ATLANTA — The Georgia House of Representatives today passed House Bill 164 by a vote of 169-3, showing broad bi-partisan support for the bill. Introduced by state Representative Alex Atwood (R-Brunswick), HB 164 would make extend an existing sales tax exemption for aviation parts used to repair and maintain out-of-state airplanes that is scheduled to automatically expire on July 1, 2013.
“It was a hard fought and thoroughly vetted bill, both in committee and on the House floor,” said Rep. Atwood. “I am truly grateful to my all my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle for recognizing the true benefit of this legislation in promoting the development of the aviation industry and associated jobs in Glynn County and throughout the state of Georgia.”
House Bill 164 extends the expiration date to July 1, 2015, for 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 six years since its original enactment, the exemption has successfully bolstered the aviation service industry and created 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.
Georgia’s sales and use tax exemption for aviation parts has been in effect since 2007. HB 164 would renew and extend the tax exemption for a third time.
For more information about HB 164, please 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, and as the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security. He also serves on the Appropriations, Insurance, and Judiciary Non-Civil committees.
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