Bill to limit fees for light private aircraft stalls in committee amid funding and market concerns

House Bill 731, introduced by Representative Klacken, proposed that publicly funded airports allow light general‑aviation aircraft (gross weight of 9,000 pounds or less, part 91) to land, taxi, park and access passenger areas without additional fees for a limited period (the draft used three days). The sponsor said the measure addresses surprise charges at some FBOs and airports and is aimed at private pilots who make short stops.

Proponents described anecdotes of undisclosed ramp or access fees at some facilities and asked the committee to prevent surprise billing for brief stops. Tim Robertson and Jack Galt described experiences where fees were not publicly disclosed and could be charged after landing. Sponsor said he was willing to negotiate the length of the free access and other language to avoid harming legitimate airport revenue for overnight or long‑term parking.

Opponents including AOPA, Montana Airport Managers Association and several airport directors said the bill would run afoul of FAA grant assurances that require airports to be financially self‑sufficient, would disrupt FBO business models (many FBOs are private businesses operating on airport property) and could require airports to shift costs to other users or local taxpayers. Testimony noted the FAA AIP typically funds 90% of eligible project costs and that airports must provide local match; Helena's recent $12 million project and $1.2 million local match were cited as examples.

Committee members raised questions about what constitutes a "publicly funded" airport, which fees are already charged (parking is a common local revenue stream), and whether a ban on certain fees would simply push costs elsewhere. After debate the committee voted 6‑8 against reporting the bill do pass; the committee then voted to table HB731 so the sponsor can work with stakeholders on substitute language.