CONCERNING VERTIPORTS; AND TO CREATE THE OPEN ACCESS TO PUBLIC-USE VERTIPORTS ACT.

House Bill 1976 creates the "Open Access to Public-Use Vertiports Act" in Arkansas, establishing regulations for infrastructure designed for vertical take-off and landing aircraft. This bill prevents the state and local governments from granting exclusive access rights to a single operator at public-use vertiports, aiming to promote competition and equitable access for advanced air mobility services. It encourages local zoning authorities to ensure a sufficient number and varied locations for these vertiports. Additionally, all vertiport designs and operations must adhere to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards and secure FAA approval.