SB1457

THE CONTEXT: Laws 2025, Chapter 248 established the Fund consisting of monies appropriated by the legislature and any nonfederal gifts, grants, donations or other monies received by the State Treasurer from any public or private source for transportation projects. Fund monies must be used to purchase advanced air mobility vehicles capable of carrying passengers or cargo for testing and demonstration purposes of the ability to use advanced air mobility vehicles and construct vertiports.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would expand the allowable uses of Fund monies to include purchasing advanced air mobility vehicles for border security purposes and prioritizes counties located along this state's international border.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to put public resources toward the named state purpose through an accountable appropriation. It would expand the allowable uses of Fund monies to include purchasing advanced air mobility vehicles for border security purposes, and would also prioritizes counties located along this state's international border, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.