Bill > HF2405

This bill directs the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a study committee to explore the need for an advisory committee to help plan for "advanced air mobility" (AAM), which refers to air transportation systems primarily using electric aircraft, like electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, for passengers, cargo, or services in urban or regional areas. This study committee will include various experts, including those in aviation, eVTOLs, conventional aircraft, and the AAM industry, along with DOT representatives and other stakeholders. If the study committee decides an advisory committee isn't needed, it must still gather input from industry and report its findings on AAM planning to the general assembly by January 11, 2027. However, if an advisory committee is deemed necessary, the DOT will create one with specific duties, such as recommending changes to state laws to support AAM, assessing financial needs, designating an AAM expert within the DOT, reviewing aviation standards, providing guidance to local governments on planning and zoning for AAM, estimating energy needs, identifying potential AAM hubs, and assisting various entities with integrating AAM technology, all while ensuring safety and consistency within the state, and this advisory committee will report its actions and recommendations to the general assembly by January 10, 2028. The bill also defines "electric aircraft" as those weighing 300 pounds or more and "powered-lift aircraft" as those capable of vertical takeoff and landing, with specific lift mechanisms, and this entire section of the law will be repealed on July 1, 2028.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2405