Originally published in 1995
With the Texas Legislature being well into its 74th Session, I thought I would pass on to you several aviation related bills which may be of interest:
(1) House Bill 2116 filed by Representative Allen Place and companion Senate Bill 1023 filed by Senator Frank Madla:
These bills relate to the use of tax revenues for publicly-owned airports. The proceeds from the collection of the taxes currently being levied on the sale of aviation services, aircraft, and aviation parts, would be deposited into a special public aviation account in the state highway fund. The money from the account could be appropriated only for the benefit of publicly-owned airports. If this bill becomes law, the Texas Department of Transportation would use the funds for grants to communities for airport improvement.
(2) House Bill 2180 filed by Representative Jim Horn:
Current law requires that the Texas Transportation Commission must hold a public hearing prior to approving any request for financial assistance for airport improvement grants or loans. This bill would allow the Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation, or his or her designee, in the case of an emergency where an unsafe condition on an airport required immediate attention, to award a loan or grant without holding a public hearing. An unsafe condition would be of sufficient concern to require the filing of a Notice to Airmen with the FAA.
(3) House Bill 1807 filed by Representative Ciro Rodriguez and companion Senate Bill 833 filed by Senator Frank Madla:
Provides for an exemption from sales and use tax on aircraft designated to be used in flight instruction designed to lead to a pilot certificate or rating issued by the FAA. Current law exempts FAR Part 141 schools but does not exempt FAR Part 61 schools.
(4) House Bill 278 filed by Representative Fred Bosse:
This bill would require that a products liability suit be filed against a seller of general aviation aircraft no later than before the end of 25 years after the date the aircraft was delivered to its first purchaser.
(5) Senate Bill 853 filed by Senator Florence Shapiro:
This bill establishes the penalty for an offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft while intoxicated and while a person younger than 17 years of age is present, as a Class A misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of not less than 15 days, A second offense would become a state jail felony. A third or greater offense would become a felony of the second degree.
The Texas Airport Operators Conference celebrating 50 Years of state service to aviation is just weeks away!!! If you have not made your plans to attend, please do so, as it looks to be our best conference ever. Call our office at 1-800-68-PILOT for more details.