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. Additionally, the bill outlines the commission's authority to receive per diem and mileage, as well as the procedures for conducting meetings and voting.

The bill also amends existing sections of the Aviation Act to incorporate the new commission and clarify the powers and duties of the Aviation Division. Key amendments include the division's administrative attachment to the Department of Transportation, the requirement for the division to adhere to commission policies, and the establishment of a state aviation fund that will be managed by the commission. Furthermore, the division will have the authority to purchase a propeller-driven aircraft for its operations, and all expenditures will require approval from 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