SB 1819 requires Arizona's Department of Transportation to create a statewide plan for vertiports (vertically taking off airports) and electric aircraft charging stations by 2026, consulting with airports, airlines, and federal agencies. It designates a department expert to assist local governments and mandates that all new vertiport and charging station projects must be publicly bid with no preference for existing operators. The bill directly affects local governments, airports, and future operators of electric aircraft infrastructure by setting planning and procurement standards. It does not change existing safety rules but establishes a process for developing advanced air mobility infrastructure. The bill focuses on planning and project selection, not on regulating operations or funding.
SB 1826 appropriates $500,000 from Arizona's advanced air mobility fund for the Office of Advanced Air Mobility's operations and support in fiscal year 2026-2027. Despite its title mentioning "wayfinding signs," the bill focuses on funding for advanced air mobility initiatives (like drone infrastructure or air taxi systems), not rural signage. The bill is conditional on Senate Bill 1827 (relating to aviation) becoming law. It directly affects the state's Office of Advanced Air Mobility, providing operational funding for its work in developing emerging air transportation technologies. The bill passed the Senate on March 4, 2026, and was transmitted to the House.
SB 1827 establishes Arizona's Office of Advanced Air Mobility within the governor's office to support the development of air mobility technology, such as electric air taxis and vertiports. The office will coordinate with industry, universities, and federal agencies, and receives $500,000 in fiscal year 2026-2027 for grants to Arizona-based companies advancing this technology. It must submit annual reports to the legislature starting in 2027. The bill directly affects Arizona businesses, researchers, and infrastructure developers working in advanced air mobility.
HB 2978 appropriates $3,000,000 from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Transportation for the city of Prescott. The funds are specifically designated for the second phase of development of Prescott's northeast airport ramp. This bill directly affects Prescott by providing state funding for a specific airport infrastructure project. The legislation is procedural, focusing solely on allocating funds without altering existing laws or creating new requirements.
SB 1457 establishes Arizona's Advanced Air Mobility Fund, managed by the state treasurer, to support development and deployment of advanced air vehicles. The fund will finance purchasing air mobility vehicles for testing, building vertiports (landing facilities), and specifically for border security - prioritizing counties along Arizona's international border. Monies come from legislative appropriations and private donations, with spending requiring review by the Joint Committee on Capital Review before use. The bill directly affects border counties and transportation infrastructure projects by creating dedicated funding for air mobility technology.
