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S 275

Reduces helicopter operations at certain aviation facilities licensed by State.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Raj Mukherji and 1 co-sponsor

NJ S275 requires state-licensed heliports to cut departures by 47% from the prior 12 months and curb sightseeing flights at night (with exemptions) via new rules.

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · S 275

Summary — S 275 (Introduced January 28, 2025)

Subject: Aviation — Reducing helicopter operations at State‑licensed facilities (New Jersey)

Main purpose

S 275 directs the New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation to adopt rules to reduce helicopter noise by substantially cutting helicopter departures from airports, heliports, and helistops licensed by the State, and to limit sightseeing/tourist helicopter operations during overnight hours (subject to federal law).

Key provisions

  • Rulemaking requirement:
    • The Commissioner must promulgate regulations (under the Administrative Procedure Act) to reduce noise from helicopters at State‑licensed airports, heliports, and helistops — “to the extent permitted by federal law.”
  • Flight‑volume reduction:
    • Proprietors must reduce the number of helicopters leaving a licensed airport, heliport, or helistop by at least 47% compared to the average number of helicopter departures during the 12 months immediately preceding enactment.
    • The 47% reduction requirement is not limited to weekdays (committee amendment removed the “per weekday” language).
    • Exemptions: Flights by helicopters that are:
    • Owned or operated by a federal or military authority;
    • Owned or operated by the State or a political subdivision of the State;
    • Operated by a “news agency” (defined in the bill as a commercial organization that collects and supplies news to subscribing newspapers, periodicals, and broadcasters);
    • Operated by a licensed hospital or healthcare provider; and
    • Providing emergency medical transportation (as defined in existing law).
  • Licensing certification for heliports/helistops:
    • To the extent allowed by federal law, applicants for new or renewed heliport/helistop licenses must certify they will prohibit sightseeing/tourist helicopter departures or landings:
    • Weekdays: between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
    • Weekends: between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
  • Definitions included:
    • “Airport,” “heliport,” “helistop,” “helicopter,” and “emergency medical transportation” are defined or cross‑referenced in the bill.

Who is affected

  • Proprietors/operators of State‑licensed airports, heliports, and helistops in New Jersey.
  • Commercial helicopter operators, especially sightseeing/tourist services (subject to the nighttime prohibitions).
  • Local governments and State entities operating helicopters (exempt from the numeric reduction).
  • News organizations, licensed hospitals/healthcare providers, and emergency medical transport operators (exemptions).
  • Residents and communities near heliports/airports (potential noise‑reduction benefits).

Procedure and timing

  • Rulemaking: Commissioner must adopt regulations via the Administrative Procedure Act; the bill’s provisions are expressly conditioned “to the extent permitted by federal law” (reflecting potential FAA preemption issues).
  • Effective date: The act “shall take effect immediately” upon enactment.
  • Legislative status (as of provided information): Reported favorably with committee amendments by the Senate Transportation Committee (May 12, 2025) and referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Notes and potential implications

  • The bill sets a large, prescriptive reduction (47%) in helicopter departures measured against the prior 12‑month average; implementation will require regulatory detail (compliance metrics, time frame, enforcement, and accounting for exempt flights).
  • The “to the extent permitted by federal law” qualifier signals potential conflicts with federal aviation regulation and possible limitations on State authority over interstate airspace and operations.
  • Economic and operational impacts could be significant for tour operators, charter services, and facilities that host frequent helicopter operations; proponents cite community noise reduction benefits.

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

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