ADVOCATING FOR YOU By Cade Clark, John Shea, and Katia Veraza Vertical Aviation at the State Level


HAI’s work across the United States ensures members’ voices are heard on critical issues such as AAM, community relations, and more.


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AI’S GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT manages the relationship between the verti- cal aviation industry and various levels of


government, including local, state, federal, and interna- tional. Our team’s key role is to advocate for our mem- bers’ interests and navigate the complexities of the political and regulatory landscape, not only in the United States but also in Europe and South America. This year, our department has increased its


efforts to help shape state and local policies that may affect our industry. This work involves building relationships with government offi- cials, monitoring legislative activities, and influencing policy outcomes in favor of HAI’s goals.


All 50 US states have their Visit HAI’s


Legislative Action Center rotor.org/lac


own legislatures, which operate independently from the federal government. Any state legisla- tor can propose a bill address- ing a wide range of issues affecting aviation, including infrastructure, taxation, and workforce development. And because state legislation tends to move more quickly


and become law at higher frequency than at the federal level, it’s important for HAI to track such legislation thor- oughly and regularly. In the past five months, HAI has tracked more than


180 state bills, including multiple bills concerning advanced air mobility (AAM), infrastructure, sales taxes, and both sound and aviation fuel regulations.


AAM in Texas and California In the past two months, Texas introduced H.B.2678 and companion bill S.B.2144, concerning AAM technology. S.B.2144 was recently enacted, which means that the


12 ROTOR JUNE 2023


Texas Transportation Commission will appoint an advi- sory committee to assess current state law, identify potential changes needed to facilitate the implementa- tion of AAM technology in the state, and develop a statewide plan for its implementation. The advisory com- mittee will comprise members from diverse geographic regions of the state, local law enforcement, the AAM industry, local governments, and the public, as well as transportation experts, commercial airport representa- tives, and vertiport operators. In addition, the Texas Department of Transportation


(TxDOT) will be required to review existing state aviation standards and guidelines, airport facility planning, and compatibility guidance to ensure their applicability to AAM. TxDOT will also be required to support the devel- opment of federal and industry standards for AAM tech- nology that prioritize safety and to develop a statewide plan specifying potential locations for and classifications of vertiports and other associated infrastructure to guide the future operational environment of AAM. HAI submitted written testimony supporting


H.B.2678 and S.B.2144. In addition, we submitted a coa- lition letter with some of our AAM industry peers expressing our united support and engaged with state legislators to ensure the secure passage of these two bills. California has introduced a similar AAM bill. If enacted, S.B.800 would require the California Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Office of Planning and Research and the California Air Resources Board, to establish an advisory committee to assess, among other things, pathways for feasible imple- mentation of electrification goals for the aviation industry and require the committee to report its findings and rec- ommendations to the department and the legislature no later than Jan. 1, 2025. Currently, the bill has passed the California Senate Transportation Committee with no opposition and is under further review by the California Senate Appropriations Committee.


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