The proposed bill aims to repeal existing aircraft registration fees and establish a new, structured schedule of fees based on aircraft types. A new section will be added to chapter 50-11, detailing specific fees for various categories of aircraft, ranging from $50 for gliders and antique aircraft to $1,200 for jet-engine aircraft. Additionally, the bill stipulates that failure to pay the required registration fee will be classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor. The bill also amends existing sections to align with the new fee structure and clarifies the responsibilities of lessees and owners regarding registration taxes.

Furthermore, the bill repeals previous sections that outlined the old fee structure based on maximum permissible takeoff weight and other criteria, thereby simplifying the registration process. It also introduces penalties for failing to report aircraft purchases and sales, which will now incur a civil penalty equal to the annual registration fee. Overall, the bill seeks to modernize and streamline the aircraft registration process in South Dakota while ensuring compliance and accountability among aircraft owners and dealers.

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