Increases the landing fee for the town of New Shoreham from fifty cents ($.50) to one dollar ($1.00).
Impact
The proposed increase in the landing fee serves to bolster funding for local public services that are vital for managing the impact of tourism on the island. Funds collected from this fee are intended to improve infrastructure and services related to the growing tourism sector, supporting the town's ability to handle increased visitor traffic. This means that as tourism continues to grow, New Shoreham can use the additional revenue to better serve both residents and visitors, indicating a proactive approach to economic development.
Summary
House Bill 6246 proposes an increase of the landing fee for the town of New Shoreham from fifty cents ($.50) to one dollar ($1.00) for each passenger over the age of twelve arriving on Block Island via public or private boat. This change aims to provide additional funding that will be allocated towards promoting the health, safety, and welfare of passengers, which includes enhancing emergency services and supporting tourism-related activities. The bill also allows for the potential collection of this fee by common carriers and marina operators on behalf of the town, thereby streamlining the process of fee collection.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, the increase of the landing fee may be met with opposition from various stakeholders, particularly frequent visitors or residents who may view it as an extra burden. There is a balancing act required in maintaining the town's appeal to tourists while ensuring sufficient revenue to address the needs that arise with increased tourism. The town council will be responsible for implementing the fee and may need to navigate community concerns about additional costs imposed on visitors.
Increases passenger landing and boarding fees for passenger cruise vessels landing at a dock in Newport from three dollars ($3.00) to ten dollars ($10.00).
Increases passenger landing and boarding fees for passenger cruise vessels landing at a dock in Newport from three dollars ($3.00) to ten dollars ($10.00).
Increases the amount of exemption from sales tax for clothing including footwear from two hundred fifty dollars ($250) to five hundred dollars ($500). Effective July 1, 2023.
Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, per ear, for all people regardless of age.
Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.
Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.
Expands the authority of the town council to enact ordinances establishing procedures and standards related to the rental of motorized bicycles, motor scooters and motorized tricycles in New Shoreham.
Expands the authority of the town council to enact ordinances establishing procedures and standards related to the rental of motorized bicycles, motor scooters and motorized tricycles in New Shoreham.
Grants the authority to the town council to enact ordinances establishing procedures and standards related to rider safety and competence training protocols for operators of motorized bicycles, motor scooters and motorized tricycles in New Shoreham.