The bill seeks to amend Section 44-3-13 of the General Laws, specifically addressing property tax exemptions for residents over the age of 65 in various towns and cities, including the town of Bristol. It introduces a new provision that allows the town of Bristol to exempt from taxation the real estate of any resident over 65 who has owned and resided in their primary residence within the town for at least 20 years. This exemption is to be applied uniformly and without regard to the resident's ability to pay, and it is in addition to any other tax exemptions the resident may be entitled to.

Furthermore, the bill removes previous age-related criteria for tax exemptions in Bristol that applied to residents over the ages of 70 and 75 as of the preceding December 31st. The legislation also outlines similar tax exemption provisions for other towns and cities, granting each jurisdiction the authority to establish the value of these exemptions by ordinance. The exemptions are to be applied uniformly and without regard to ability to pay, with only one exemption granted per property regardless of the number of qualifying residents. The act is to take effect upon passage, allowing eligible senior residents to benefit from the tax exemption immediately.

Statutes affected:
8131: 44-3-13