This bill creates a special legislative commission to study how Rhode Island school districts can share services to address funding and operational challenges. The commission will consist of thirteen members, including legislators, state officials, education leaders, business representatives, and a student, who will meet without pay to investigate potential shared service models. State agencies are required to provide necessary information to the commission, which must submit its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives by April 30, 2027, before the group expires.
HB 7152 increases the property tax exemption for veterans from $1,000 to $6,000 specifically for municipal taxes. This directly affects veterans who own property in municipalities covered by this bill. The key provision raises the exemption amount, reducing the taxable value of their primary residence. The bill is currently pending in the House Municipal Government & Housing committee after being referred on January 16, 2026.
HB 8508 amends Rhode Island property tax laws to exempt the real and tangible personal property of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center in Providence from taxation. The bill achieves this by adding a new category to the state's list of property exemptions, which already includes items like religious buildings, charitable institutions, and volunteer fire companies. This change directly affects the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center by removing its property from the local tax roll. The legislation does not alter the tax status of any other organizations or individuals.
HB 8006 establishes a special 8% property tax rate for qualifying affordable housing in Rhode Island, instead of standard local tax rates. To qualify, properties must have legal agreements restricting rents to 30% of tenant income for households at or below 80% of area median income (for 40% of units) or 60% AMI (for 30% of units). Conversions of existing non-residential buildings to housing qualify until 2037, with tax rates gradually increasing from 8% to 12% over 30 years. This directly affects property owners of qualifying affordable housing and local governments setting tax policies.
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.
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 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.
SB 2041 authorizes the town council of Little Compton to establish a homestead exemption that reduces property taxes for residential homeowners. The exemption starts at 10% of the town's average property value in the first year and can be adjusted annually between 5% and 15% by town meeting vote. Registered voters who live in and own their homes automatically qualify, while non-voter residents must apply with ID and utility proof. Rental properties with fixed-year leases may also qualify under specific conditions. This bill directly affects Little Compton homeowners and renters meeting residency requirements.
SB 2040 authorizes the town of Bristol to apply the owner-occupied tax rate to mixed-use properties (such as homes with small businesses) when the residential portion is owner-occupied, instead of the higher commercial rate. This directly affects Bristol property owners who live in homes that also include commercial space, allowing them to pay the lower residential tax rate on the entire property. The bill amends tax classification rules to explicitly permit Bristol to include these properties in the owner-occupied residential class (Class 1). This policy change simplifies tax treatment and reduces the tax burden for qualifying property owners in Bristol.
SB 2037 authorizes the town of Barrington to provide a property tax credit of up to $16,000 for legally blind residents through a local ordinance. It directly affects legally blind individuals who are legal residents of Barrington and own property there. The bill specifies that this credit applies to real property and requires residents to provide certified proof of blindness and residency to claim the exemption. This change would allow Barrington to offer a specific tax reduction for eligible residents, consistent with similar provisions for other towns in the state.
