Legislation VAI Supports
Montana: Protecting ADS-B Data Use ▪ H.B.571 prohibits the use of ADS-B data by state agencies or private entities to calculate or impose fees on aircraft owners or operators flying in Montana. VAI supports this bill for preserving the original safety intent of ADS-B technology and preventing misuse that could burden operators.
Utah: Advancing AAM Integration ▪ S.B.96, signed into law, directs the Utah
Department of Transportation to launch a statewide public education campaign about advanced air mobility (AAM). The bill updates state aeronautics law, defines AAM terms, and requires the development of a tool kit with model ordinances and best practices for local adoption. This effort positions Utah as a national leader in AAM readiness and public engagement.
the safe and innovative future of vertical aviation. In the federal arena, the new Congress
and administration have spurred exceptional levels of activity so far this year. Congress is working through a number of issues, but one especially worth highlighting is the Trump administration’s work on modernizing the country’s air traffic control (ATC) system.
ATC Modernization Plans Unveiled Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently unveiled a sweeping proposal to overhaul the nation’s aging ATC infrastructure, urging Congress to approve full funding up front and stream- line permitting processes to avoid the delays that have plagued previous moderniza- tion efforts. The plan, which is intended
A modernized, efficient, and unified ATC network is essential to ensuring continued safety, economic competitiveness, and operational resilience in the national airspace.
VAI continues to monitor state legislation daily
to ensure that policies support aviation growth while addressing community concerns. We encourage our members to stay involved—
if you’re aware of any legislation in your state that may affect vertical flight, or if you have questions about specific bills, please contact Katia Veraza, assistant director of government affairs and regional relations, at
KatiaV@verticalavi.org. Your feedback strengthens our advocacy
endeavors and ensures that state policies support
to be implemented over the next three to four years, would upgrade more than 4,500 sites with new radios and telecommunications systems, deploy over 600 modern radars, and expand surface detection technology at airports to enhance safety. An important element includes consolidating the FAA’s 21 air traffic centers into 6 state-of-the-art hubs—an effort that could face regional resistance but is framed as a technical necessity driven by outdated infrastructure. While the plan does not yet include a formal
cost estimate, Duffy has previously said it would require “tens of billions” of dollars. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has already approved $12.5 billion as a starting point, calling it a “down payment” toward broader modernization. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have
long recognized the urgent need to upgrade ATC systems to support growing demands from
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