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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
vertiport;
definition; designations
(NOW: advanced air mobility; appropriation)
Purpose
Establishes the Office of Advanced Air Mobility (Office) and outlines requirements relating to the Office. Appropriates $500,000 from the Advanced Air Mobility Fund (Fund) in FY 2027 to the Office to grant to entities for the advancement of advanced air mobility in Arizona.
Background
Laws 2025, Chapter 185 requires the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), beginning September 1, 2026, to develop or upgrade the statewide aviation plan for advanced air mobility infrastructure in consultation with the political subdivisions of Arizona that own or control a public airport, commercial air carriers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and any other relevant stakeholders. A political subdivision may establish the location of public and private vertiports, electric aircraft charging stations and the infrastructure needs of advanced air mobility in accordance with federal law (A.R.S. § 28-8602).
Laws 2025, Chapter 248 establishes the Fund for constructing vertiports and purchasing advanced air mobility vehicles that can carry passengers or cargo for testing and demonstration purposes of the ability to use the advanced air mobility vehicles. Before any expenditure is made from the Fund, the State Treasurer and ADOT must submit an expenditure plan to the Joint Committee on Capital Review (A.R.S. § 28-8604).
Advanced air mobility is an air transportation system that primarily uses an electric aircraft, including eCTOL, eVTOL and powered lift aircrafts, to carry passengers or cargo in urban or regional areas (A.R.S. § 28-8601).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Establishes the Office within the Office of the Governor.
2. Allows the Office to:
a) act as a liaison between the state, FAA and aviation organizations, including federal and state agencies and industries that support advanced air mobility;
b) identify and pursue, as appropriate, opportunities to increase advanced air mobility in Arizona;
c) support Arizona-based companies that seek to expand advanced air mobility in Arizona;
d) advance Arizona's economic interests relating to advanced air mobility;
e) develop and implement a reoccurring strategic plan to enhance Arizona's competitiveness in advanced air mobility;
f) identify and support emerging technology, including commercialization support services to accelerate technology development;
g) collaborate with the Arizona Board of Regents, universities and research institutions that seek to increase funding for advanced air mobility research and development;
h) collaborate to enhance workforce development that prepares innovators and entrepreneurs to support industries relating to advanced air mobility; and
i) coordinate with the Legislature and the Governor regarding the Office's activities, achievements and recommendations.
3. Requires the Office, subject to available monies, to issue requests for proposals for the purposes of establishing contracts relating to advanced air mobility.
4. Requires the Office to submit an annual report regarding the activities of the Office and recommendations to the Governor, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 31, 2027.
5. Requires the Office to provide a copy of the report to the Secretary of State.
6. Defines advanced air mobility as an air transportation system that primarily uses an electric aircraft, including eCTOL, eVTOL and powered lift aircrafts, to carry passengers or cargo in urban or regional areas.
7. Appropriates $500,000 from the Fund in FY 2027 to the Office to provide grants to entities for the advancement of advanced air mobility in Arizona.
8. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing.
9. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole
1. Adopted the strike-everything amendment.
2. Removes the requirement that the Office contract with qualified public or private persons or corporations for services relating to any submittal to the FAA of flight plans or other items relating to the use of advance air mobility in Arizona.
Senate Action
ATT 2/24/26 DPA/SE 7-0-3
Prepared by Senate Research
March 4, 2026
LMM/KS/ci