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Lawmakers debate bill to require free short‑term access for light private aircraft at publicly funded airports
Summary
Supporters said House Bill 731 would protect private pilots from unexpected fees when dropping off passengers at publicly funded airports; airport managers and airport authorities warned the measure could conflict with federal grant assurances and hurt airport finances. The committee voted against advancing the bill and later tabled it.
House Transportation Committee members heard competing testimony on House Bill 731, which would require publicly funded airports to allow light general‑aviation aircraft (defined in the bill as aircraft weighing less than 9,000 pounds and operating under 14 CFR part 91) to land, taxi, park (tie‑down) and provide access through security fencing for passengers and crew free of charge for a limited period.
Sponsor Representative Shane Klakken described the bill as protecting pilots who make short stops to drop off or pick up passengers. "All we're asking for is fairness," Klakken said, describing scenarios in which a small private pilot lands, taxis in, lets passengers out through an…
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