State Representative Keith Bell appointed Chair of House Select Committee on General Aviation

Bell to lead new committee focused on Texas' general aviation industry

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:41am

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A serene oil painting depicting a small private airplane parked at a rural airfield, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the role of general aviation in Texas.The Texas legislature's new focus on general aviation aims to support this vital transportation and economic sector across the state.Austin Today

State Representative Keith Bell, a Republican from Forney, Texas, has been appointed by House Speaker Dustin Burrows to serve as the Chair of the newly created House Select Committee on General Aviation. The committee will focus on issues related to Texas' general aviation industry, which includes private and small commercial aircraft operations.

Why it matters

The creation of this new House committee signals the Texas legislature's increased focus on the general aviation sector, which plays a significant role in the state's economy through airports, manufacturing, and related industries. As Chair, Representative Bell will help shape policies and legislation that impact this important transportation and economic segment.

The details

The House Select Committee on General Aviation was established to examine issues facing Texas' general aviation industry, including infrastructure needs, regulatory environments, economic development opportunities, and safety considerations. As Chair, Representative Bell will lead the committee's efforts to gather input from stakeholders and propose legislative solutions to support and grow this sector.

  • On April 14, 2026, Speaker Dustin Burrows announced the creation of the House Select Committee on General Aviation.

The players

Keith Bell

A Republican state representative from Forney, Texas, who has been appointed to serve as Chair of the newly created House Select Committee on General Aviation.

Dustin Burrows

The Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, who appointed Representative Keith Bell to lead the new House Select Committee on General Aviation.

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What they’re saying

“I'm honored to be selected as Chair of this important new committee. General aviation is a critical part of Texas' transportation network and economy, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to identify ways we can support and grow this industry.”

— Keith Bell, State Representative

What’s next

The House Select Committee on General Aviation will begin holding hearings and gathering input from industry stakeholders in the coming months to inform its policy recommendations.

The takeaway

The creation of the House Select Committee on General Aviation underscores the Texas legislature's commitment to addressing the needs of the state's general aviation sector, which includes private and small commercial aircraft operations that are vital to the state's transportation infrastructure and economic development.