This bill amends Section 44-3-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 44-3 entitled "Property Subject to Taxation". The amendment adds a new section, 44-3-3, which lists the types of property that are exempt from taxation. The exempt property includes property belonging to the state, lands ceded or belonging to the United States, bonds and other securities issued and exempted from taxation by the government, real estate used exclusively for military purposes, buildings for free public schools and religious worship, dwellings houses and land owned by religious organizations, intangible personal property owned by religious or charitable organizations, buildings and personal estate used for educational purposes, property exempt by charter, burial grounds, property held by libraries or nonprofit hospitals, property belonging to veterans organizations, property held by fraternal organizations, property of volunteer fire engine companies or ambulance or rescue corps, property of individuals unable to pay taxes, household furniture and family stores, improvements made for fallout protection, and aircraft for which the fee has been paid.

This bill also amends the definition of "manufacturer" in current law. It excludes public utilities, non-regulated power producers, building and construction contractors, and warehousing operations from the definition. It also includes persons engaged in manufacturing activities listed in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, but excludes certain types of businesses such as neighborhood bakeries and custom tailors. The bill also provides exemptions for certain types of property, including real and tangible personal property used for water or air pollution control facilities, manufacturing machinery and equipment, precious metal bullion, hydroelectric power-generation equipment, and property owned by charitable trusts.

Statutes affected:
5118: 44-3-3