Bill allowing state to control Memphis airport board advances

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A bill that would allow Tennessee lawmakers to take control of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority and other airport boards advanced on Wednesday.

Senate Bill 2473, sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey and House Speaker Cameron Sexton, would vacate the current boards of metropolitan and regional airports, including the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. State lawmakers, including the governor and the House Speaker, would then be allowed to appoint the majority of those board members.

The bill would not allow police officers, city, or county employees to be board members. Board members would also be prohibited from having financial stakes in the airport.

Senate Bill 2473 was placed on the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee on March 18. On Wednesday, the committee recommended passing the bill with amendments. Only one senator, Senator Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville), voted against the recommendation.

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority released a statement on the bill:

“The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) is aware of introduced legislation in the Tennessee General Assembly regarding how airport authorities at commercial service airports in the State are constituted. The MSCAA will always maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Our focus remains on being the airport of choice for connecting people and commerce to the world.”

Currently, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority is governed by a seven-member board of commissioners. The mayor of Memphis appoints five of the members, while the mayor of Shelby County appoints the remaining two. The Memphis City Council must approve Board nominations.