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Bill

S 246

An act relating to tax exemptions for noncommercial aircraft and revenue sharing with airports

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Collamore

S.246 would tax-exempt noncommercial aircraft and create a revenue-sharing framework to fund Vermont airports.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Transportation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 246

Summary of Bill: S.246 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

S.246 proposes tax exemptions related to noncommercial aircraft and envisions revenue sharing with airports. The bill is positioned to support noncommercial aviation activity by reducing tax burdens on certain aircraft and by outlining a mechanism to share revenue with airports that host such aviation activity. The overall aim appears to be fostering aviation access and airport funding, potentially encouraging airport investment and activity at Vermont airports.

Key provisions and changes

  • Tax exemptions for noncommercial aircraft: The bill would establish or expand exemptions from certain taxes for aircraft that are used for noncommercial purposes. This could include exemptions from sales and use taxes, property taxes, or other aviation-related levies as defined by the bill. The precise scope (which aircraft types, usage criteria, value thresholds, and administrative processes) would be specified in the bill’s text.

  • Revenue sharing with airports: S.246 outlines a framework for distributing or sharing revenue with airports. This likely involves directing a portion of tax revenue collected from aviation activities or allocating funds to airports to support operations, modernization, or capital projects. The mechanism (e.g., formula, eligibility criteria, distribution schedule) would be defined in the bill.

  • Definitions and administration: The bill would define relevant terms (e.g., “noncommercial aircraft,” “airport,” “tax exemptions,” and “revenue sharing”). It would also specify administrative responsibilities, responsible agencies (likely the Vermont Department of Taxes and/or Vermont Agency of Transportation, and airport authorities), and any regulatory or reporting requirements for eligibility and compliance.

Who would be affected

  • Aircraft owners/operators of noncommercial aircraft in Vermont who would qualify for tax exemptions under the bill’s criteria.
  • Airports and airport authorities in Vermont that would receive revenue sharing under the program.
  • State tax and transportation agencies responsible for implementing exemptions, collecting data, ensuring compliance, and distributing revenue.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Status: Read 1st time and referred to the Committee on Transportation (as of 2026-01-14).
  • The bill will proceed through committee review, potential amendments, and subsequent floor action. If advanced, it would move to hearings, votes in the Vermont Senate, and potentially the House, depending on the legislative process for this session.
  • Any effective dates, sunset provisions, or phased implementation would be specified in the bill text (not provided here).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Fiscal impact: Tax exemptions reduce state revenue from aircraft taxes; the revenue-sharing provision reallocates funds to airports. The bill would need to balance tax revenue losses with enhanced airport funding and activity.
  • Economic impact: If the exemptions stimulate noncommercial aviation and airport investments, potential benefits include increased aviation activity, job creation, and improved airport infrastructure.
  • Administrative considerations: Clear eligibility criteria and reporting requirements are essential to prevent misuse and to ensure transparent distribution of revenue to airports.

This summary focuses on the substantive elements described by the bill’s title and action history. For a complete understanding, the bill’s full text should be reviewed to confirm exact definitions, eligibility criteria, administration processes, funding amounts, and implementation timelines.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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