This bill amends Section 421 of Title 3 of the Oklahoma Statutes, establishing the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics as the clearinghouse for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) within the state. The Department is tasked with promoting and developing UAS and AAM technologies, as well as the necessary infrastructure for their safe integration into the National Airspace System. The bill outlines the Department's authority to conduct research, coordinate applications for test sites and funding, maintain registries of UAS and educational programs, and develop a statewide system plan for vertiports and detection systems.

Significant new provisions include the Department's ability to invest in publicly owned infrastructure to support the clearinghouse's mission and to partner with other states and industry stakeholders to create centers of excellence for UAS and AAM integration. Additionally, the Department is authorized to promulgate rules necessary for implementing the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Development Act of 2021. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 3-421