Sec. 21.072.  ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY.  (a)  In this section, "advanced air mobility" means an aviation transportation system that uses highly automated aircraft, which may be manned or unmanned, to operate and transport passengers or cargo at lower altitudes for commercial, public service, private, or recreational purposes. 
(b)  The department shall:
(1)  review existing state aviation standards and guidelines, airport facility planning, and compatibility guidance to ensure that the standards, guidelines, planning, and guidance are applicable to advanced air mobility;
(2)  support the development of federal and industry standards for advanced air mobility technology that prioritize safety as the technology develops; 
(3)  designate a department employee as a liaison to the Federal Aviation Administration for purposes of Subdivision (2); 
(4)  develop a statewide plan, or an update to the Texas Airport System Plan, that specifies potential locations for and classifications of vertiports and other associated infrastructure to guide the future operational environment of advanced air mobility; and
(5)  provide resources and assistance on the use of advanced air mobility technology and infrastructure to local governments, regional councils of government, transportation planning organizations, the advanced air mobility industry, and other entities for the purpose of identifying governmental methods to integrate industry innovation and community vision and help promote advanced air mobility technology.
(c)  The department, Texas Education Agency, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Texas State Technical College System shall jointly collaborate with school districts, institutions of higher education, and interested public and private stakeholders on educational opportunities related to advanced air mobility technology.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 29 (S.B. 2144), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.