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.