MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Transportation

By: Representative Warren

House Bill 866

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 61-15-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXEMPT AIRCRAFT FROM REGISTRATION FEES IN COUNTIES THAT DO NOT HAVE AN AIRPORT SUBJECT TO REGULATION BY THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 61-15-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     61-15-5.  (1)  The following aircraft are exempt from provisions of this chapter:

          (a)  Aircraft manufactured within the state under an FAA approved type certificate which are owned and in the physical possession of the manufacturers as provided in subsection (4) of Section 61-15-7 of this chapter;

          (b)  Aircraft owned by charitable organizations and used solely for the furtherance of charitable purposes;

          (c)  Aircraft belonging to nonresidents of this state and registered and taxed in another state;

          (d)  Aircraft of the federal government, any agency thereof, any territory or possession thereof, any state government or agency or political subdivision thereof, and any aircraft of the Civil Air Patrol used solely in transaction of official business by a unit of the Civil Air Patrol;

          (e)  Aircraft licensed by a foreign country with which the United States has a reciprocal agreement covering the operation of such licensed aircraft;

          (f)  Aircraft not currently licensed or holding a current airworthiness certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration;

          (g)  Aircraft taxable under the provisions of Sections 27-35-701 through 27-35-711; and

          (h)  Aircraft used for commercial fishing purposes and aircraft used primarily for agricultural purposes which are subject to the regulation of the Agricultural Aviation Board of the State of Mississippi pursuant to the Agricultural Aviation Licensing Law of 1966, Sections 69-21-101 through 69-21-125, Mississippi Code of 1972, and to which are issued current licenses by the Agricultural Aviation Board.

     (2)  Aircraft based in a county that does not have an airport subject to regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration shall be exempt from the payment of registration fees under this chapter; however, except for the exemption of registration fees, all other provisions of this chapter shall be applicable.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.