We have received text from H.R. 4686: Local Innovation for Flight Technologies Act of 2025. This bill was received on 2025-07-23, and currently has 7 cosponsors.
Here is a short summary of the bill:
This bill, titled the Local Innovation for Flight Technologies Act of 2025, aims to enhance the use and regulation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, in the United States. Below are the key aspects of the bill:
Expansion of BVLOS Operations
The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to:
- Issue a proposed rule within 30 days after enactment, which would enable routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for unmanned aircraft.
- Issue a final rule based on the proposed rule within 6 months of the bill's enactment.
Safety Metrics and Regulation
The Secretary of Transportation is also mandated to:
- Establish performance and safety metrics for BVLOS operations within 30 days of enactment.
- Identify regulatory barriers to BVLOS implementation within 180 days and provide recommendations to address these challenges.
International Compliance
The bill directs the Secretary to explore compliance options for UAS operating over international waters. This includes identifying barriers to operating without adhering to rules that apply to manned aircraft under international aviation conventions.
Artificial Intelligence in Waiver Applications
Within 120 days after enactment, the Secretary is to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) tools to expedite the review of UAS waiver applications. These AI tools would:
- Evaluate operations based on performance and risk.
- Identify similar previously approved operations to streamline the process.
- Assist in determining categories of operations that may not need individual waivers.
eVTOL Pilot Program
The bill proposes the establishment of a pilot program for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The Secretary of Transportation will:
- Coordinate with the Office of Science and Technology Policy to provide grants to local, state, and tribal governments for eVTOL deployment.
- Issue a request for proposals to select projects that include partnerships with private sector entities experienced in eVTOL development.
- Evaluate and report on pilot program implementation within specified timeframes, including progress and any challenges encountered.
Prioritization of Domestic Manufacturing
The bill emphasizes a preference for integrating UAS that are manufactured in the United States into the national airspace, whenever legally permissible.
Reporting and Oversight
The Secretary is tasked with submitting regular reports to Congress on the progress of the initiatives outlined in the bill, including an initial report on pilot program implementation within 180 days and annual reports thereafter for ongoing oversight.
Relevant Companies
- BA (Boeing) - As a major player in the aerospace industry, Boeing may benefit from advancements in UAS operations and potential involvement in eVTOL projects.
- UAL (United Airlines) - United might explore integrating eVTOL services into their operational framework for urban air mobility solutions.
- AAPL (Apple) - Apple has shown interest in drone technology and may see implications for its product development relative to UAS integration.
- AMZN (Amazon) - Amazon's delivery drone initiatives could align with the bill's provisions for BVLOS operations and accelerated regulatory processes.
Representative Jennifer Kiggans Bill Proposals
Here are some bills which have recently been proposed by Representative Jennifer Kiggans:
- H.R.4805: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on the long-term physiological and psychological effects of military aviation veterans who served as aviators in the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.
- H.R.4686: LIFT Act of 2025
- H.R.4507: TUTOR Act
- H.R.4333: Qualified to Serve Act
- H.R.4185: Integrating Social Workers Across Health Care Settings Act
- H.R.4105: VET Act of 2025
You can track bills proposed by Representative Jennifer Kiggans on Quiver Quantitative's politician page for Kiggans.
Representative Jennifer Kiggans Net Worth
Quiver Quantitative estimates that Representative Jennifer Kiggans is worth $2.3M, as of August 8th, 2025. This is the 213th highest net worth in Congress, per our live estimates.
Kiggans has approximately $0 invested in publicly traded assets which Quiver is able to track live.
You can track Representative Jennifer Kiggans's net worth on Quiver Quantitative's politician page for Kiggans.
This article is not financial advice. See Quiver Quantitative's disclaimers for more information.
