The bill amends the Aeronautics Code of the State of Michigan, specifically section 77, to update the language and clarify the registration process for aircraft. It mandates that the commission must send a renewal registration application to aircraft owners on or after November 1 of the year preceding the registration year. The bill specifies that the registration application must be executed and returned with the appropriate fee before the prior registration expires. Additionally, it requires owners of newly registrable aircraft to inform the commission within a specified timeframe and register their aircraft accordingly.

Key changes include the replacement of the word "shall" with "must" in several instances to emphasize the requirements, and the introduction of penalties for late registration, which include a $50 penalty for delays of up to one month, with an additional $5 for each subsequent month. The bill also clarifies that the registration fee is in lieu of all property taxes on the aircraft and specifies the fee structure based on the aircraft's weight. Furthermore, it allows for the waiver of penalties under certain circumstances, emphasizing the discretion of the director of the state transportation department or their designee.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 259.77
As Passed by the Senate: 259.77