The Airspace Protection Act proposes significant amendments to the Revised Code concerning navigable airspace and aviation regulations. It introduces new definitions, including "navigable airspace" and "obstruction," while expanding the definition of "airport" to encompass heliports and seaplane landing sites, excluding federal navigable waterways and military airports. The bill establishes the Department of Transportation's role in administering aviation laws, granting it authority to issue orders, create application forms, and adopt necessary rules. Additionally, it creates an Office of Aviation within the department to oversee aviation activities, investigate accidents, and ensure compliance with aviation laws, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in Ohio's aviation operations.

The bill also amends existing regulations regarding airport activities, allowing the Department of Transportation to approve contracts and grants related to airport operations and ensuring that all federal funds are deposited into the state treasury. It introduces new permit requirements for structures affecting air navigation, emphasizing safety considerations in the permitting process. The bill mandates public hearings for airport zoning decisions and establishes a process for appeals, ensuring transparency and community involvement. Overall, the Airspace Protection Act aims to streamline regulatory frameworks, enhance safety standards, and clarify the roles of various authorities in managing aviation and airport operations in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4561.01, 4561.021, 4561.05, 4561.06, 4561.08, 4561.09, 4561.11, 4561.12, 4561.14, 4561.15, 4561.31, 4561.32, 4561.33, 4561.34, 4561.341, 4561.35, 4561.36, 4561.37, 4561.38, 4561.39, 4561.99, 4563.01, 4563.03, 4563.031, 4563.032, 4563.04, 4563.05, 4563.06, 4563.07, 4563.08, 4563.09, 4563.10, 4563.11, 4563.12, 4563.13, 4563.16, 4563.18, 4563.20, 4563.21, 4906.10, 4561.30
As Reported By House Committee: 4561.01, 4561.021, 4561.05, 4561.06, 4561.08, 4561.09, 4561.11, 4561.12, 4561.14, 4561.15, 4561.31, 4561.32, 4561.33, 4561.34, 4561.341, 4561.35, 4561.36, 4561.37, 4561.38, 4561.39, 4561.99, 4563.01, 4563.03, 4563.031, 4563.032, 4563.04, 4563.05, 4563.06, 4563.07, 4563.08, 4563.09, 4563.10, 4563.11, 4563.12, 4563.13, 4563.16, 4563.18, 4563.20, 4563.21, 4906.10, 4561.30