This bill proposes the repeal of existing aircraft registration fees and introduces a new structured fee schedule based on aircraft types. The new fees range from fifty dollars for gliders and antique aircraft to twelve hundred dollars for jet-engine aircraft. The bill specifies ten distinct categories of aircraft, each with its corresponding registration fee, and establishes that failure to pay the required fee will result in a Class 2 misdemeanor. Additionally, it amends existing laws regarding the registration of unregistered aircraft and the taxation of leased aircraft, ensuring that the fees align with the new schedule.

Furthermore, the bill repeals several sections of current law that previously governed aircraft registration fees based on maximum permissible takeoff weight and age of the aircraft. It also clarifies that the lessee of an aircraft must provide a copy of the lease agreement for registration and that any civil penalties for failing to report aircraft transactions will be equivalent to the annual registration fee. Overall, the bill aims to simplify and standardize the registration process for aircraft in South Dakota.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/30/2025: 50-11-15, 50-11-35, 50-12-7, 50-12-9, 50-11-12, 50-11-14, 50-11-17