The bill amends Section 44-18-18.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-18, which pertains to the local meals and beverage tax in Rhode Island. The amendment introduces a new provision that, starting from July 1, 2024, until January 1, 2027, allocates five percent (5%) of the sums received from the local meals and beverage tax to the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial (R.I. 250th) Commission. This allocation is to be used solely for the purposes outlined in the 2021 Joint Resolution R 310, enacted on June 14, 2021.

The purpose of this act is to provide funding to the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial Commission for hosting statewide and local activities that individual cities, towns, or regions cannot organize and perform on their own. The funding will support various activities, including but not limited to Tall Ships, Water Fire, and civics education, as well as cooperative multi-city and multi-region public commemorations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
3135: 44-18-18.1