Rhode Island Senate Bill S0440

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

Registration Of Vehicles -- Registration Of Commercial Fishing Vehicles

Impact

One of the significant impacts of S0440 is the exemption from sales and use tax for vehicles registered under this act. This exemption is targeted at reducing the operational costs for commercial fishing businesses, allowing them to allocate resources toward practical uses rather than taxes. The bill also mandates the creation of a specified number plate that indicates the vehicle's purpose, which serves as both a regulatory tool and a form of acknowledgment for commercial fishing contributions to the state.

Summary

Bill S0440 proposes amendments to the Rhode Island General Laws pertaining to the registration of motor vehicles used in commercial fishing operations. The bill emphasizes the necessity of having a special registration for vehicles that are essential to the conduct of a commercial fishing business. By defining and categorizing 'commercial fishing motor vehicles', the bill aims to streamline the registration process and provide clarity on what constitutes an essential vehicle for commercial fishing purposes. This initiative is expected to enhance regulatory compliance among businesses involved in this sector.

Contention

Discussions around the bill indicate that there may be contention regarding the specifics of what vehicles qualify for the registration and exemption. Questions may arise around the definitions of essential vehicles and how the Division of Motor Vehicles will enforce the necessary requirements. The bill's reliance on a statement under oath for registration could raise issues concerning compliance and potentially lead to disputes about eligibility, prompting ongoing discussions in the legislative context.