KentuckySB 872025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to aviation.

Sponsored By: Shelley Funke Frommeyer (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Legislative Research CommissionPurchasingState AgenciesTechnical CorrectionsAeronautics and AviationReports MandatedFiscal Note

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Public colleges must develop air traffic training

The Council on Postsecondary Education must study public colleges’ ability to offer federally recognized air traffic control or safety credentials. Working with the Transportation Cabinet, it must finish by December 1, 2025, and assess a possible federal aviation academy. It must notify capable colleges’ presidents and boards by that date. Identified colleges must request program approval by January 1, 2026; the council must help develop programs and approve requests by June 30, 2026. The study and follow-up actions must go to the Legislative Research Commission. The law does not guarantee any student enrollment, funding, or a credential.

Commercial airport drone-map requirement ends

The law repeals Kentucky’s requirement for unmanned-aircraft facility maps for commercial airports. The provided text does not establish how this changes costs, flight access, or safety.

Large airports get more buying options

Kentucky airport boards serving more than 1 million commercial passengers yearly get more buying options. They can use federal aviation small-purchase rules up to the federal simplified acquisition threshold. They can also buy directly from vendors with federal General Services Administration price agreements. Qualifying boards and city, urban-county, and consolidated local governments also get limited exceptions to state purchasing rules. These cover goods or services with only one source within a reasonable area, and replacement parts whose inventory is impractical and needs cannot reasonably be predicted. Exceptions also cover purchases from listed disability-service providers, veterans’ workshops, and qualifying community-service groups. When multiple organizations meet award requirements, competitive bidding is required.

Aviation violators face higher fines

People who commit covered aircraft-operation violations face fines of $50 to $1,000, up from $10 to $100. These penalties also cover violations of rules, regulations, or ordinances adopted under the specified airport-board authority. Violators can face up to 90 days in jail, or both a fine and jail time.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Shelley Funke Frommeyer
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Steve Rawlings
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 133 • No: 2

House vote • 3/11/2025

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 98 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/21/2025