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HB 1976

CONCERNING VERTIPORTS; AND TO CREATE THE OPEN ACCESS TO PUBLIC-USE VERTIPORTS ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Dotson and 1 co-sponsor

The Open Access to Public-Use Vertiports Act promotes a network of public vertiports in Arkansas, ensuring fair access and competition for air mobility services.

Notification that HB1976 is now Act 883
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Bill Summary · HB 1976

Summary of HB 1976: Open Access to Public-Use Vertiports Act

Bill Number: HB 1976
Status: Now Act 883
Introduced: April 02, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Nazarenko, Senator J. Dotson

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1976, titled the Open Access to Public-Use Vertiports Act, aims to establish a framework for the development and operation of public-use vertiports in Arkansas. The bill is designed to promote equitable access to advanced air mobility services, including both passenger and cargo transport, while preventing monopolization and discrimination in vertiport operations.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important provisions under a new chapter in the Arkansas Code:

Definitions

  • Public-use vertiport: A vertiport intended for public purposes, controlled by a public agency, and located on publicly owned property.
  • Vertiport: Infrastructure for the take-off, landing, and ground-handling of vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

Policy Objectives

  • Development of Vertiports: The state will promote a network of public-use vertiports to ensure equitable access for citizens.
  • Funding: The planning and construction of vertiports will be funded through appropriations from the General Assembly.
  • Zoning Regulations: Local authorities are encouraged to ensure a sufficient number and varied locations of public-use vertiports.

Access and Competition

  • Prohibition of Exclusive Rights: The bill prohibits any political subdivision from granting exclusive access rights to vertiport operators, promoting competition and equitable access.

Safety and Compliance

  • Design Standards: Vertiports must comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards for design and performance.
  • Approval Process: Vertiport owners/operators must submit layout plans to the FAA for approval before operations can commence.

Zoning Restrictions

  • Political subdivisions cannot use zoning authority to grant exclusive rights to vertiport operators, ensuring reasonable access for all operators.

Severability Clause

  • If any provision of this subchapter conflicts with federal law, that provision will be null and void, but other provisions will remain in effect.

Impact

The Open Access to Public-Use Vertiports Act is expected to:
- Facilitate the establishment of a network of vertiports across Arkansas, enhancing transportation options.
- Encourage competition among vertiport operators, potentially lowering costs and improving service quality for users.
- Ensure that local governments cannot monopolize vertiport access, promoting fair opportunities for various operators.

Procedural Timeline

  • April 02, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 03, 2025: First reading and referral to the Committee on City, County & Local Affairs.
  • April 10, 2025: Returned by the Committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • April 14, 2025: Passed by both the House and Senate.
  • April 15, 2025: Correctly enrolled and transmitted to the Governor's Office.
  • April 17, 2025: Notification that HB 1976 is now Act 883.

This legislation represents a significant step towards modernizing air mobility infrastructure in Arkansas, aligning with national trends in aviation and transportation.

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

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