clearinghouse for unmanned aircraft systems. A. The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics is hereby established as the clearinghouse for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) in this state and shall be designated as the agency of this state for the promotion, enhancement and development of UAS and AAM as well as any associated infrastructure necessary to ensure the safe integration and use of this new technology within the state. The purpose of this clearinghouse is to create a partnership between those entities that currently operate UAS, those that desire to use this technology in the future and other entities that can support the research and development of UAS to ensure that this state can more effectively respond to the needs of this critical sector of the aviation and aerospace industry. In the operation of this clearinghouse, the Department shall cooperate, assist and coordinate with the federal government, agencies of this state, tribal entities, municipalities and other persons in the development of unmanned aircraft systems throughout the state to ensure the acceptance of this technology and the successful integration of UAS into the National Airspace System. Contingent upon the availability of funds, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics may use established program processes or may contract with other qualified entities to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Development Act of 2021. B. The primary goal of the clearinghouse within the Department is to establish a central point within state government to develop the strategy for how this state can become a leader in the UAS and AAM industry. It will focus the collective resources, knowledge, information and assets within state government to ensure coordinated efforts amongst all parties. The clearinghouse will: 1. Conduct research on what other states and localities are doing insofar as their UAS rules and regulations so that it can provide recommendations to ensure this state is in the best position within the industry; 2. Organize and coordinate the application for any UAS and AAM test site, integration opportunity, pilot program or grant funding on behalf of this state; 3. Maintain a registry of UAS being operated by state agencies, except those UAS that are part of a university-affiliated research program; 4. Maintain a registry of educational institutions that offer training programs for users of UAS; and 5. Investigate the development of and, if necessary, create a statewide system plan that will provide the framework for the construction, development, siting, and potential partnerships required for vertiports and other infrastructure needed to integrate AAM and UAS into the existing air transportation system of the state. C. The Department is authorized to enter into partnerships with any city or town of this state and any county or political subdivision or district of this state, or any public trust thereof, for the purpose of investing in and operating infrastructure and any other items necessary to safely and effectively integrate AAM and UAS into the existing air transportation system of the state as well as the testing and development of these new aeronautical technologies. Added by Laws 2021, c. 419, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2021. Amended by Laws 2023, c. 126, § 18, eff. Nov. 1, 2023; Laws 2023, c. 365, § 15, eff. Nov. 1, 2023; Laws 2024, c. 18, § 15, eff. Nov. 1, 2024.
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