AUVSI State Advocacy February 2025

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AAM Prepared in AZ, CA, and TX
AUVSI and our AAM partners have worked with legislators to introduce our AAM model legislation in three states.
In Arizona SB1307, introduced by Senator Carroll, passed the Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee on February 20 with a vote of 6-1. While airlines raised concerns regarding potential interpretations of our preemption clauses, we are actively engaging them within a broader stakeholder group to refine the language and mitigate any resistance moving forward.
In California, we partnered with Assembly Member Lori Wilson and her staff to introduce AAM prepared. AB431 was introduced on February 5, 2025 and has been referred to Wilson’s committee. We are working with her staff to develop testimony as we await a hearing schedule.
In Texas, Representative Cook filed HB3134 in the House on February 20, while Senator Parker introduced an identical bill, SB1507, in the Senate the same day. AUVSI is actively working with both bill sponsors to ensure the legislation advances smoothly through the legislative process.
Our continued engagement with stakeholders, industry leaders, and policymakers remains critical in shaping a regulatory framework that supports the growth and integration of AAM nationwide.
State Bills we’re engaging on
Opposition to Georgia HB 58

What we’re up to: We sent a letter to Chairman Jones of the House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee with our concerns about HB 58. The bill authorizes political subdivisions to issue ordinances that restrict flights over mass public gatherings and does not include an exemption for commercial flights.
Impact: The bill has since been amended to include the exemption we requested, and we will continue to monitor the bill as it moves to the Senate.

VA Budget Support

What’s new: AUVSI sent letters to the conference committee members highlighting our preference that they stick with the Senate version of the drone grant program.
By the numbers: The House version includes $1.2M to state police for the replacement program whereas the Senate version appropriates $3M to support a grant program open to state and local law enforcement.

The details: The language in the Senate version is more prescriptive than the House language and creates a true replacement program as opposed to direct funding without parameters.
What’s Next: As the bill makes its way to the Governor’s desk, AUVSI will continue to engage the Governor’s staff to make our position known.
States Take Aim at Drones

What we’re tracking: Multiple bills have been introduced that would either remove or reduce liability for shooting at or otherwise disabling drones over property. There are bills in AZ (HB2733) and TX (HB2916) that we are drafting letters of opposition and education for.

Bills Introduced in February
AAM Prepared

AB293 (Nevada): Creates the Office of Aerospace tasked with developing a statewide advanced air mobility plan- Introduced by Assemblymember Gregory Koenig II (R-NV-38)
SB920 (Oklahoma): Tasks the Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics with developing a statewide network of UAS and AAM detection systems – Introduced by Sen. Rosino
HB2266 (Oklahoma): Tasks the Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics with developing a statewide network of UAS and AAM detection systems – Introduced by Rep. Nicole Miller (R-OK-82)
SB 1662 (Florida): Develop a viable AAM system plan and designate a subject matter expert to be a resource for local jurisdictions – Introduced by Sen. Jay Collins (R-FL-14)

Drone Prepared

SB493 (Montana): Establish the offense of trespass by unmanned aerial vehicle – Introduced by Sen. Greg Hertz (R-MT-7)
SB1422 (Florida): Prohibits the operation of drones armed with weapons – Introduced by Sen. Keith Truenow (R-FL-13)
HB651 (Florida): Prohibits drones from flying over agricultural and private lands – Introduced by Rep. Kaylee Tuck (R-FL-83)
SB700 (Florida): Prohibits drones from flying over agricultural and private lands – Introduced by Sen. Keith Truenow (R-FL-13)
HB6289 (Connecticut): Allows FAA licensed pilots and commercial pesticide applicators to use precision drones – Introduced by the Environment Committee

Other Bills We’re Tracking

SB64 (Georgia): Prohibit certain transactions between government entities and certain foreign persons – Introduced by Sen. Clint Dixon (R-GA-45). Status: Senate Recommitted
SJR66 (Kentucky): Establishing the Air Mobility and Aviation Economic Development Task Force – Introduced by Sen. Shelley Frommeyer (R-KY-24). Status: 2nd Reading, to Rules
SB96 (Utah): Advanced Air Mobility Amendments – Introduced by Sen. Wayne Harper (R-UT-16) Status: Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
SB296 (Missouri): Prohibit public agencies from purchasing uncrewed aircraft from countries of concern – Introduced by Sen. Rick Brattin Jr. (R-MO-31). Status: In Committee
HB290 (Alabama): Establishes crimes for unauthorized entry into critical infrastructure – Introduced by Rep. Arnold Mooney II (R-AL-43). Status: Second Reading, Placed on Calendar
HB2293 (Kansas): Prohibiting the acquisition of critical components of drone technology from countries of concern – Introduced by Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development. Status: In Committee


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