This bill amends the Airport Zoning Act and establishes new regulations regarding aerospace infrastructure in Oklahoma. It introduces definitions for terms such as "heliport," "vertiport," and "VTOL aircraft," while also requiring permits for construction within a specified radius of these facilities. Specifically, the bill mandates that individuals must secure permits for structures that exceed federal obstruction standards within a 1-nautical mile radius of publicly owned or operated heliports or vertiports, in addition to existing requirements for airports. The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics is granted authority to review structures built without permits and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the role of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics as the clearinghouse for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM). It outlines the department's responsibilities, including conducting research, maintaining registries, and developing a statewide network of UAS and AAM detection systems. The department is also authorized to form partnerships with various entities to support the integration of these technologies into the state's air transportation system. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 3-102.1, 3-421