Lalani Air Mobility Bill Shields 300-Pound Electric Aircraft From Local Rules

The text as introduced · 495 words

89R10521 JRR-F

By: Lalani
H.B. No. 3949

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to advanced air mobility.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Transportation Code,

is amended by adding Section 21.073 to read as follows:

Sec. 21.073. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY. (a) In this section:

(1) "Advanced air mobility" means an air

transportation system primarily using electric aircraft, including

electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and electric

conventional takeoff and landing aircraft, with a gross takeoff

weight of 300 pounds or more to transport passengers or cargo or

provide services in an urban or regional setting.

(2) "Powered lift aircraft" means an aircraft capable

of vertical takeoff, vertical landing, and low-speed flight that

depends principally on:

(A) engine-driven lift devices or engine thrust

for lift during vertical takeoff or vertical landing; and

(B) nonrotating airfoil for lift during

horizontal flight.

(3) "Vertiport" means an area of land, an area of

water, or a structure, including associated buildings and

facilities, that is used or intended to be used for landing or

takeoff of powered lift aircraft.

(b) A provision of this section applicable to powered lift

aircraft or electric aircraft, including electric vertical takeoff

and landing aircraft and electric conventional takeoff and landing

aircraft, applies only to an aircraft that:

(1) has a gross takeoff weight of 300 pounds or more;

and

(2) is capable of transporting passengers or cargo.

(c) The department shall:

(1) develop a statewide plan, or an update to the Texas

Airport System Plan, to include vertiports, electric aircraft

charging, and the infrastructure needs of other advances in

aviation technology as appropriate;

(2) designate a department employee as a subject

matter expert and resource for local and regional governmental

entities addressing advances in aviation technology, including

electric powered lift aircraft and electric aircraft and aviation;

(3) develop and provide to local and regional

governmental entities a guidebook and technical resources to

support uniform planning and zoning provisions across this state

relating to powered lift aircraft, electric aircraft and aviation,

and other advances in aviation technology; and

(4) lead a statewide education campaign for local and

regional public officials on the benefits of electric powered lift

aircraft and advancements in aviation technology.

(d) A political subdivision of this state may not enact,

adopt, or enforce a rule, ordinance, order, resolution, or other

regulation relating to advanced air mobility, the ownership of an

advanced air mobility aircraft, or the aerial operation of an

advanced air mobility aircraft unless:

(1) the political subdivision is an airport operator;

and

(2) the regulation governs:

(A) the operation of an advanced air mobility

aircraft within the geographic boundaries of the airport for which

the political subdivision is the airport operator; or

(B) the takeoff or landing of an advanced air

mobility aircraft at an airport described by Paragraph (A).

SECTION 2. Section 21.072, Transportation Code, is

repealed.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.