Allows, but not require, local licensing authorities to grant temporary periods for extended indoor service hours under existing liquor licenses for certain 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament matches.
SB 2755 would allow a Class B or Class BV liquor license for the specific property at 186 Wayland Avenue in Providence. This bill directly affects the owner or operator of that single property by enabling them to sell alcoholic beverages for retail sale. It is a procedural measure focused solely on granting a license for one defined location, with no broader regulatory changes.
This bill allows the Cumberland Lodge #14 of the Fraternal Order of Police to regain its legal charter after it failed to file required annual reports for many years. To restore its status, the organization must submit all overdue reports by December 31, 2026, and pay the associated filing fees along with a penalty amount determined by the Attorney General. Once these conditions are met, the group will be treated as if the charter forfeiture never occurred, regaining all its rights and privileges. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
SB 2577 allows the town of Portsmouth to adopt, repeal, or modify its local tax classification plan for any tax year beginning on or after December 31, 2026. This change gives Portsmouth flexibility in structuring how different property types (like homes, businesses, and personal property) are taxed relative to each other, while still adhering to existing statewide rate limits between tax classes. The bill directly affects Portsmouth property owners and businesses by altering how their local taxes are calculated under the town's chosen classification system. It does not change tax rates themselves but modifies Portsmouth's authority to adjust its tax structure within current legal constraints.
Authorizes the town of Middletown to adopt by ordinance, a veterans’ property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.
HB 7661 amends Rhode Island law to give towns greater flexibility in setting local property tax rates. It allows municipalities like Portsmouth to adopt, repeal, or modify their tax classification plans starting in 2027, with specific rate limits between property classes (e.g., residential vs. commercial). Key provisions require that tax rates for different property classes cannot differ by more than 50% (except in Providence, Glocester, and East Greenwich), and towns must document rate changes to municipal affairs to prevent reduced tax revenue. The bill applies broadly to Rhode Island municipalities but includes tailored rules for specific towns like East Greenwich, which can adjust its tax plan annually without annual approval.
Authorizes the town of Middletown to adopt by ordinance, a veterans’ property tax exemption to any veteran, who was honorably discharged, or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, regardless of dates or periods of service.
SB 2148 requires liquor license holders in Westerly to carry liability insurance. This directly affects businesses that sell alcohol in Westerly, including bars, restaurants, and retail stores with alcohol licenses. The key provision mandates that all retail alcohol licenses must include proof of liability insurance as a condition of renewal or issuance. The bill aims to ensure businesses have financial protection for potential incidents involving alcohol service.
This bill amends Rhode Island's liquor license law to specifically allow a Class B retail liquor license for the property at 150 Broadway in Providence. It creates a targeted exemption from standard restrictions that normally prohibit liquor licenses within 200 feet of schools or places of worship. The exemption applies only to this single location (as defined in the bill text), enabling the business to operate without meeting the usual proximity requirements. This is a procedural change affecting one specific property, not a broad policy shift.
HB 7227 would allow the city of Providence to issue a Class B liquor license at 150 Broadway by exempting this specific property from standard restrictions that typically prohibit liquor sales within 200 feet of schools or places of worship. The bill targets a single location (lot 131 on tax assessors plat 68 in Providence) as described in the bill text, granting the Providence Board of Licenses authority to approve this exception. This is a narrow administrative exemption for one business address, not a change to statewide liquor licensing rules. The bill does not affect other license applications or alter existing proximity requirements elsewhere.
HB 7043 requires liquor license applicants in Westerly to obtain commercial liability insurance covering liquor liability, general liability, and property damage in a minimum amount of $300,000 (or higher if set by town ordinance). This affects businesses seeking retail liquor licenses in Westerly, mandating they provide proof of insurance that names the town as an additional insured and prohibits cancellation without prior notice. The bill adds specific "liquor liability" coverage to Westerly’s existing insurance requirements, which differ from similar rules in Burrillville and North Providence. The law would take effect upon passage but remains pending before the committee.
SB 2422 allows the town of Jamestown to expand tax exemptions for seniors aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary residence. It establishes income-based exemption tiers (10% to 60% off property taxes) based on household income relative to federal poverty guidelines, with stricter rules for higher-income seniors. To qualify, applicants must be Jamestown residents for five years, own only residential property (not income-producing), and provide proof of income. The bill does not change existing statewide tax rules but gives Jamestown local authority to adjust its senior exemption program through town ordinances.
