The bill amends Section 44-3-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-3, focusing on property tax exemptions for veterans. It introduces new provisions that establish tax exemptions for veterans who served in various military conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam conflict, as well as other military operations. Eligible veterans and their unmarried widows or widowers can receive a tax exemption of at least $200, with municipalities allowed to set higher limits; for example, Burrillville offers a $4,000 exemption, while Lincoln allows exemptions up to $10,000 for certain veterans. The bill also provides additional exemptions for veterans who are totally disabled due to service-connected disabilities, allowing for a $10,000 exemption from local taxation on real property.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the previous tax credit for totally disabled veterans in Tiverton and replaces it with a new exemption that extends to the unmarried widow or widower of a totally disabled veteran, offering a tax benefit of at least $200. It clarifies eligibility criteria for various exemptions, including provisions for veterans who served in the Persian Gulf conflict and those deemed partially disabled by the Veterans Administration. The bill allows municipalities to establish their own exemptions or tax credits for veterans and their families, with specific amounts varying by town. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3364: 44-3-4