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Senate debates refund for auto-grade fuel used in small aircraft; bill circled for further study
Summary
Senators debated Senate Bill 72, which would let owners of certain small aircraft seek refunds of the 19¢ motor fuel tax in favor of a 4¢ aviation tax credit. Supporters framed it as an equity fix for pilots; critics warned of lost highway revenue, administrative costs and safety risks. Lawmakers moved the measure to committee for further review.
Senators spent nearly the morning on Senate Bill 72, a proposal to allow refunds or credits of the 19¢-per-gallon motor fuel tax for owners of certain small aircraft that use regular auto-grade gasoline rather than traditional aviation fuel. Sponsor Lane Beatty said the change would direct taxes to aviation purposes and correct an “equity” problem for pilots who buy gas at retail pumps rather than at airports that currently collect the 4¢ aviation tax.
The bill’s author, Senator Lane Beatty, said the measure targets engines up to roughly 230 horsepower that the Federal Aviation Administration has approved to use auto…
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