Panel advances bill barring use of ADS‑B tracking data to calculate fees on aircraft

Senator Logan explained Senate Bill 1950, which he said "simply will prohibit the use... of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast system as a means for calculating, generating, or collecting fees from owners or operators who operate aircraft within this state." He added the intent is not to prevent the state from pursuing registration fees and said he had worked with the director to refine the language.

Logan said the bill responds to situations where third‑party entities or some airports are collecting fees based on ADS‑B positional data and that the state should not cede that authority. "We're trying to allow the state of Oklahoma to be able to go after these registration fees," he said, while also clarifying the bill is not intended to forfeit potential registration revenue.

During debate, Senator Weaver — speaking from his experience as a pilot — described the safety value of ADS‑B and warned of risks if pilots turn off the system. "If people are turning off their ADS‑B, it's far greater problem than what we're dealing with right now," Weaver said, recounting a close‑call in a traffic pattern where ADS‑B situational awareness helped avoid conflict.

Senators raised questions about why owners might turn off ADS‑B and about the practical enforcement of registration fees; sponsor Logan and others said they do not intend to enable tax avoidance and are consulting with relevant agencies. After brief debate and clarification that the title was struck pending future refinement, the committee advanced SB 1950 by voice and roll call (11 ayes, 0 nays).

The bill will move forward for additional drafting and floor consideration.