Bill > HB2521

This bill establishes new regulations for vertiports (infrastructure designed for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) in Texas, specifically those intended for public use by advanced air mobility operators providing passenger or cargo services. The bill requires vertiports to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and design standards, mandates that vertiport owners submit a layout plan to the FAA for approval before conducting operations, and places restrictions on local government zoning authority. Specifically, political subdivisions cannot grant exclusive rights to vertiport owners and must use their zoning powers to promote reasonable access for advanced air mobility operators. The bill defines key terms like "vertiport" and "advanced air mobility" and applies only to vertiports used for interstate commercial services authorized by the U.S. Department of Transportation or FAA. The regulations will take effect on September 1, 2025, providing time for vertiport operators and local governments to prepare for the new requirements.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2521