Drones and safety cables are among topics in legislation from area lawmakers moving toward Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.
Senate Bill 468 amends Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for interstate agreements for research and deployment of unmanned aircraft systems.
As proposed by Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr., R-Richland Township, SB 468 permits the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to engage in agreements with other states to facilitate the research and use of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones.
“I introduced this legislation to build on the tremendous accomplishments we have seen at (John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County) airport by multiple stakeholders,” Langerholc said. “I recognize what aviation means for our area — more jobs, education and economic growth. We are poised to lead the nation; this bill provides even more opportunities for agreements with other states to further our goal.”
The legislation requires operations in Cambria and Somerset counties, where Aerium operates, a company whose board of directors includes Indiana University of Pennsylvania Regional Planning Professor Dr. John Benhart Jr.
“Passing SB 468 is a big moment for aviation and aerospace in Pennsylvania,” Aerium Director of Communications & Strategic Development Matt Crocco said. “It lets us work with neighboring states on drone operations, putting Pennsylvania in a strong position to lead in autonomous flight, drone infrastructure, and flight testing.”
Langerholc said SB 468 has garnered strong support from more than 14 leading organizations representing the aviation and technology sectors, underscoring its importance in fostering innovation and positioning Pennsylvania as a hub for drone advancement.
“SB 468 is an example where aviation innovation and workforce development meet,” Crocco said. “The bill gives Pennsylvania and its partner states in the eIPP (eVTOL Integration Pilot Program) the authority to build the infrastructure for drone highways: corridors that connect regions and states for the next generation of drone services, from medical delivery and long-distance critical infrastructure inspection to remote operations and interstate drone-delivered commerce.”
The bill passed the state House Sept. 30 by 203-0, then the Senate concurred in House amendments on Wednesday by 49-0.
Meanwhile, state Rep. Brian Smith, R-Punxsutawney, said Wednesday, the Senate unanimously approved his legislation to expand safety options for towing.
House Bill 71 — a reissue of House Bill 497 Smith introduced in the 2023-24 legislative session — would allow the use of safety cables when towing vehicles.
It also passed the state Senate Wednesday by 49-0.
When two vehicles are connected by certain hitches or devices, current law requires safety chains to be used to prevent the tow bar from hitting the ground should the tow bar fail or become disconnected.
“While safety chains get the job done, safety cables are lighter and easier to handle, while being just as strong and capable as conventional chains,” Smith said. “Owning a transportation company for two decades has taught me that cables take up far less space and last longer than safety chains. While chains will still be permitted, we should give Pennsylvanians the choice to take advantage of this tool.”
Both SB 468 and HB 71 head to the governor’s desk for his signature.
