All Roll Calls
Yes: 135 • No: 1
UtahS.B. 1722026 General SessionSenateWALLET
Airport and Air Amendments
Sponsored By: Wayne A. Harper (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Law Enforcement and Criminal JusticeAeronauticsUnmanned AircraftAirportsTransportationDepartment of Transportation
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
Aircraft owners pay value-based annual fees
The law sets yearly aircraft registration fees based on the plane’s value. Most aircraft pay 0.4% of average wholesale value; roadable aircraft pay 0.2%. Some get lower fees: a qualifying 501(c)(3) air ambulance pays $100, and aircraft 60 years or older pay the lesser of $100 or the standard fee. If a charter uses the aircraft but another person owns it, the fee is 0.25% of value. If an aircraft is based in Utah 90+ days in a year, a $25 uniform fee is also due and is passed through counties to local taxing entities.
More flexibility to fund big airport projects
The law removes the rule that limited any one project to 10% of the Aeronautics Restricted Account. The department can now fund larger single airport projects from that account.
More aircraft must register in Utah
Any civil aircraft based in Utah 90 or more days in a 12‑month period must register with the state. Aircraft owned and operated by a Part 135 operator that is headquartered in Utah must register here regardless of how long they are in the state. These rules expand who must register and may trigger fees.
State license required to open public airports
You must get a state license before establishing or operating a public‑use airport in Utah, including those without federal funding. This creates a mandatory approval step for airport developers and operators.
Clear lost and found rules at airports
Airports covered by federal security rules must try to find owners and post notices on the state legal notice site and the airport website. After set waiting times, airports may sell, donate, or destroy unclaimed items, with special rules for money. Firearms, contraband, hazardous or unsanitary items, and abandoned vehicles are handled separately. Employees cannot claim items found while on duty, and airports must keep records.
New registration for drones and air taxis
Beginning January 1, 2025, you must have a Utah registration to operate any drone or advanced aircraft that needs federal certification. The department sets the registration fees and rules, including classes and possible waivers; fees go to the Aeronautics Restricted Account. The law also updates definitions for advanced air mobility, vertiports, and unmanned traffic systems so rules clearly cover these aircraft and services.
Airports report based aircraft to the state
Airports open to the public or getting state grants must send the state a list of based aircraft twice a year. The state keeps a central database of these aircraft. Each year by December 31, the department also sends the Tax Commission a list of registered aircraft.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Wayne A. Harper
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Doug Welton
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/5/2026
House/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 64 • No: 1
House vote • 2/25/2026
House Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/17/2026
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/17/2026
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/17/2026
Senate/ passed 3rd reading
Yes: 25 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/13/2026
Senate/ passed 2nd reading
Yes: 26 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/13/2026
Senate/ uncircled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/13/2026
Senate/ circled
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 1/27/2026
Senate Comm - Amendment Recommendation
Yes: 5 • No: 0
House vote • 1/27/2026
Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation
Yes: 6 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Governor Signed
3/18/2026Senate/ to Governor
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ received enrolled bill from Printing
3/13/2026SenateSenate/ enrolled bill to Printing
3/11/2026SenateEnrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
3/11/2026Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
3/6/2026Bill Received from Senate for Enrolling
3/6/2026Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling
3/6/2026SenateSenate/ received from House
3/6/2026SenateHouse/ to Senate
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ passed 3rd reading
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ 3rd reading
3/5/2026HouseHouse/ 2nd reading
2/25/2026HouseHouse/ committee report favorable
2/25/2026HouseHouse Comm - Favorable Recommendation
2/25/2026House/ to standing committee
2/23/2026HouseHouse/ 1st reading (Introduced)
2/18/2026HouseHouse/ received from Senate
2/17/2026HouseSenate/ to House
2/17/2026SenateSenate/ passed 3rd reading
2/17/2026SenateSenate/ uncircled
2/17/2026SenateSenate/ circled
2/17/2026SenateSenate/ 3rd reading
2/17/2026SenateSenate/ passed 2nd reading
2/13/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/11/2026
Amended 1/28/2026 11:01:644
1/28/2026
Introduced
1/21/2026
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