The bill amends Section 45-2-35.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-2, which pertains to the general powers of cities, specifically focusing on the City of Newport's authority to charge fees for cruise vessels. The new legal language establishes that the city is authorized to collect a landing fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per passenger from every cruise vessel landing in Newport, as well as a boarding fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per passenger for those embarking from Newport. This represents an increase from the previous fee of three dollars ($3.00). Additionally, the term "cruise vessel" is clarified to exclude ferries and water carriers operating as common carriers within the state.

The bill also empowers the Newport city council to create rules and regulations for implementing these fee provisions and allows the city to impose penalties for any delinquency in fee payments, mirroring the rates assessed on tax delinquencies. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8027  SUB A: 45-2-35.1
8027: 45-2-35.1