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HB 730

AIRCRAFT/AVIATION: Provides relative to the use of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast systems (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Raymond Crews

HB 730 prohibits using ADS-B data to calculate or collect fees or taxes on Louisiana aircraft operators, with penalties up to $500 per violation.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 730

Summary of HB 730 (Louisiana, 2026 Regular Session)

Overview

  • Bill: HB 730
  • Sponsor: Rep. Crews (Co-sponsor: Rep. Raymond Crews)
  • Jurisdiction: Louisiana
  • Topic: Aircraft/aviation; use of ADS-B data
  • Purpose: Prohibit the use of automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast (ADS-B) data to calculate, generate, or collect fees or taxes from aircraft owners or operators operating within Louisiana.

Main Purpose and Intent

HB 730 aims to prevent airport authorities and other political subdivisions from leveraging ADS-B data to assess charges, fees, or taxes on aircraft owners or operators. The bill retains existing authority of airport districts/authorities to regulate charges and enforce payment, but adds a specific prohibition on using ADS-B data for revenue calculations.

Key Provisions and Changes

  1. Authority to Regulate Fees (unchanged broadly, with added protection)

    • Present-law allows airport districts, airport authorities, and related subdivisions (including the New Orleans Aviation Board) to adopt regulations, establish charges/fees/tolls, and enforce payment, with penalties for violations.
    • HB 730 retains this existing framework.

  2. Prohibition on ADS-B Data as Fee Basis (new provision)

    • New Subsection P prohibits any person or entity from using information broadcast or collected by ADS-B systems as the basis for calculating, generating, or collecting fees or taxes from aircraft owners or operators operating within Louisiana.
    • Defines ADS-B to include ADS-B In and ADS-B Out, providing aircraft position, GPS location, altitude, ground speed, weather, traffic information, etc.

  3. Penalties (enforcement)

    • Violations of the ADS-B data prohibition are punishable by a fine of up to $500 per occurrence.

  4. Definitions Included (clarifying scope)

    • The bill defines ADS-B and clarifies what data it includes (e.g., position, GPS location, altitude, ground speed).
    • In later amendments, an amended version adds a specific aircraft definition tied to maximum certificated takeoff weight (12,500 pounds) for purposes of the prohibition (see “amendments adopted” discussion below).

  5. Relation to Other Laws (no impact on certain districts)

    • The bill explicitly states that the ADS-B prohibition does not affect the provisions of the England Economic and Industrial Development District (R.S. 33:130.351–130.359).

Who Is Affected

  • Aircraft owners and operators within the geographic boundaries of Louisiana.
  • Airports, airport districts, airport authorities, and certain political subdivisions that regulate airport use and fees.
  • Other entities that might seek to use ADS-B data to base fees or taxes on aircraft operations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Amends R.S. 2:135.1(A)(2) and (P) and adds R.S. 2:135.1(Q) to implement the prohibition.
  • Legislative history indicates floor debate scheduled; amendments were adopted by the House Transportation Committee to add a defined scope related to aircraft weight (12,500 pounds maximum takeoff weight).
  • Action history:
    • Prefiled and referenced (Feb 2026), reported with amendments (Apr 13, 2026), floor debate scheduled (Apr 20, 2026).

Summary in Plain Terms

HB 730 would prevent any Louisiana airport authority or affiliated entity from using ADS-B data to calculate or collect fees or taxes from aircraft operators. While it preserves existing authority to set and enforce airport fees, it creates a specific prohibition on monetizing ADS-B information and establishes a $500 per-violation penalty. The definitions clarify what counts as ADS-B data, and amendments limit applicability to aircraft up to a specified weight threshold (12,500 pounds) in the engrossed version. The measure does not alter other provisions of existing district law or affect certain economic development districts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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