Committee advances airport special districts bill and clarifies loitering/sleeping rules for ticketed passengers

The Senate Transportation committee recommended passage of HB233, House Draft Two, which authorizes the Department of Transportation to designate airport special districts across state airports and increases penalties for certain aeronautics law violations by reclassifying them from civil violations to petty misdemeanors.

Kurt Otuguro, deputy director for airports, testified in strong support and said the measure will help the state manage 15 airports more efficiently. During questioning, members asked about homelessness and the practice of sleeping at airports during delays. Otuguro said airport security has been strengthened and outreach to nonprofits and law enforcement has reduced visible homelessness; he clarified that passengers with tickets are authorized to remain when delayed, while individuals without a legitimate purpose could be treated under loitering or trespassing rules as clarified in the bill’s language.

Airline trade groups and major carriers registered support by communication. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB233 unamended.