SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 30, 2026)—State Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) announced Wednesday afternoon that her bill, SB 661, the Airport Expansion and Regional Optimization (AERO) Act was vetoed by Governor Newsom.

Hurtado’s bill, commonly referred to as the AERO Act, would have brought California into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines while also providing significant financial investments to California’s airport system. Senate Bill 661 would have modernized airport infrastructure, attracted new air service routes, and met growing passenger and cargo demands.

“Aviation is changing quickly, and California cannot afford to fall behind. I’m disappointed the Governor vetoed SB 661. Rural airports are lifelines to our communities and local economies, and they need the infrastructure to keep pace with emerging aviation technology, cybersecurity threats, and growing airspace challenges,” Hurtado said. “Other states are already preparing for the next generation of aviation. California should be leading, not catching up. This veto delays that work and, at a time of growing challenges in our skies, raises real concerns about our preparedness and safety.”

A strong statewide airport system depends on the strength of every airport within it. While California's largest airports serve as international gateways, regional and general aviation airports provide essential connections for rural communities, businesses, emergency services, agriculture, and other critical operations. Existing funding sources are limited and unpredictable, leaving critical gaps in aviation funding. Senator Hurtado’s bill sought to fix those issues.

Jim Lites, Executive Director of the California Airports Council and Consultant for the Association of California Airports added “We are incredibly grateful to Senator Hurtado for her leadership on SB 661. While California airports are disappointed with the veto of SB 661, we are optimistic airports and airlines can work with the state to find a satisfactory resolution to this funding issue in the coming year.”

Presently, California lacks a sustainable funding mechanism to ensure every part of its airport system can continue to meet growing demand. Without targeted investments, small and mid-sized airports will continue to struggle to modernize infrastructure, expand air service, and strengthen connectivity, placing greater strain on major hubs and limiting economic opportunities throughout the state. Before today’s veto, Senate Bill 661 had passed through both houses of the Legislature with bipartisan support and no votes in opposition.

Senator Melissa Hurtado is Chair of Senate Budget Subcommittee #4 on State Administration and General Government and currently represents the 16th Senate District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties.

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