HB 565 — Advanced air mobility

90R3962 JRR-F By: Lalani H.B. No. 565 relating to advanced air mobility.

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, 2027.