Transportation; modifying the Oklahoma Advanced Mobility Pilot Program; creating the Oklahoma Advanced Air Mobility Revolving Fund. Effective dates.
Impact
The implications of SB 773 are significant for both the aviation industry and state governance. By transferring authorities and duties regarding aircraft registration from the Oklahoma Tax Commission to Service Oklahoma, the bill centralizes oversight and may improve efficiency in processing registrations and taxes. This could potentially foster growth in Oklahoma’s aerospace industry by providing a more service-oriented approach for manufacturers and operators of aircraft. Additionally, the establishment of the revolving fund signifies a proactive step towards investing in advanced technologies, positioning Oklahoma as a leader in the burgeoning field of air mobility.
Summary
Senate Bill 773, known as the legislation concerning advanced air mobility and aircraft registration in Oklahoma, amends existing laws related to the registration of aircraft and the levying of excise taxes. The bill aims to enhance and streamline processes for registering aircraft, aligning them more closely with automobile registration procedures. Furthermore, it facilitates the creation of the Oklahoma Advanced Air Mobility Revolving Fund, which will support the development of infrastructure necessary for advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This fund will include revenues from aircraft registration fees and other contributions, enabling the state to invest in technological innovations in the aerospace sector.
Sentiment
General sentiment around SB 773 appears to be favorable, particularly among stakeholders in the aerospace and aviation sectors who view the bill as a crucial next step for modernization and competitiveness in the industry. Proponents highlight the bill's potential to speed up administrative processes and draw investment into advanced air mobility projects. However, there may be concerns regarding the efficiency of the new governing body (Service Oklahoma) in managing these transitions, as well as debates on the adequacy of funding and support for such ambitious technological initiatives.
Contention
Notable contentions surrounding SB 773 could emerge from the operational changes imposed by transferring oversight responsibilities. Critics may question whether the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics has the requisite capabilities to step into this role effectively, given the scale of management needed for robust aircraft registration and tax enforcement. Additionally, the implementation of the excise tax on aircraft—while it serves to fund advancements in air mobility—might also be viewed as a financial burden on operators, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of such levies in stimulating rather than stifling industry growth.
Carry Over
Transportation; modifying the Oklahoma Advanced Mobility Pilot Program; creating the Oklahoma Advanced Air Mobility Revolving Fund. Effective dates.
State government; creating the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology Program Modernization Act; modifying powers and duties; effective date.
Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology; creating the Accelerator Program; establishing the Accelerator Revolving Fund; effective date; emergency.
Practice of nursing; providing for independent prescriptive authority of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who meet certain requirements; modifying various provisions of the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act and the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act. Effective date.
Oklahoma State University Medical Authority; modifying membership of the Authority; modifying powers and duties of the Authority and the Oklahoma State University Medical Trust. Effective date.