The bill amends the Rhode Island General Laws related to airports and landing fields, primarily by changing the title of "director" to "president and CEO" of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. This change affects the powers and responsibilities of the position, including supervision over state airports, enforcement of provisions, rulemaking for safe and efficient airport operation, and authority over employment decisions, subject to the approval of the director of administration. The bill also revises the process for land acquisition for airports, leasing to the U.S. government, and requires operating procedures to minimize reverse engine thrust at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. Additionally, it updates definitions related to aeronautics and mandates immediate notification and reporting of aircraft accidents to the Rhode Island airport corporation operations department.

The bill outlines the registration requirements and fees for aircraft, which are based on weight and serve as a replacement for personal property taxes on aircraft. It also specifies that dealers in aircraft must register with the Rhode Island airport corporation and pay annual fees. Furthermore, the bill details the duties of the president and CEO in fostering aeronautics, including the approval of new airports or alterations to existing ones, and the adoption of safety regulations. It prohibits operating aircraft without proper identification or authorization and introduces a new section on abandoned aircraft, granting authority to the president and CEO or police officers to take custody, store, and potentially sell abandoned aircraft. Lastly, the bill exempts the president and CEO and assigned employees from testifying as expert witnesses in legal actions involving aircraft and clarifies the enforcement powers of state and municipal officers in aviation-related matters.

Statutes affected:
7712  SUB A: 1-5-1, 42-28.6-1
7712: 1-5-1, 42-28.6-1