This bill amends Section 44-3-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-3 entitled "Property Subject to Taxation". The amendment adds new legal language exempting certain properties from taxation. The exempt properties include property belonging to the state, lands ceded or belonging to the United States, bonds and other securities issued and exempted from taxation by the government, real estate used exclusively for military purposes, buildings for free public schools and religious worship, dwellings houses and land owned by religious organizations, intangible personal property owned by religious or charitable organizations, buildings and personal estate used for educational purposes, property exempt by charter, lots of land for burial grounds, property held by libraries or nonprofit hospitals, property belonging to veterans organizations, property held by fraternal organizations, property of volunteer fire engine companies or ambulance or rescue corps, property of individuals unable to pay taxes, household furniture and family stores, and improvements made for fallout protection. The bill also includes provisions for lien abatement and appeals processes.

This bill adds several organizations to the list of entities that are exempt from property taxes in Rhode Island. The bill adds Steere House, Tides Family Services, Lucy's Hearth, Habitat for Humanity of Rhode Island, Artic Playhouse, Contemporary Theatre Company, The Samaritans, North Kingstown Exeter Animal Protection League, Foster Forward, Associated Radio Amateurs of Southern New England, Providence Country Day School, Heritage Harbor Foundation, Ocean State Community Wellness, La Salle Academy, The Providence Community Health Centers, American Legion Riverside Post Holding Company, Holy Rosary Band Society, Foster Forward, Old and Ancient Rowers Society of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Public Health Foundation, Manissean Tribal Council, Sophia Academy, Community Preparatory School, Cape Verdean Museum Exhibit, Sojourner House, Little Flower Home, Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island, and Johnnycake Center Realty Corporation. The bill also establishes that the value of real property for for-profit hospital facilities will be determined by the most recent full revaluation or statistical property update performed by the city or town, except in the year a nonprofit hospital facility converts to a for-profit facility or a for-profit facility is initially established, in which case the value will be determined by a valuation performed by the assessor.

Statutes affected:
2092: 44-3-3