FUNKE FROMMEYER’S SENATE BILL 87 APPROVED BY SENATE

FUNKE FROMMEYER’S SENATE BILL 87

APPROVED BY SENATE

Bill will help alleviate the national air traffic controller shortage

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 21, 2025)—The Senate has approved Senate Bill (SB) 87, sponsored by Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, to help alleviate the national air traffic controller shortage and enhance airport operations in Kentucky. The bill directs the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of establishing an air traffic control or air traffic safety credentialing program at one or more public postsecondary institutions in the state.

The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 35 to 1 and now moves to the House for consideration.

“This legislation offers the opportunity to address a very real workforce need with the shortage of air traffic controllers,” said Funke Frommeyer. “SB 87 directly supports one of my priorities, which is to enhance Kentucky’s economic growth. By creating a direct path for air traffic controllers to complete their education, get certified, and begin their careers, we are tackling workforce challenges and strengthening our aviation sector.”

The study, conducted in coordination with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, must be submitted to the Legislative Research Commission by December 1, 2025. It will examine the resources, procedures, and institutional capacity required to implement a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-recognized credentialing program that prepares students for air traffic control and safety careers.

“This initiative represents a crucial investment in Kentucky’s aviation industry and workforce development,” said Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester. “By evaluating which of our postsecondary institutions is best suited to support such a program, we are laying the groundwork for high-demand, high-paying careers in aviation.”

CPE will assess Kentucky’s public postsecondary institutions to determine which have the necessary capacity and resources to house the program. The study will also explore the feasibility of establishing an FAA Academy at a Kentucky institution. By December 1, 2025, CPE will notify the president and governing board of any institution deemed capable of supporting the program. Those institutions may submit a request to CPE to establish the program, with final approval decisions expected by June 30, 2026.

SB 87 also streamlines procurement procedures for Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Lexington-Bluegrass Airport, and Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport by aligning small purchase transactions—up to $150,000—with FAA guidelines, while maintaining state oversight for larger purchases. These changes aim to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in Kentucky’s airport operations.

To ensure accountability, the bill requires annual spending reports to the General Assembly and increases penalties for aviation-related violations. It also modernizes outdated regulations by eliminating obsolete unmanned aviation facility map requirements, reducing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

This initiative aligns with Kentucky’s broader commitment to workforce development and economic growth, particularly in high-demand industries like aviation. By investing in specialized training programs, the state aims to prepare a new generation of aviation professionals and strengthen its position in the industry.

Find SB 87 in full by clicking here or visiting legislature.ky.gov.

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Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, represents the 24th Senate District, including Bracken, Campbell, and Pendleton Counties and part of Kenton County. Frommeyer serves as vice chair of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and co-chair of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary. She is also a member of the Legislative Research Commission 2024-26 Budget Preparation and Submission, and Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue, Agriculture; and Families and Children. Additionally, Frommeyer is co-chair of Capital Projects and Bond Oversight, and Public Pension Oversight Board and Workforce Attraction and Retention Task Force member.

Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate124.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg  of Funke Frommeyer.

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