Legislative Bulletin - May 5, 2010

Rhode Island Trailer Registration Fee Legislation Withdrawn

Legislation that would have imposed a new registration fee for trailers in Rhode Island has been withdrawn by the bill’s sponsor after being contacted by TRALA. TRALA has been aggressively fighting Rhode Island Senate Bill 2740, which would have imposed a new annual registration fee of $40 for “every trailer used for the transport of persons or of household goods.” Senate Bill 2740 was withdrawn from the Rhode Island legislature on April 29.

TRALA was strongly opposed to the proposed $40 annual registration fee for trailers used for the transportation of persons or household goods. The new fee was approximately 700% higher than similar Rhode Island registration fees for commercially used trailers. Such a fee would have negatively impacted Rhode Island residents and small businesses at a time when many are in transition due to economic reasons and need rental trailers to move property.

TRALA wrote a letter to bill sponsor Senator Roger Picard (D-Woonsocket) on April 14, 2010 outlining the industry’s arguments against the bill. TRALA spoke directly with Senator Picard on April 26, 2010 and secured his promise to withdraw the bill at the earliest opportunity. The Senator made it clear to TRALA that he agreed with the industry and would not seek any new taxes on trailers this year.

TRALA appreciates the work of John Atwood and the Rhode Island Trucking Association their help in defeating the new trailer tax. For more information, please contact TRALA’s Joe Sculley at jsculley@trala.org or by calling (703) 299-9120.