HB1397 – Creates work group on electric and hybrid airplanes.
Prime Sponsor – Representative Slatter (D; 48th District; Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland)
Current status – Returned to House Rules 3rd Reading by Senate at end of 2019 Session. Reintroduced and retained in present status for 2020 session. Now in the House Rules “X” file.
Next step would be – Action by the Rules Committee.
Legislative tracking page for the bill.
2019 History
In the House (Passed)
Had a hearing before the House Committee on Transportation on February 7th. Passed out of committee February 25th; referred to Rules. Placed on 2nd reading by the Rules Committee March 1st. Passed by the House March 5th.
In the Senate
Referred to the Senate Transportation Committee. Had a hearing March 18th. Passed out of committee with amendments to cover using fuel cells March 26th; referred to Rules. Returned to House Rules 3rd Reading by Senate at end of 2019 Session.
Summary –
The bill requires the Department of Transportation to convene a work group on hybrid and electric regional aircraft, including representatives from the electric aircraft industry, the aircraft manufacturing industry, electric utility districts, the battery industry, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Transportation Aviation Division, the Airline Pilots’ Association, a primary airport representing an airport association, and the airline industry.
They’re to study, at least:
- Infrastructure requirements necessary to facilitate electric aircraft operations at airports;
- Potential economic and public benefits including the direct and indirect impact on the state’s manufacturing and service jobs and wages;
- Potential incentives for industry in the manufacturing and operation of electric aircraft for regional air travel;
- Educational and workforce requirements for manufacturing and maintaining these planes;
- Demand and forecast for their use, including an expected timeline for their entering the market given Federal certification requirements;
- Identification of up to six airports in the state that might benefit from a pilot program once such an aircraft for commercial use is available; and,
- Recommendations to further their adoption, including specific, measurable goals for the years 2030, 2040, and 2050 that reflect progressive and substantial increases in their use.
The work group must submit a report with recommendations to both transportation committees of the Legislature by November 15, 2020, as well as a progress report on any efforts to implement the recommendations by February 15, 2021, and every two years after that.