Provides a totally and permanently disabled veteran with a one hundred percent (100%) exemption from local taxation on real or personal property including real property located in any fire or lighting district.
Amends State funding calculations for special education, revising extraordinary cost calculations for FY 2028-2029, and providing additional funds for excess costs when special education students move into a district after the budget is approved.
SB 2551 revises how the state calculates education funding for school districts, using a new formula that considers both a district's revenue capacity and the percentage of students in poverty (specifically for districts with over 50% poverty). It creates a "poverty loss stabilization fund" to support districts experiencing a significant drop (more than 2%) in their state funding share, and requires the state to publish an annual report identifying unfunded district costs. The bill also allocates new state funds for special education, career and technical education programs, pre-kindergarten access, and specific stabilization support for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center school districts. Additionally, it provides direct state funding for transportation costs for students attending non-public schools and within regional school districts.
Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.
Requires that the tax imposed upon the conveyance of any real property that is located in more than one municipality to be allocated between or among the municipalities in proportions to the assessed value of the property located in each municipality.
HB 7701 removes state-owned property from the list of assets exempt from local property taxes. This change directly affects state government buildings, offices, and land previously excluded from local tax assessments. The bill amends Section 44-3-3 of Rhode Island's tax code by deleting the exemption for "property belonging to the state" from the list of tax-exempt properties. As a result, state-owned properties will now be subject to local property tax payments, aligning them with other non-exempt properties in the community. This is a direct policy change to tax treatment, not a procedural or commemorative measure.
HB 7581 creates new state funding streams for specific education needs in Rhode Island school districts. It provides direct funding for special education costs exceeding 4x the core foundation amount, career and technical education program setup/maintenance, voluntary pre-K access, and transportation costs for students in regional districts or out-of-district non-public schools. The bill also establishes stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center schools, and offers regional school districts a two-year bonus (2% then 1% of state aid) for regionalization. School districts seeking reimbursement must share costs if total requests exceed available funds, with the Department of Education prorating allocations annually. This bill primarily affects public school districts, special education programs, and regional education entities across Rhode Island.
HB 8158, titled "The Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act," requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to review how funding formulas calculate aid for high-need students. This review focuses on the specific components used to determine support levels, aiming to ensure equitable resource allocation. The bill directly affects the state education department and the students designated as high-need under current funding formulas. As referenced in its title, the bill connects to broader education equity efforts, though its core mechanism is the mandated formula review process. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee.
HB 7681, the Education Equity and Property Tax Relief Act, provides direct state funding for specific education costs to support school districts. It covers special education expenses exceeding 4x the base funding, career and technical education program costs (including facilities and equipment), and transportation for students attending out-of-district non-public schools. The bill also establishes stabilization funds for Central Falls, Davies, and the Met Center schools due to financial challenges, and requires the state to fully fund transportation categorical funds for regional school districts starting in fiscal year 2027. Regionalized school districts like Chariho will receive a temporary two-year bonus (2% then 1% of state aid) to encourage regional collaboration.
Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.
