ATLANTA— House Bill 933, sponsored by State Representative Alex Atwood (R-Brunswick), was signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal on Thursday, April 24, 2014. HB 933 will make permanent an existing sales tax exemption for aviation parts used to repair and maintain out-of-state airplanes. This exemption was scheduled to automatically expire on July 1, 2015.
“I would like to thank Governor Deal for signing this legislation into law, and also to House Speaker David Ralston, Majority Leader Larry O’Neal, Minority Leader Stacy Abrams, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle for their continued support on this bipartisan measure, “said Rep. Atwood. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this legislation will have in promoting the development of the aviation industry and associated jobs in Glynn County and throughout the state of Georgia.”
House Bill 933 secured a state law that exempts engines, parts, equipment, or other personal property used in the maintenance or repair of out-of-state aircraft from Georgia’s sale and use taxes. In the eight years since its original enactment, the temporary exemption has helped bolster the aviation service industry and create jobs in Atlanta, Macon, Augusta, Savannah, and Brunswick, as well as other parts of the state.
Other states, including Florida and Alabama, have enacted similar tax exemptions. Of the states with an active aviation industry, only three have automatic expirations for their exemptions.
Throughout the legislative process, HB 933 was amended to also include a one-time tax exemption for the Atlanta Civil Rights Museum. The amendment will permit a one-time exemption from July 1, 2009, until July 30, 2015 for the sale of materials and furnishing used for the new construction for the Civil Rights Museum. Similar one-time tax exemptions have previously been made for the College Football Hall of Fame and the World of Coke.
“I was certainly proud to support this amendment to the bill as this initiative will showcase such a rich part of our history in Georgia,” added Rep. Atwood. “This Museum will not only be an important attraction for Atlanta but for all of Georgia as well.”
For more information about HB 933, click here.
Representative Alex Atwood represents the citizens of District 179, which includes portions of Glynn County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Vice Chair of Juvenile Justice Committee, and as the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Insurance, and Judiciary Non-Civil committees and as House Majority Caucus Deputy Whip.
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