Committee adopts amendment and gives due-pass to bill clarifying local authority on commercial drone infrastructure

Sponsor and staff explained that House Bill 2875 addresses the practical effect of statewide preemption of unmanned aircraft systems by carving out local authority over the siting and land-use of commercial drone infrastructure, particularly near residential areas and airports.

The chair's six-page amendment (dated in the record) extended the airport buffer from one mile to 2.5 miles for medium and large hub airports and added a requirement that commercial drone-system operators consult with the airport regarding applicable regulations. The sponsor and committee described the change as the result of consultation with Phoenix Sky Harbor and Tucson International airports.

Jake Robinson, who identified himself as Zipline's head of state and local government affairs, testified in support and described industry and public-interest benefits: “House Bill 2875 gives cities and emerging tech companies like Zipline the regulatory clarity we both need to operate seamlessly into communities.” He said compliance with permitting and local standards would remain required and that the bill applies to FAA-approved operators broadly.

The committee adopted the Bullock amendment, moved the bill as amended and recorded a due-pass recommendation (6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 not voting).