The bill amends Section 9-26-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 9-26, titled "Levy and Sale on Execution," to include new exemptions from property attachment. Notably, it introduces an exemption for account balances, rights, or interests in a qualified tuition program authorized under 26 U.S.C. ยง 529, which encompasses both prepaid tuition and tuition savings programs. This exemption is subject to certain conditions, including that it does not apply if the balance is subject to court orders related to divorce or child support. Additionally, the bill allows for an extra exemption of $6,500 in assets for debtors in bankruptcy and specifies that real property of individuals with debts secured by casino-issued lines of credit is also exempt.
The bill also retains existing exemptions for various personal and household items, such as necessary clothing, working tools, household furniture, and certain financial assets, while updating the language to clarify these protections. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage, reinforcing the legislative intent to protect specific assets from judicial attachment, particularly in the context of educational savings and financial stability for debtors.