Sen. Walter Felag

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes several Rhode Island municipalities to offer property tax credits or exemptions for residents aged 65 and older. It allows local town councils to establish specific rules and dollar limits for these benefits, which can range from a flat reduction to a percentage of the property's value. The changes apply to real estate owned and occupied by eligible seniors and are designed to be applied uniformly without considering the applicant's ability to pay. By amending state tax laws, the legislation gives local governments the flexibility to create their own programs while ensuring all qualifying residents receive the same treatment.

Exempts certain vehicles that are not manufactured with the proper front plate registration bracket from the requirement that motor vehicles display a front facing registration plate.

Amends the act which incorporated the North Tiverton fire district and reduces the number of tax assessors, subsequent to any voluntary resignations, from six (6) to four (4) after the annual 2026 meeting.

Provides that motor vehicle rental companies be entitled to establish non-liability for toll violations, administrative fees, registration penalties, and fines by providing a rental or lease agreement as prima facie evidence against a lessee.

Allows for sending of the notice under power of sale and rights of active military servicemembers by USPS First Class Mail and/or an overnight delivery service, instead of by USPS certified mail return receipt requested.

Amends the general law relative to right-of-way of pedestrians to reference the schedule of violations for the adjudication of traffic offenses contained in § 31.41.1-4.

Requires all public utilities to maintain a customer service facility within the state to perform services such as addressing customer inquiries and accepting bill payments.

Maddy summarySB 2576 allows the town of Tiverton to apply different tax rates to five defined property classes, directly affecting local homeowners, businesses, and property owners. The bill creates categories including residential properties (with optional homestead exemptions), commercial/industrial real estate, personal property, and mobile homes, requiring uniform rates within each class. This change gives Tiverton flexibility to adjust tax burdens across property types while maintaining consistent application within each category.

Maddy summarySB 2036 exempts the real and tangible personal property of Blithewold, Inc. (located at 101 Ferry Road, Bristol, Rhode Island) from property taxation. This bill amends Rhode Island's tax code to add Blithewold, Inc. to the list of entities eligible for property tax exemptions under Section 44-3-3. The exemption applies specifically to the organization's property at that Bristol address, directly affecting Blithewold, Inc.'s tax obligations. The change is a targeted exemption for a single organization, not a broad policy shift.

Repeals the Tiverton tax credit for totally disabled veterans and includes a veteran's unmarried widow or widower for a tax credit in the amount of four hundred dollars ($400) or greater.