This bill is a commendation resolution that formally recognizes the "LIFTOff Louisiana" team for their successful proposal to the Federal Aviation Administration's pilot program on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. It directly honors the Department of Transportation and Development, the Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission, and the Gulf of America Center of Excellence for their collaborative work in advancing aviation technology and safety. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves to acknowledge the team's achievement as one of only eight selected nationally. Copies of this recognition will be sent to state officials, including the governor and agency leaders.
HB 1175 updates the legal definitions for key terms related to aeronautics within Louisiana state law. The bill directly affects the Department of Transportation and Development, local governments, and any entities involved in aircraft operations, maintenance, or airport management. It clarifies what constitutes an "aircraft," "airport," "airman," and other related concepts to include modern activities like aerospace vehicle launches and specific air navigation tasks. By standardizing these definitions, the legislation ensures consistency in how aviation regulations and responsibilities are interpreted across the state.
Senate Resolution 112 formally commends Chennault International Airport in Louisiana on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. The resolution recognizes the airport's role as a national aviation hub that supports job creation, economic growth, and military training operations. It highlights the facility's contributions to workforce development and its evolution from a Strategic Air Command base into a center for maintenance and innovation. This measure serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the airport's achievements and does not alter any laws or policies.
This bill updates Louisiana laws to allow public airports to use a "design-build" approach for constructing air traffic control towers, hangars, and related facilities like parking garages. It also establishes a pilot program for state highway projects where contracts are awarded based on bids closest to the average price, rather than the lowest price alone. The average bid method applies only to construction projects with at least three valid bids and will remain in effect until March 1, 2028. These changes directly affect state transportation agencies and public airport operators by offering new ways to manage and select contractors for public works.
This resolution commends the LIFTOff Louisiana team, led by the Department of Transportation and Development's office of multimodal commerce, for their successful proposal to the Federal Aviation Administration's pilot program for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The bill recognizes the team's work with public and private partners to advance aviation technology, including piloted and unmanned approaches to air mobility, emergency services, and medical transportation. It highlights the team's commitment to safety standards and public benefits such as reduced noise impacts and improved supply chain management. The resolution formally honors the Department of Transportation and Development, the Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission, and the Gulf of America Center of Excellence for their contributions to this national initiative.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that urges the city of Shreveport to establish an interest-free loan program for Transportation Security Administration agents working at the Shreveport Regional Airport. The measure responds to a federal government shutdown that began in February 2026, during which these security personnel continue to work without pay. By referencing similar programs in other states, the resolution seeks to provide financial assistance to help TSA agents cover basic living expenses like rent and groceries. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal request to the city government rather than creating new law or funding.
This bill creates a sales and use tax exemption for aircraft repair services in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It directly affects businesses that perform repairs, modifications, overhauls, or upgrades on aircraft registered outside of Louisiana. The exemption only applies when repairs are done at specific airports meeting strict infrastructure requirements, including a runway at least 10,700 feet long, 200 feet wide, and with concrete at least 17 inches thick. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, and apply only to local taxes levied by Calcasieu Parish authorities.
HB 715 requires licensed aerial applicators (those applying seeds, fertilizers, or pesticides) to carry federally compliant transponders (like ADS-B Out systems) and operable two-way radios when using publicly owned airports or participating in airport priority programs, specifically during takeoff and landing. This applies to all aerial applicators operating at public airports within Louisiana, with the equipment mandated for public safety and coordination of airport traffic. The bill also prohibits political subdivisions from discriminating against licensed aerial applicators using public airports and directs the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to inspect for chemical residue concerns. It does not alter existing airport safety rules but adds these communication and tracking requirements for aerial operations.
HB 743 creates the "Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District" in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, to govern the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport. The district, established upon approval by the St. Mary Parish Council and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will operate as a political subdivision with authority to manage airport operations, infrastructure, and financial matters. It will be governed by a seven-member board of commissioners appointed by the parish council, who will oversee airport planning, facility development, and acceptance of federal grants. The district’s boundaries align with St. Mary Parish, and it will assume responsibility for airport management currently held by local government. This bill does not impose new taxes or fees but reorganizes airport governance under a dedicated district structure.
