Connecticut boaters urged to speak up on Raised Bill 6576

by D. Scott Croft on 20 Apr 2013 Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is urging Connecticut boaters to have their voices heard in a debate taking place now on a bill before the Nutmeg State's legislature, Raised Bill 6576, that would extend the winter window of time allowed for out-of-state, transient boats to be kept in Connecticut for overhaul and repair work, without being subject to sales and use tax.

The bill proposes that the annual layup period from November 1 to April 30 be extended one month on either end, to now allow for repairs and layup for out-of-state boats from October 1 to May 31, without subjecting the vessels to sales and use taxes. This extended winter window aligns better with the traditional winter layup period, not only making it easier for out-of-state boaters to get the repairs and services they need, but also adding revenue to Connecticut's vital marine industry.

BoatUS also reports that an additional provision was removed from the bill that had also allowed a 60-day length of stay for out-of-state boats to make repairs at any time of the year before being subject to sales and use taxes. However, while the half-million member boater's group believes this provision should be put back in the bill, if that is not successful, it should not ultimately block the passage of Raised Bill 6576.

BoatUS believes that a strong, local marine industry is important to recreational boaters, and that out-of-state boats undergoing repair work should not be forced set sail in order to avoid being subject to sales and use taxes.

BoatUS urges Connecticut boaters to ask their Representative to restore this 60-day provision to Raised Bill 6576. However, failing to include the 60-day provision should not be a stumbling block to prevent the ultimate passage of the bill in its current form. You can easily send a message to your legislators by going to www.BoatUS.com/CTalert, or by clicking here to take action.

This measure could be heard in either chamber as early as Monday, April 22.

BoatUS fights against unfair federal taxes, fees and regulations that single out boat owners and works with state agencies to promote boating laws that make sense. In addition to being the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters, BoatUS provides its half a million members with services such as 24-hour on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits that include marina and West Marine shopping discounts, and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its member-funded BoatUS Foundation is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Go to Boat US for more.