The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws of Rhode Island, specifically in chapters related to airports, landing fields, and the Uniform Aeronautical Regulatory Act. It changes the title from "director" to "president and CEO" of the Rhode Island airport corporation, granting this individual authority over state-operated airports, including the power to enforce regulations, hire personnel, and cooperate with federal agencies. The bill also allows for the leasing of airport property to the U.S. government for up to 50 years and directs the president and CEO to issue procedures to minimize noise pollution at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. Insertions of new legal language and deletions of old language are included, reflecting an organizational shift within the Rhode Island airport corporation.

The bill also redefines aeronautics-related terms, centralizes registration and reporting of aircraft accidents to the Rhode Island airport corporation operations department, and sets forth registration fees for aircraft. It mandates that pilots and aircraft must carry proper documentation and shifts the burden of proof in criminal prosecutions to the defendant. The president and CEO is tasked with fostering aeronautics, approving airports, and establishing safety regulations. New sections are added, such as one giving the president and CEO authority over abandoned aircraft, and others updating enforcement responsibilities and legal protections for the president and CEO and assigned employees. The bill will take effect upon passage, indicating an immediate implementation of these changes.

Statutes affected:
2740  SUB A: 1-5-1
2740: 1-5-1, 42-28.6-1