This bill establishes the State Aviation Commission in New Mexico, which will be responsible for determining policy matters for the Aviation Division. The commission will consist of five members, including the secretary of transportation and four appointees by the governor, who must be either current or former airport managers or certified pilots. The commission will meet quarterly and is tasked with employing a director for the Aviation Division, who will operate under the commission's policies. The bill also outlines the commission's powers, including the authority to submit budget requests and reports, and to purchase a propeller-driven aircraft for state use.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections of the Aviation Act to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Aviation Division and its director. Key changes include the administrative attachment of the division to the Department of Transportation, the requirement for the division to adhere to commission policies, and the stipulation that all expenditures from the state aviation fund must be approved by the commission. The bill also introduces new definitions, such as the term "commission," and specifies that the division will operate independently while still being accountable to the commission. The effective date for these provisions is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 64-1-12, 64-1-13, 64-1-14, 64-1-15, 64-1-19