Stop the New Boat Tax in Rhode Island
Tell your legislator to oppose H. 6256 and protect Rhode Island’s working waterfront

Lawmakers in Rhode Island are considering a harmful proposal that threatens our state’s marine economy and boating community. House Bill 6256 would repeal Rhode Island’s long-standing property and sales tax exemptions on boats—policies that have made our state a premier destination for recreational boating and supported over 7,000 local jobs.

Proponents of this bill see it as a “luxury tax,” but facts say otherwise. Recreational boating is not just for the wealthy—61% of boat owners nationwide earn under $75,000 annually, and 95% of boats are under 26 feet and trailerable. This bill would punish everyday Rhode Islanders and discourage boaters from neighboring states who currently choose to dock and service their boats here because of our favorable tax structure.

Rhode Island—alongside only New Hampshire—is the last state in New England offering this exemption. Repealing it would hand our competitive edge to neighboring states, resulting in lost sales, service jobs, tourism, and year-round economic activity. Boating also supports mental and physical well-being, with 85% of boaters reporting it helps their mental health, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

Write your legislator to oppose H. 6256 and protect Rhode Island’s working waterfront.