Bill introduced in North Carolina House seeks to advance aerospace sector, modernize airports

State Rep. Maria Cervania has submitted a new bill designed to enhance North Carolina’s aerospace sector through investment in workforce initiatives, airport modernization, and business incentives, according to the North Carolina State House.

Filed as HB 1096 on April 29 during the 2025 regular session, the bill appears on the record under the short title: ‘First in Flight Act.’

Below is a summary based on the full bill text, with some explanatory interpretation to clarify key provisions.

The proposal establishes several programs and allocates more than $165 million in one-time state funding for fiscal year 2026-27, with the goal of growing North Carolina’s aerospace industry, workforce, and airport facilities. The act creates the One North Carolina Aviation Capital Project Account and program, providing competitive grants for airports that meet performance targets with aerospace companies. It allocates funding for new or expanded aerospace programs at community colleges, an aerospace apprenticeship grants initiative, and opportunities for high school dual-enrollment. Additionally, the bill funds airport facility upgrades, supports university aerospace research, designates aerospace innovation zones, and backs supply chain programs focused on exports and federal certification. The act becomes effective July 1, 2026.

Of the four sponsors, Donnie Loftis introduced the highest number of bills during the 2025 regular session, with a total of 51.

Bills in North Carolina must follow a multi-step legislative process before becoming law. After a lawmaker files a bill, it is assigned to a committee for consideration. The bill must be read three times in both chambers. If one chamber amends the bill after it has passed in the other, both must concur on the final text. Once both chambers pass identical versions, the measure proceeds to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature.

Further details about legislation and related measures can be found here.

Cervania holds a BA from the University of California at Berkeley.

A Democrat, Cervania was elected to represent North Carolina’s 41st House district in 2023, succeeding former Rep. Gale Adcock in the State House.