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   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.          (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)  vertical takeoff and landing operators and   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 November 1, 2024, the advisory committee   shall submit to the commission and the legislature a written report   that includes 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.          (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, Texas Higher   Education Coordinating Board, and Texas State Technical College   System 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, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and   Texas State Technical College System 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, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Texas State   Technical College System 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.