The bill amends Section 45-2-35.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-2, titled "General Powers," specifically concerning the City of Newport's authority to collect landing and boarding fees from cruise vessels. The amendment includes an increase in the fees charged to cruise vessels landing in Newport from the previous three dollars ($3.00) to ten dollars ($10.00) per passenger. Additionally, the same increase applies to the boarding fee for cruise vessels embarking from Newport. The term "cruise vessel" is clarified to exclude ferries and water carriers operating as common carriers within the state.

The bill also authorizes the City of Newport to impose penalties for delinquencies in fee payments at a rate equal to that assessed by the city on tax delinquencies. Furthermore, the city council of Newport is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage. The legislative explanation clarifies that the purpose of the act is to increase the passenger landing and boarding fees for passenger cruise vessels in Newport.

Statutes affected:
3021  SUB A: 45-2-35.1
3021: 45-2-35.1