The bill amends the Aeronautics Code of the State of Michigan, specifically section 77, to update various provisions related to aircraft registration. 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 changes the language regarding the execution and return of the registration application from "shall" to "must," emphasizing the requirement for timely submission along with the registration fee. Additionally, it specifies that if an owner does not receive the application by December 1, they must inform the commission.

Further amendments include changes to the registration fee structure, stating that it is payable annually by December 31, and introduces a reduced fee for first-time registrations issued after July 1. The bill also clarifies that the registration fee is in lieu of all property taxes on the aircraft and outlines penalties for late registration, including a $50 penalty for delays of up to one month, with additional penalties for longer delays. The discretion to waive penalties for reasonable causes is granted to the director of the state transportation department or their designee, and the assessment period for penalties is limited to one year.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 259.77