2012 -- H 7525

=======

LC01395

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

____________

A N A C T

RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW - GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -THE

RIGHTS OF MARINA USERS'

     

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Petrarca, Trillo, Edwards, O`Neill, and Keable

     Date Introduced: February 15, 2012

     Referred To: House Corporations

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

1-1

     SECTION 1. Title 6 of the General Laws entitled "COMMERCIAL LAW - GENERAL

1-2

REGULATORY PROVISIONS" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

1-3

     CHAPTER 54

1-4

RHODE ISLAND MARINA USERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS

1-5

     6-54-1. Short title. -- This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island

1-6

Marina Users’ Bill of Rights Act.”

1-7

     6-54-2. Legislative findings. -- In order to preserve a thriving marine industry where the

1-8

rights of consumers are protected, and to maintain fair competition and equal opportunity for all

1-9

marine businesses, it is essential that a boat owner in Rhode Island has the following rights.

1-10

     6-54-3. Rights enumerated. -- All owners of boats are hereby granted the following

1-11

rights:

1-12

     (1) The right to have access to your boat, and the right for your service provider to have

1-13

access to your boat, whether in slip, mooring, or outside storage area, whenever necessary for the

1-14

safety and repair of the vessel, given reasonable work requirements are met which align with

1-15

local, state and federal regulations.

1-16

     (2) The right to lease slip, mooring, or land storage from a marina without being required

1-17

to use that marina for additional services to the vessel.

1-18

     (3) The right to hire the service provider of your choice to work on your boat, your own

1-19

personal property, within your lease space, without fees or financial penalties assessed by your

2-1

marina.

2-2

     (4) The right to privacy and confidentiality of financial and contractual documents; a boat

2-3

owner, crew, or service provider shall not be required to present invoices or private contracts to a

2-4

marina or other third party.

2-5

     (5) The right to request references and certifications from the technician who is actually

2-6

working on your vessel, and the right to speak to that technician about the work being done.

2-7

     (6) The right to an itemized invoice and full explanation of charges, including products

2-8

and services purchased, and warranty and return policies.

2-9

     (7) The right to request estimates, shop around for the best company to furnish goods and

2-10

services, and invite that outfit to freely board your vessel to perform the contracted work.

2-11

     (8) The right to store your vessel at your home or at another facility during the winter lay-

2-12

up without risk of losing your summer slip.

2-13

     (9) The right to sell your boat without paying your marina a commission on the sale,

2-14

unless they act as the contracted broker.

2-15

     (10) The right to post a for sale sign on your boat, unless all signage is banned by the

2-16

marina.

2-17

     (11) The right to consumer protection by the Rhode Island attorney general’s office,

2-18

including the right to file a complaint, receive a prompt response and attention to the matter, and

2-19

the attorney general’s enforcement of your rights on your behalf, including penalties to the

2-20

violators of your rights.

2-21

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

     

=======

LC01395

=======

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW - GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -THE

RIGHTS OF MARINA USERS'

***

3-1

     This act would create the “Rhode Island Marina Users’ Bill of Rights Act” which would

3-2

afford certain rights to boat owners renting space at Rhode Island marinas.

3-3

     This act would take effect upon passage.

     

=======

LC01395

=======

H7525