The bill amends existing laws related to aerospace infrastructure in Oklahoma, specifically the Airport Zoning Act and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "heliport" and "VTOL aircraft," while also updating the definitions of "airport," "airport hazard," and "airport hazard area." A significant addition is the requirement for a permit for construction within a 1-nautical mile radius of a publicly owned or operated heliport or vertiport, expanding the existing regulations that pertain to airports. The bill also clarifies the authority of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics in overseeing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM), emphasizing its role as a clearinghouse for these technologies.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the Department's responsibilities by allowing it to develop and implement strategies for UAS and AAM integration, conduct research on regulations in other states, and maintain registries for UAS operated by state agencies and educational institutions offering training programs. It also authorizes the Department to create a statewide network of UAS and AAM detection systems and establish command and control centers to support the safe 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
Floor (House): 3-102.1, 3-421
Floor (Senate): 3-102.1, 3-421
Engrossed: 3-102.1, 3-421
Enrolled (final version): 3-102.1, 3-421