Committee advances bill to clear path for future 'vertiports' and eVTOL operations

Representative Nazarenko introduced House Bill 1976, a measure that defines vertiports — landing and takeoff sites for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) — and aims to ensure open access and competition should advanced air mobility reach Arkansas.

Nazarenko told the committee the bill “is a futuristic bill” and that it starts with definitions so the state would be positioned to welcome investment and avoid exclusive local deals that could leave a single company in control of vertiport sites. He said vertiports could vary in size and could serve either passengers or cargo; the bill’s stated intent is to prevent agreements that would limit competition while leaving FAA certification and air-traffic control requirements unchanged.

Committee members asked how local control and zoning would operate under the bill. Nazarenko said municipalities could still own vertiports and set local conditions, but the bill is intended to avoid local arrangements that give one private company monopoly control over multiple sites. Representative Kevin Hall asked whether vertiports would carry people or freight; Nazarenko replied they potentially could carry both, subject to FAA rules. Representative Richardson likened eVTOLs to an evolution of helicopters and asked whether existing airport infrastructure could be adapted.

After a short period of questioning and no public speakers for or against, Nazarenko closed by reiterating the bill’s preparatory nature: “Who knows? Right now, it’s all still in concept, but there are…companies that are actively working towards it, and I’d love to see Arkansas be on the forefront.” The committee took a voice vote and the chair declared the bill passed.