The fourth month of the state legislative session has ended, ushering in a period of conference committees, Governor action, and state adjournments. Louisiana convened on the 10th, marking the last state to begin their 2023 session. Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Washington all adjourned, bringing their sessions to a close. With another fourteen states set to adjourn in May, states are wrapping up for the year.  

As states adjourn, we will continue to publish end of session report cards, analyzing the legislation and engagement of involved states. Check out our report cards on Mississippi, Wyoming, and Utah.

What We’re Working On 

Drone Prepared: The Drone Prepared model federal preemption language has been introduced in North Carolina as House Bill 634. North Carolina already has a comprehensive regulatory UAS framework in place from 2012, and with this measure they will be able to update the language to match the current state of affairs at the federal level. This will ensure that North Carolina has the consistent and cohesive regulatory environment in which drone operations can thrive.  

Federal Preemption: At the beginning of the session, Assemblymember Magnarelli and Senator Kennedy from New York introduced AB 194 and SB 4650 respectively. These measures would standardize rules of operations across New York, increasing safety and encouraging the use of UAS in the State. AUVSI sent an open letter to the New York Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader and the Assembly speaker encouraging them to move forward on consideration of the two bills.  

What We’re Seeing 

The eVTOL in the Room –Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Legislation in the States 

AAM is an emerging sector of the advanced aviation industry, and with thirteen measures introduced across seven states, we are beginning to see States grapple with this innovative technology legislatively. We applaud States for taking the steps to ensure integration and adoption of AAM but urge caution in the policy making process.  

What We Like: Study Committees 

States are seeing the future value in investing in AAM now but are also understanding the need to both study how proper integration would work and to provide needed flexibility for the industry’s development. As a result, we are seeing many States introducing AAM focused study committee bills. These committees will discuss and advise on potential policy needs, best practices for integration, economic and workforce opportunities, and other needs relevant to the AAM community. AUVSI supports these measures, and has supported bills like this in California, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.  

What We Don’t Like: Premature Restrictions 

In a misguided attempt to support the industry, we are also seeing a few States introduce harmful infrastructure measures. The language, while well intentioned, would ultimately hinder the development of AAM in those States, stifling private investment and reducing access across communities. Instead of harming a nascent industry with hasty regulations, we recommend that legislators use caution and take the time to gather industry-input for smart and productive legislation. We have seen measures such as this in Oregon, Utah, and Florida. AUVSI and industry partners have, and will continue to, oppose these measures.  

What We’re Looking Forward To  

As the state session season begins to wrap up, we look forward to continuing to engage with legislators, industry members, and organizational partners. With interim’s beginning, we welcome the opportunity to focus on relationship building and outreach.  

To stay connected and updated on all legislative activity and AUVSI engagements, sign up for our Drone Prepared Newsletter: https://auvsi.read.axioshq.com/signup/drone-prepared-updates