The bill amends Section 44-5-67.2 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-5, which pertains to the "Levy and Assessment of Local Taxes," specifically for the city of Warwick. The amendment includes new language that outlines the duties of the assessor in Warwick. The assessor is required to make a full and fair cash valuation of all taxable estate, including motor vehicles and trailers, by June 15 of each year. The assessor is also granted the authority to apply different tax rates to each property class, with the stipulation that the rates must be uniform within each class and that Class 1 property tax rates must be at least 75% of Class 2 property tax rates. This is to be done in accordance with an annual tax resolution that is approved in the same manner as the city charter's budget approval process.

Additionally, the bill specifies that no separate class or zoning district can be assigned or designated based solely on a so-called "scenic view." It also prohibits properties from being assessed at a higher rate than other properties in the same class because of a scenic view. The term "scenic view" is defined within the bill as a view from the property that includes locally significant features, such as distinctive buildings or sight lines of vistas within the zoning district. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
880: 44-5-67.2