SB-661
Infrastructure

Airports: financial assistance.

Engrossed
CA
2025-2026 Regular Session
0
0
Track

Key Takeaways

  • Establishes a new jet fuel tax with revenues split between local airports and a state aviation fund.
  • Allocates 40% of state funds to commercial airports based on their size and passenger volume.
  • Provides grants to smaller airports to expand air service and attract new routes.
  • Creates aviation education scholarships prioritizing underrepresented groups and veterans.

Summary

Senator Hurtado's proposal to restructure California's jet fuel tax revenue allocation would create a new funding framework for the state's airports, directing half of the 3.9375% tax proceeds to the selling airport and half to the state Aeronautics Account. The measure aims to enhance aviation infrastructure and services, particularly in regions like Kern County where expanded air connectivity could support economic development.

The state's portion would follow a detailed distribution formula, with 40% allocated among commercial airports of varying sizes, 20% to general aviation facilities, and 15% specifically for smaller airports seeking to establish new routes. The plan also designates 15% for state aviation programs and 5% for aviation education grants, with priority given to underrepresented students, veterans, and low-income individuals. Administrative costs are capped at 5% of the fund.

Airports receiving direct tax revenue allocations must use these funds exclusively for operations, capital improvements, maintenance, and aviation infrastructure, adhering to federal and state regulations. The bill's findings note that enhanced air transportation access can facilitate business growth, create aviation and tourism jobs, and improve connectivity for underserved communities. A task force would examine barriers to aviation expansion while ensuring alignment with California's environmental goals.

Key Dates

Next Step
Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Revenue and Taxation
Next Step
Assembly Committee
Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Revenue and Taxation
Hearing has not been scheduled yet
Assembly Transportation Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Transportation Hearing
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Revenue and Taxation]
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate 3rd Reading SB661 Hurtado
Senate Appropriations Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Appropriations Hearing
Do pass
Senate Appropriations Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Appropriations Hearing
Placed on suspense file
Senate Revenue and Taxation Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Revenue and Taxation Hearing
Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
Senate Transportation Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Transportation Hearing
Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Revenue and Taxation]
Introduced
Senate Floor
Introduced
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Contacts

Profile
Sharon Quirk-SilvaD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Mike GipsonD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Melissa HurtadoD
Senator
Bill Author
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Tina McKinnorD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Jasmeet BainsD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 8 row(s) selected.
Page 1 of 2
Select All Legislators
Profile
Sharon Quirk-SilvaD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Mike GipsonD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Melissa HurtadoD
Senator
Bill Author
Profile
Tina McKinnorD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Jasmeet BainsD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Tri TaR
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Carl DeMaioR
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Robert GarciaD
Assemblymember
Committee Member

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

Melissa Hurtado
Melissa HurtadoD
California State Senator
40% progression
Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (6/4/2025)

Latest Voting History

July 7, 2025
PASS
Assembly Committee
Assembly Transportation Hearing
AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
150116PASS

Key Takeaways

  • Establishes a new jet fuel tax with revenues split between local airports and a state aviation fund.
  • Allocates 40% of state funds to commercial airports based on their size and passenger volume.
  • Provides grants to smaller airports to expand air service and attract new routes.
  • Creates aviation education scholarships prioritizing underrepresented groups and veterans.

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

Melissa Hurtado
Melissa HurtadoD
California State Senator

Summary

Senator Hurtado's proposal to restructure California's jet fuel tax revenue allocation would create a new funding framework for the state's airports, directing half of the 3.9375% tax proceeds to the selling airport and half to the state Aeronautics Account. The measure aims to enhance aviation infrastructure and services, particularly in regions like Kern County where expanded air connectivity could support economic development.

The state's portion would follow a detailed distribution formula, with 40% allocated among commercial airports of varying sizes, 20% to general aviation facilities, and 15% specifically for smaller airports seeking to establish new routes. The plan also designates 15% for state aviation programs and 5% for aviation education grants, with priority given to underrepresented students, veterans, and low-income individuals. Administrative costs are capped at 5% of the fund.

Airports receiving direct tax revenue allocations must use these funds exclusively for operations, capital improvements, maintenance, and aviation infrastructure, adhering to federal and state regulations. The bill's findings note that enhanced air transportation access can facilitate business growth, create aviation and tourism jobs, and improve connectivity for underserved communities. A task force would examine barriers to aviation expansion while ensuring alignment with California's environmental goals.

40% progression
Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (6/4/2025)

Key Dates

Next Step
Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Revenue and Taxation
Next Step
Assembly Committee
Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Revenue and Taxation
Hearing has not been scheduled yet
Assembly Transportation Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Transportation Hearing
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Revenue and Taxation]
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate 3rd Reading SB661 Hurtado
Senate Appropriations Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Appropriations Hearing
Do pass
Senate Appropriations Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Appropriations Hearing
Placed on suspense file
Senate Revenue and Taxation Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Revenue and Taxation Hearing
Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
Senate Transportation Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Transportation Hearing
Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Revenue and Taxation]
Introduced
Senate Floor
Introduced
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Latest Voting History

July 7, 2025
PASS
Assembly Committee
Assembly Transportation Hearing
AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
150116PASS

Contacts

Profile
Sharon Quirk-SilvaD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Mike GipsonD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Melissa HurtadoD
Senator
Bill Author
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Tina McKinnorD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Jasmeet BainsD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 8 row(s) selected.
Page 1 of 2
Select All Legislators
Profile
Sharon Quirk-SilvaD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Mike GipsonD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Melissa HurtadoD
Senator
Bill Author
Profile
Tina McKinnorD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Jasmeet BainsD
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Tri TaR
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Carl DeMaioR
Assemblymember
Committee Member
Profile
Robert GarciaD
Assemblymember
Committee Member