A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION continuing the work of the Air Mobility and Aviation Economic Development Task Force by establishing the Aviation Economic Development Task Force.
SCR13 is a concurrent resolution that reestablishes and continues the work of the Aviation Economic Development Task Force for the 2026 Interim. The task force is directed to study aviation and aerospace issues affecting Kentucky, with a particular focus on advanced air mobility (AAM), airport operations, workforce development, infrastructure needs, and economic development opportunities tied to the aviation sector. Its charge includes examining how aviation innovations could improve mobility for residents and businesses, especially for interstate and intrastate travel, and how Kentucky can better position itself to attract aviation-related investment and jobs.
The resolution also specifies the task force’s membership structure, with four House members and four Senate members appointed by legislative leadership, including minority-party representation and co-chairs from each chamber. The task force must meet at least four times during the 2026 Interim and submit findings or recommendations by December 1, 2026. The Legislative Research Commission may then refer any recommendations to the relevant committees before the 2027 Regular Session, or alternatively assign the study to an interim joint committee or subcommittee.
In practical terms, the resolution does not directly amend Kentucky statutes or create new regulatory requirements. Instead, it extends a legislative study process that could lead to future policy or statutory changes related to aviation, aerospace development, airport infrastructure, workforce training, and the regulation of AAM vehicles and supporting systems. The bill is aimed at building a policy framework rather than imposing immediate legal obligations on agencies, businesses, or residents.
The overall sentiment reflected in the bill text is strongly supportive of aviation as an economic driver and of proactive state planning for emerging aerospace technologies. The resolution emphasizes Kentucky’s strategic location, the importance of aviation to the state and national economy, and the need to catch up with other states in preparing for AAM. No committee transcript or recorded vote information is available here, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or debate in the provided materials.
The main points of potential contention are implied rather than explicit: the cost and scope of continued legislative study, whether Kentucky should move quickly to regulate AAM technology, and how to address infrastructure and workforce gaps. Any disagreement would likely center on the pace of state involvement, the extent of public investment needed, and how to balance innovation with safety and regulatory oversight.
SCR13 does not directly change Kentucky law or amend any existing statutes; it creates a legislative task force to study aviation economic development and advanced air mobility and to recommend future policy actions. Its immediate effect is to continue interim legislative review, with possible downstream influence on transportation, economic development, workforce training, and aviation-related regulatory statutes if recommendations are later adopted.
The bill appears broadly favorable and forward-looking, reflecting bipartisan interest in aviation as an economic development priority and in preparing Kentucky for advanced air mobility and related infrastructure needs. The resolution frames the issue as an opportunity for growth, innovation, and workforce development, and no recorded votes or committee testimony in the provided materials indicate opposition or controversy. The tone is exploratory and supportive rather than adversarial.
No direct contention is documented in the provided record, but the resolution’s subject matter suggests likely areas of debate: how quickly Kentucky should pursue advanced air mobility, what level of state investment or regulatory preparation is appropriate, and how to address shortages in pilots, mechanics, and other aviation workers. There may also be differing views on whether the state should prioritize study and planning versus immediate policy action, and on the infrastructure upgrades needed for airports, data systems, electricity, and fuel production to support future aviation technologies.