencies could implement the provisions of the bill within existing resources although the agencies would not be required to do so if the Texas Legislature were to not appropriate money specifically for these purposes.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.