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Assembly committee advances bill to plan statewide rollout of advanced air mobility
Summary
The Assembly Transportation Committee voted to pass AB 431 as amended to Appropriations after proponents said the bill would create a statewide plan and technical guidance for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and related infrastructure.
Assemblymember Laura Wilson, the author of AB 431, told the Assembly Transportation Committee that the bill would "establish the groundwork for the successful introduction of advanced air mobility technology in California," directing state planning and technical assistance for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs).
Proponents said AB 431 would create a statewide plan, provide local and regional jurisdictions technical resources for land-use and infrastructure, and fund public engagement and safety guidance. Scott Dauphin, vice president and counsel for regulatory affairs at AUVSI (Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International), said the organization "strongly support[s] AB 431" and that the bill builds on earlier work such as SB 800. George Kevork of Joby Aviation called AB 431 "more than just a planning bill" and said it would help California "thoughtfully and proactively integrate AAM into our broad transportation ecosystem." Kathy Van Austin of United Airlines, Emilia Marchand of Wisk Aero, Jonathan Feldman of the City of Long Beach, and Jason Schmelzer of Archer each registered their support during the hearing.
Committee discussion focused on coordination between state, federal, and local agencies and ensuring zoning and infrastructure guidance is flexible for localities. The bill's author said amendments were taken "to ensure the eager localities have the flexibility they need to develop and implement advanced air mobility." The committee passed the bill as amended to the Committee on Appropriations.
Why it matters: supporters said AAM could expand passenger and cargo options, increase access to emergency and medical services, and reduce congestion and transportation-sector greenhouse gas emissions if implemented carefully. Opponents were not recorded in the hearing. The bill’s language leans on state planning authority and would not override Federal Aviation Administration airspace authority.
The committee recorded a due-pass vote and moved AB 431, as amended, to the Appropriations Committee for further review and budgetary consideration. The bill will now await amendments and fiscal analysis in Appropriations.
