The bill introduces a new section, 31-3-31.4, to Chapter 31-3 of the General Laws, focusing on the registration of commercial fishing motor vehicles. It specifies that such vehicles must be essential to the commercial fishing business and not primarily for personal or non-fishing commercial hire. The division of motor vehicles is responsible for creating a registration form that includes an oath confirming the vehicle's use and may require additional proof. Approved vehicles will receive a special number plate, and the director of the division of motor vehicles will establish inspection rules. The bill also amends Section 44-18-30 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-18, exempting certain gross receipts from sales and use taxes, including sales to charitable, educational, and religious organizations, and specifies conditions under which contractors can purchase materials tax-free for these organizations.

The bill details a range of sales tax exemptions, such as for gasoline, airplane fuels, manufacturing inputs, food, prescription medicines, and medical equipment. It also exempts purchases by the state, sales of adapted vehicles for persons with disabilities, and heating fuels. The bill defines "commercial fishing" and exempts sales to commercial fishing and interstate commerce vessels from taxes. It provides exemptions for clothing and footwear sales up to $250 per item and reinstates an unlimited exemption upon federal law changes. The bill also exempts water for residential use, sales of boats to nonresidents, and tangible personal property used in hazardous waste recycling, among others. It requires the tax administrator to implement these provisions and may require sellers to keep records. The bill includes an insertion that exempts commercial fishing motor vehicles from sales and use tax, with a new registration form and license plate system to be developed, effective six months after passage.

Statutes affected:
440: 44-18-30