SB1411: Proposal to Include Air Traffic Controllers in Tax Credits

Effort to broaden aerospace tax credit scope crashes and burns

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Photo bybernswaelz

What did SB1411 want to accomplish?

SB1411 wanted to make a change to the rules for getting a tax break in Oklahoma for hiring certain aerospace workers.

Here’s what it wanted to do:

1. Who Gets the Tax Break?: The bill updates the rules so that former air traffic controllers who have worked for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the U.S. military, and who now work as air traffic control instructors at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, can also qualify for the tax break.
2. When Does It Start?: The new rules would have started applying beginning January 1, 2025.

Who would have benefited from this law?

Air Traffic Control Instructors: Former FAA or military air traffic controllers who become instructors at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center will benefit from this change, as they will now be considered qualified employees for the tax credit.

Aerospace Companies: Companies that hire these qualified instructors can also benefit. They will be able to apply for tax credits under the Aerospace Commerce and Aerospace Workforce Act, which can help reduce their tax bills.

Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center: This center could attract more qualified instructors due to the additional benefits, helping them improve their training programs and maintain a high level of expertise.

State of Oklahoma: By updating the tax credit rules, the state encourages the growth of the aerospace sector and ensures that qualified personnel are recognized, which can boost the industry and economy.

What are some concerns people might have about this law?

Some of these may be the reason the bill failed to pass:

⚠️Increased Tax Credit Costs: The inclusion of additional air traffic controller instructors could increase the amount of tax credits claimed by employers, potentially leading to higher costs for the state.

⚠️Budget Strain: If many companies apply for these tax credits, it could put a strain on the state’s budget, impacting funding for other programs or services.

⚠️Limited Scope: The benefit is limited to a specific type of employee (air traffic control instructors at one center), which might not significantly impact the broader aerospace sector or other areas in need of support.

⚠️Administrative Burden: The process of verifying and managing the expanded definition of qualified employees might create additional administrative work for state tax authorities and the organizations involved.

⚠️Potential for Misuse: Expanding the definition of qualified employees could lead to potential misuse or fraudulent claims if not properly monitored and regulated.

⚠️Unequal Benefits: This law could create disparities between different sectors or regions if similar support is not extended to other important fields or areas of the aerospace industry.

This bill was introduced on 2/13/24 by Senator Paul Rosino [R] and Representative Jon Echols [R]. Due to a lack of support, missed deadlines, committee action, leadership decisions or veto, this bill failed to pass and will not be signed into law.

➡️Is this something that you think Oklahomans need? How would it have benefited the county you live in?

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