Dave,
Thanks for bringing this up. I had been alerted to it last week, and have finally finished reading the entire 82 page
document. All I can say is WOW, this monster of a proposal has some serious discrepencies and contradictions, never mind being just absolutely retarded in its scope and intended purpose. It effects almost every RI resident directly or indirectly, as it either imposes the tax on them, or on a service or goods provider they buy from. Insanity, plain and simple, especially in that the economy is already in trouble; this would kill many, many businesses.
The part which specifically relates to me, and other charter outfits is as follows:
(22) Commercial fishing vessels. - From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of vessels and other water craft which are in excess of five (5) net tons and which are used exclusively for "commercial fishing", as defined in this subdivision, and from
the repair, alteration, or conversion of those vessels and other watercraft, and from the sale of
property purchased for the use of those vessels and other watercraft including provisions,
supplies, and material for the maintenance and/or repair of the vessels and other watercraft and
the boats nets, cables, tackle, and other fishing equipment appurtenant to or used in connection
with the commercial fishing of the vessels and other watercraft. "Commercial fishing" means the
taking or the attempting to take any fish, shellfish, crustacea, or bait species with the intent of
disposing of them for profit or by sale, barter, trade, or in commercial channels. The term does
not include subsistence fishing, i.e., the taking for personal use and not for sale or barter; or sport
fishing; but shall include vessels and other watercraft with a Rhode Island party and charter boat
license issued by the department of environmental management pursuant to section 20-2-27.1
which meet the following criteria: (i) the operator must have a current U.S.C.G. license to carry
passengers for hire; (ii) U.S.C.G. vessel documentation in the coast wide fishery trade; (iii)
U.S.C.G. vessel documentation as to proof of Rhode Island home port status or a Rhode Island
boat registration to prove Rhode Island home port status; (iv) the vessel must be used as a
commercial passenger carrying fishing vessel to carry passengers for fishing. The vessel must be
able to demonstrate that at least fifty percent (50%) of its annual gross income derives from
charters or provides documentation of a minimum of one hundred (100) charter trips annually; (v)
the vessel must have a valid Rhode Island party and charter boat license. The tax administrator
shall implement the provisions of this subdivision by promulgating rules and regulations relating
thereto
The viable season for chartering here in RI runs from May through November, roughly 180 days. Take out easily 65 or more for inclement weather, and it basically makes a guy do either doubles, or a charter every fishable day to make the cut at 100 trips. There also is a problem in that many vessels are dually permitted as commercial and charter.
I wrote an email, and sent it to every single RI house and senate member, and wrote personal letters to my reps. I plan on making some calls as soon as I have some time....
This country is F.U.B.A.R and shows no signs of improving....
:BangHead :
:BangHead ::BangHead ::BangHead :