The bill amends Section 45-2-35 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-2, which pertains to the general powers of towns, specifically focusing on the town of New Shoreham. The key change is the increase of the landing fee charged to passengers over the age of twelve arriving on Block Island by boat from fifty cents ($0.50) to one dollar ($1.00). The fees collected, after deducting collection expenses, are designated for promoting the health, safety, and welfare of passengers, including funding for emergency medical services, tourism-related property acquisition, and the construction and maintenance of tourism support facilities.

Additionally, the bill allows the town to enter into agreements with common carriers and marina operators to collect the landing fee on its behalf, which may include provisions for payment to these entities and indemnification against liability claims. The landing fee can be included in the rates charged to passengers without needing approval from the public utilities commission. The town council is tasked with creating rules and regulations to implement these provisions, and the act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6246: 45-2-35