Bill
HB 715
HB 715 requires aerial applicators at publicly owned airports to use a functioning two-way radio and comply with a compliant aircraft transponder during takeoff and landing to impr
HB 715 (Louisiana) – Summary for 2026 Regular Session
Section I – What the bill does (purpose and intent)
- Purpose: Require aerial applicators operating at publicly owned airports or landing fields to use radio communications and aircraft transponders to improve safety and coordination with airport traffic services.
- Overall effect: Adds specific equipment and operational requirements for aerial applicators when using publicly owned airport facilities, while preserving existing non-discrimination protections for licensed aerial applicators.
Section II – Key provisions and changes
- Public airports and landing fields
- Aerial applicators at publicly owned airports or landing fields must:
- Operate a functioning aircraft transponder that meets federal aviation standards (including ADS-B Out or Mode C).
- Maintain an operable two-way radio to communicate with airport traffic services or advisory services.
- These transponder and radio requirements apply specifically to takeoff and landing phases to support public safety and coordination of airport surface operations.
- Control tower and traffic patterns
- If the airport lacks a control tower, the aerial applicator must follow the FAA-recommended standard traffic pattern unless deviations are required for safety, wind conditions, runway or aircraft performance, or directed by air traffic control or FAA guidance.
- Compliance with existing law
- The bill retains existing Louisiana law that prohibits discrimination against licensed aerial applicators by city, town, or political subdivisions that own or manage airports, provided the applicators comply with safety and operational regulations.
- If an airport authority objects to an aerial applicator using its facilities, the Department of Agriculture and Forestry (now phrased as the Department of Agriculture and Forestry) may inspect and monitor for safety and residue concerns, and may suspend the applicator from airport use if violations are found.
- Administrative references and terminology
- The bill clarifies the department name (Department of Agriculture and Forestry) and makes necessary technical amendments to R.S. 2:135.3 for consistency.
Section III – Who is affected
- Aerial applicators licensed by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry who operate at publicly owned airports or participate in airport priority programs.
- Public airports, airport authorities, and airport operators in Louisiana.
- Airport traffic services and FAA guidance applicable to operations at publicly owned facilities.
- Potentially, pilots and service contractors using publicly owned landing fields for aerial application.
Section IV – Procedural and timeline aspects
- Effective date: Not explicitly stated in the provided text; amendments indicate alignment with current law and ongoing regulatory framework.
- Implementation: Aerial applicators would need to ensure in-field equipment compliance (transponder and two-way radio) during takeoff and landing operations at public airports.
- Oversight: Enforcement continues under existing mechanisms in law, with potential inspections and the authority to suspend use of airport facilities for noncompliance.
Notes on amendments
- Committee amendments: Technical changes to terminology and formatting (ensuring references to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry are consistent).
- Floor amendments: Added prohibition on using transponder data (including ADS-B) to impose fees or enforce local ordinances unrelated to safety; introduced additional technical refinements.
- Final passage shows broad support in the House (high yeas), indicating alignment with public-safety objectives.
Bottom line
HB 715 strengthens safety and coordination for aerial application activities at publicly owned aviation facilities by requiring functioning radios and compliant transponders, clarifying department names, preserving nondiscrimination protections, and giving authorities continued inspection and enforcement options for safety and environmental concerns.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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