Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6394

Introduced
6/6/25  
Refer
6/6/25  
Report Pass
6/16/25  
Engrossed
6/18/25  
Engrossed
6/20/25  

Caption

Adopts a new tax classification system for the city of Providence.

Impact

If enacted, H6394 would amend existing statutes concerning how local governments levy and assess taxes, particularly allowing the city of Providence to implement a diverse range of tax classes. This change aims to reflect the actual market conditions and encourage growth and development within the city. The proposal is intended to allow tax rates for different classifications to vary, enabling a tailored approach that can address the unique needs of various property types.

Summary

House Bill H6394 addresses the taxation framework within the city of Providence by proposing new classifications for local tax assessments. This bill is primarily focused on modernizing and establishing a more structured system for how different types of properties - including residential, commercial, and industrial - are taxed. The intention is to allow the Providence city council greater flexibility and control over tax rates, depending on the specific classifications of properties that could be developed or modified within the city.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding H6394 appears to be cautiously optimistic, with local government officials expressing support for the bill as a means to facilitate economic growth and efficient tax administration. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential implications of variable tax rates. Critics worry that this could create disparities in the tax burden among different neighborhoods, particularly affecting low-income residents and small businesses.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for uneven tax burdens across different property types, and whether the city council will effectively manage this new authority without resulting in equity issues. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about how changes in tax classifications could impact funding for essential services, such as education and public safety, especially in a city where the tax base might already be under strain. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the proposed changes will depend on the implementation strategies chosen by local authorities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6095

Levy And Assessment Of Local Taxes

RI S0853

Levy And Assessment Of Local Taxes

RI H7652

Amends provisions relative to the levy and assessment of local taxes and would provide that the city of Providence may adopt a tax classification with unrestricted tax rates for certain classes of property.

RI S2857

Amends provisions relative to the levy and assessment of local taxes and would provide that the city of Providence may adopt a tax classification with unrestricted tax rates for certain classes of property.

RI S3067

Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of the Providence Preservation Society.

RI H7535

Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of the Providence Preservation Society.

RI S2362

Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of the Providence Preservation Society.

RI H5619

Property Subject To Taxation

RI S0705

Property Subject To Taxation

RI H7403

Allocates, to the cities and towns of the state, a portion of state income taxes for new employees of not-for-profit healthcare institutions and private educational institutions.

Similar Bills

IA SSB1056

A bill for an act relating to the calculation of assessment limitations for residential property and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See SF 181.)

IA HSB120

A bill for an act relating to the calculation of assessment limitations for residential property and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

RI S1116

Adopts a new tax classification system for the city of Providence.

IA HF446

A bill for an act relating to property taxes by modifying the calculation of assessment limitations for certain property, providing a local government supplement, making appropriations, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

IA SF181

A bill for an act relating to property taxes and income taxes by modifying the calculation of assessment limitations for certain property, amending provisions relating to certain tax withholding requirements and tax credits, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1056.) Effective date: 02/20/2023. Applicability date: 01/01/2022, 01/01/2023.

IA HF418

A bill for an act relating to property taxes by modifying the methodology for determining actual value of residential property, certain levy rates, and assessment limitations of certain classes of property, and including retroactive applicability provisions.

IA HF444

A bill for an act relating to property assessment and property taxation by creating a recreational class of real property for golf courses.

AZ SB1267

Property; classification; primary residence