Bill > S01140

This bill establishes a new noise tax on non-essential helicopter and seaplane flights within New York cities with populations over one million (effectively New York City) starting January 1, 2025. The tax will be $50 per seat ticket or $200 per flight, whichever is higher. Non-essential flights are defined as those originating and terminating within New York state, excluding flights for critical purposes like public safety, emergency response, infrastructure maintenance, medical services, research, and news reporting. The bill provides an exemption for "quiet aircraft" - specifically electric-powered helicopters and seaplanes that create at least 10 decibels less noise than standard models, as measured by federal aviation noise standards. Operators must file quarterly tax returns, keep detailed records, and face significant penalties for non-compliance. All revenue collected from this tax will be deposited into the state's environmental protection fund. The goal appears to be reducing noise pollution in large urban areas while providing exceptions for essential services and encouraging the development of quieter aircraft technologies.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1140