Linares, Carpino Applaud Passage of Bill to Boost Marine Industry

Sen. Art Linares and Rep. Christie Carpino. On the web: www.senatorlinares.com and www.cthousegop.com/christie-carpino

Sen. Art Linares and Rep. Christie Carpino applauded the Connecticut State Senate’s May 31 passage of a bill which will provide a boost to Connecticut’s marine industry.

The bill:

• Extends the length of time that boats stored during the winter are exempt from sales and use tax.
• Extends the sales tax exemption for storing noncommercial boats by two months, by starting the period sooner and ending it later. Under current law, the period runs from November 1 to April 30. Under the bill, it runs from October 1 to May 31.
• Extends the use tax exemption for boats brought into Connecticut only to be stored, maintained, or repaired, by ending the period one month later. Under current law, the period runs from October 1 to April 30. Under the bill, it runs from October 1 to May 31.

Sen. Art Linares noted that the legislation, which previously passed the House of Representatives and now heads to the governor’s desk, will benefit have a particular benefit for his state senate district, which stretches from Portland to the shoreline. He listed several marine-based businesses in the region which could benefit from the change in the law, including Brewer Pilots Point Marina in Westbrook, Brewer Dauntless Shipyard & Marina in Essex and Petzold’s Marine Center in Portland.

“It’s great news for Connecticut’s boating industry,” Sen. Linares said. “We want to do everything we can to attract more boaters to our state, and we want to make our state a more attractive place for people to store their boats. That storage brings in additional work, jobs and revenue for our marinas. It also sparks an uptick in activity at area hotels, restaurants and small businesses.”

“After touring Petzold’s, I heard from folks about the harmful legislative proposals which punished an already-strained marine industry,” said Rep. Carpino, who represents Portland and Cromwell. “I am grateful we were able to give some significant relief. We need to continue to support our small business owners who create the majority of jobs and fuel Connecticut’s economy.”

House Bill 6576, “An Act Concerning the Applicability of the Sales and Use Tax on Boats” will take effect immediately once it is signed by the governor.