On November 21, the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means held a public hearing on Assembly Bill 438, which would expand the existing aircraft sales and use tax exemption.
Discussion of the bill starts at the 27 minute mark in this video from WisconsinEye.
Supporters say the bipartisan bill would benefit companies like Gulfstream in Appleton and Cessna in Milwaukee, who are currently at a competitive disadvantage. Sen. Mike Ellis (R- Neenah) estimates the bill would cost about $3 million a year in lost revenue, but would generate more than twice that much in increased business for the aviation companies.
Further analysis of the bill from the non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau:
Under current law, the sale of aircraft, including accessories, attachments, fuel, and parts, is exempt from the sales and use tax if the aircraft is sold to a person who uses the aircraft as a certified or licensed carrier in interstate or foreign commerce or sold to and used by a foreign government. Also, under current law, the sale of aircraft is exempt from the sales and use tax, if the aircraft is sold to persons who are not state residents and the aircraft is removed from this state. Repair and maintenance services performed on all such aircraft are also exempt from the sales and use tax.
This bill exempts the sale of aircraft parts from the sales and use tax, regardless of how the aircraft is used. In addition, the bill exempts the repair and maintenance of all aircraft and aircraft parts from the sales and use tax.