The bill amends Section 44-3-4 of the General Laws to expand property tax exemptions for veterans who served honorably in the U.S. military, national guard, or naval service during various conflicts, including World War II, the Cold War, and others. It specifies that these exemptions also apply to the unmarried widow or widower of such veterans. The amendment includes both insertions and deletions, with insertions detailing exemptions in specific towns and deletions adjusting exemption amounts, such as in Smithfield. Veterans must provide evidence of their entitlement to claim the exemption, which is applied to the property in the municipality where they reside, and can be claimed in other cities or towns if necessary.
The bill sets out different exemption amounts for various municipalities, with some areas allowing exemptions up to $40,500. It also provides for additional exemptions for partially disabled veterans in certain towns, with amounts varying by location. For totally disabled veterans who have received "specially adapted housing" assistance, there are variations in exemption amounts in cities like Cranston, Cumberland, and Newport. The bill includes a new insertion that extends the exemptions to any life estate held by a qualified veteran, and it is set to take effect on December 31, 2024. The Legislative Council explains that the act's purpose is to include life estate interests as property eligible for veterans' tax exemptions.
Statutes affected: 2322: 44-3-4